USA Visa Guide

There are two types of US visa appointments that you can apply for under the US visitor visa for Indians. The B-1 US visa is for business related activities, such as attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or consulting with business associates. The B-2 is US tourist visa that includes medical treatment, visiting family and friends, or participating in social events. Both visas usually have a maximum validity of 6 months and allow for multiple entries.

Documents for visitor visa

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.
• The online non-immigrant visa application form (DS-160) confirmation page, which you will receive after completing and submitting the form.
• Proof of payment of the visa application fee.
• Recent passport-sized photographs, meeting the specific criteria set by the US Embassy.
• A detailed plan of your travel arrangements, including flight bookings, accommodation reservations, and intended activities during your stay in the United States.
• Proof of financial ability to cover the costs of your trip, such as bank statements, income tax returns, or employment verification.
• If employed, a letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, and approved vacation time.
• If you are visiting family or friends in the United States, a letter of invitation from your host, providing details about your relationship, purpose of your visit, and their contact information.
• Previous travel history such as previous visas and entry/exit stamps in your passport (if applicable)

Visitor visa validity

Both B-1 and B-2 US visitor visa are valid for up to 10 years. However, an individual will be permitted to stay in the country for a short period of time, a maximum of 6 months.

Processing time for visitor visa

The processing time for US visa for Indians depends upon the workload of the US Embassy. However, it can take up to a few weeks to month or even a year.

You can apply for a US visa appointment for student visa, commonly known as the F-1 visa. It is a non-immigrant visa category that allows international students to pursue studies at accredited educational institutions in the United States. It is designed for individuals seeking to enrol in academic programs, language training programs, or vocational programs.

Documents for student visa

• Fill the form I-20, which is the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status issued by the SEVP-certified educational institution where you have been accepted. It has information about the institution, your program of study, and estimated costs.
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.
• Proof of payment for the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee, which is required for F-1 visa applicants.
• The online visa application form (DS-160) confirmation page, which you will receive after completing and submitting the form.
• Proof of payment of the visa application fee, which is separate from the SEVIS fee.
• Recent passport-sized photographs, meeting the specific criteria set by the US Embassy or Consulate.
• Financial documentation which includes bank statements, scholarship letters, financial aid documents, or affidavits of support from sponsors.
• Educational transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from previous academic institutions attended, as well as standardised test scores (SAT, ACT, TOEFL, and/or IELTS).
• Documents showing your intention to return to your home country after completing your studies.

Student visa validity

The validity of the student visa (F-1) depends on the type of course you have applied for. However, in most cases, the US student visa is issued for up to 5 years.

Processing time for student visa

The US student visa (F-1) is one of the fastest US visas to get processed. You can expect the processing time for student US visa status to be processed within a week to a month.

There are several US visas that allow an individual to legally work in the country. These visas are designed to meet the specific needs of different types of employment and are issued for varying durations.

Note: To get the most current and accurate information about the H-1B visa, it is recommended to check with the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India. We also have an indepth information about the H-1B visa on IndiGo H1-B visa guide.

Here is a detailed description of the USA work visas:

• H-1B Visa
• L-1 Visa
• O-1 Visa
• E-1/E-2 Visa
• TN Visa
• H-2A/H-2B Visa

Documents for work visa

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.
• The visa application form. Check the U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website for the appropriate form you will need for a specific work.
• Petition approval notice issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirming that your employer's petition has been approved.
• Offer letter/employment contract detailing the terms and conditions of your employment, including job title, duties, salary, and duration of employment.
• For certain work visas, such as the H-2A or H-2B visas, your employer may need to obtain a labour certification from the U.S.
• Documents such as educational transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or professional certifications that demonstrate your qualifications for the specific job you are being hired for.
• A comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae detailing your education, work experience, skills, and achievements.
• Recent passport-sized photographs meeting the specific requirements set by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Proof of payment for the visa application fee.
• Documentation demonstrating your financial ability to support yourself during your stay in the United States, such as bank statements, employment contracts, or sponsorship letters. 

Work visa validity

The USA work visas are generally granted for up to three years and can be extended for an additional three years. The most common work visa for the USA is H-1B.

Processing time for work visa

The processing time for a US visa can take up to 3 weeks to 4 months depending on the type of work visa you have applied for.