The US government offers multiple visa options for Indian citizens. If you are planning to travel, study, work, or settle in America, you need to apply for the right type of visa.
Let’s explore the different US visas and their fees.
Types of US Visas
The US issues two main categories of visas:
1. Non-Immigrant Visa (For Temporary Stay)
These visas are for short-term visits such as tourism, education, business, or work.
(A) Tourist & Business Visa
B1 Visa – For business meetings, conferences, and seminars.
B2 Visa – For tourism, medical treatment, or visiting family.
B1/B2 Visa – A combination of both business and tourism.
(B) Student Visa
F1 Visa – For university or college education.
M1 Visa – For vocational or non-academic courses.
J1 Visa – For exchange programs.
(C) Work Visa
H1B Visa – For skilled professionals in US companies.
L1 Visa – For employees transferring within a multinational company.
O1 Visa – For individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields like science, arts, or sports.
P Visa – For athletes, entertainers, and artists.
R1 Visa – For religious workers.
(D) Medical Treatment Visa
B2 Visa – For medical treatment in the US.
(E) Transit & Journalist Visa
C Visa – For travelers passing through the US to another country.
I Visa – For journalists and media professionals.
2. Immigrant Visa (For Permanent Residency)
These visas allow people to live and work permanently in the US.
(A) Family-Based Green Card
IR1/CR1 Visa – For spouses of US citizens.
F2A/F2B Visa – For relatives of US citizens and green card holders.
(B) Employment-Based Green Card
EB1 Visa – For highly skilled professionals (scientists, researchers, business leaders).
EB2 Visa – For advanced degree holders and professionals with special skills.
EB3 Visa – For skilled and unskilled workers.
EB5 Visa – For investors (minimum investment of $800,000 required).
(C) Diversity Visa Lottery The US government provides green cards to citizens of selected countries under the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Lottery).
(D) Refugee & Asylum Visa People facing political, religious, or social persecution can apply for asylum in the US.
Most In-Demand US Visas for Indians
H1B Visa – For IT and professional jobs.
F1 Visa – For students pursuing higher education.
B1/B2 Visa – For tourism and business visits.
How to Apply for a US Visa?
To get a US visa, follow these steps:
- Choose the Right Visa Type – Select the visa that matches your purpose (e.g., F1 for students, H1B for jobs, B2 for tourism).
- Apply Online – Fill out the DS-160 Form on the official US Department of State website.
- Pay the Visa Fee – Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa.
- Schedule a Visa Interview – Book an appointment at a US Embassy or Consulate (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad).
- Submit Required Documents:
- Passport (valid for at least six months)
- Visa application receipt
- Passport-size photo
- Financial proof (bank statement, income details, property documents)
- Education and job-related documents (for students and professionals)
- Attend the Visa Interview – The officer may ask about your travel plans, financial status, and return plans.
- Travel After Approval – If approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa.
US Visa Fees (in ₹ & $)
B1/B2 (Tourist & Business Visa) – ₹14,000 ($160)
F1 (Student Visa) – ₹14,000 ($160)
H1B (Work Visa) – ₹15,600 ($190)
L1 (Intra-company Transfer Visa) – ₹15,600 ($190)
O1 (Extraordinary Ability Visa) – ₹15,600 ($190)
EB5 (Investor Visa) – ₹2.4 lakh ($2,960)
SEVIS Fee (for F1 Students) – ₹30,000 ($350)
Diversity Visa Lottery Fee – ₹14,000 ($160)
Additional Expenses
Visa Agent/Consultancy Fee – ₹5,000 to ₹50,000 (if applying through an agency)
Documentation & Translation Fees – ₹2,000 to ₹10,000
US Travel Ticket (One Way) – ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 (varies by season).
