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The USA visitor visa — officially the B1/B2 visa — remains one of the most sought-after visas for Indian travellers, whether you are visiting family, attending a business conference, or touring the United States. In 2026, the application process involves a few important changes: the MRV fee has increased, and appointment wait times at the US Consulate Mumbai have stretched to 9.5–12 months for some applicants. This complete guide covers everything you need: the full documents checklist for salaried employees AND self-employed business owners, exact bank balance figures in Indian rupees, the interview questions you will actually face, fee breakdown in INR, how to book your OFC and consulate appointment — and what to do if your visa is rejected under Section 214(b).
What Is the USA Visitor Visa (B1/B2)?
The B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant visitor visa issued by the US Embassy or Consulate. It combines two categories:
- B1 (Business Visitor): For those attending meetings, conferences, negotiating contracts, or short-term training in the USA. You cannot work for a US employer on a B1 visa.
- B2 (Tourism/Pleasure): For tourism, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, or attending social events such as a wedding.
Most Indian applicants apply for a combined B1/B2 visa, which covers both purposes. A US visitor visa is typically issued for 10 years with multiple entry privileges — though each actual stay at the US port of entry is usually approved for 6 months at a time by the CBP officer.
The B1/B2 visa stamp in your passport does NOT mean you can stay for 10 years. Your actual permitted stay is what is printed on your I-94 arrival record at the US border — usually 6 months.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility for Indians
There is no minimum age or income requirement to apply for a US visitor visa from India. Both salaried employees and self-employed individuals — including diamond traders, textile merchants, and MSME owners common in Surat and Gujarat — are eligible. The key requirement is demonstrating non-immigrant intent:
- You have strong ties to India that will bring you back after your visit
- You have sufficient financial means to fund your trip
- Your visit has a clear, legitimate purpose (tourism, family visit, or business)
- You have not overstayed in the USA or any other country previously
Applicants from Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and all of Gujarat submit their applications at the US Consulate General Mumbai. The OFC (Offsite Facilitation Centre for biometrics) is also located in Mumbai.
Documents Required for USA Visitor Visa from India
A. Salaried Employees
| Document | Details / Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid Indian Passport | Minimum 6 months validity beyond travel dates; photocopy of all pages (blank pages included) |
| DS-160 Confirmation Page | Printed confirmation with barcode; complete online at ceac.state.gov before OFC appointment |
| Visa Application Fee Receipt | MRV fee payment confirmation (HDFC Bank / Axis Bank / online payment); approx. ₹13,600 |
| OFC + Consulate Appointment Confirmation | Both appointment letters printed from ustraveldocs.com — present at OFC and consulate separately |
| Passport-size Photographs | 2 recent photos — 51mm × 51mm, white background, taken within 6 months |
| Employer Letter / NOC | On company letterhead; must mention: designation, salary, duration of employment, leave approval, return confirmation |
| 3–6 Months Bank Statements | All savings/current accounts; must show healthy average balance (minimum ₹3–5 lakh for solo traveller) |
| 3 Years Income Tax Returns (ITR) | Filed ITR acknowledgement for last 3 years; shows financial stability and compliance |
| Latest Salary Slips (3 months) | From current employer; stamped and signed by HR |
| Property / Asset Documents | Home ownership papers, vehicle registration, FD certificates — demonstrates strong ties to India |
| Travel Itinerary | Hotel bookings, flight reservations (tentative — do NOT book confirmed tickets before visa approval) |
| Invitation Letter (if applicable) | If visiting family/friends in USA — letter with their contact details, address, relationship, and copy of their US status proof |
| Travel Insurance (recommended) | Not mandatory but advisable; consulate officers sometimes ask; show coverage for full trip duration |
Bring originals PLUS two self-attested photocopies of each document. File them in the order listed above for faster processing at the OFC window.
B. Self-Employed Applicants / Business Owners (Surat / Gujarat Focus)
Surat’s economy is built on diamond, textile, and MSME businesses. If you are self-employed, the document requirements are different — and most generic visa guides get this wrong. Here is what you need:
| Document | Details / Notes |
|---|---|
| Business Registration Certificate | Shop Act, GST registration, Partnership deed, or Company incorporation certificate |
| 3 Years ITR with Computation Sheet | CA-attested; must reflect taxable income and business activity; key document for self-employed |
| GST Returns (Latest 6 months) | GST-3B filings; shows active, ongoing business operations and revenue |
| Bank Statements (Business + Personal) | Both accounts — 6 months minimum; consistent inflow/outflow reflecting business income |
| CA Letter / Auditor Certificate | Chartered Accountant letter confirming business standing, turnover, and your role as owner/partner |
| Business Proof (Visiting Cards / Website) | Any supplementary proof of active business — website printout, branded materials, office lease |
| Income Proof / Balance Sheet | Latest audited balance sheet and P&L statement; demonstrates financial health of the business |
| Relationship / Tie-Back Documents | Family in India (spouse, children), property, ongoing contracts — demonstrates intent to return |
A common mistake among Surat business owners: submitting only personal bank statements and missing the business bank statement. Officers look at both — the business account shows your actual income, the personal account shows your lifestyle and savings.
How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a US Visa from India?
This is the most searched question — and the most misunderstood. There is no fixed official minimum. The consular officer assesses your overall financial picture, not a single number. However, based on what gets approved at Mumbai:
| Traveller Profile | Recommended Bank Balance (INR) | Additional Supporting Docs |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveller — 2–4 weeks | ₹3–5 lakh in savings account | FDs, mutual funds, LIC policies add credibility |
| Couple — 2–3 weeks | ₹6–10 lakh combined | Both partners' bank statements; joint or individual |
| Family of 4 — 2–3 weeks | ₹10–15 lakh | Children's school enrollment letters strengthen ties to India |
| Senior citizens (60+) | ₹5–8 lakh OR sponsor letter from USA host | Sponsor's income proof + bank statements if host is paying |
| Self-employed / business owner | ₹8–15 lakh + business account turnover | ITR, GST, CA letter required to explain cash flow |
| Student (B2 — visiting family) | ₹2–4 lakh OR sponsor letter | University enrollment + sponsor financial proof |
Note: These are recommended minimums for visa approval confidence — not official US government figures. Consular officers assess the full picture including income, assets, and purpose of visit.
Key points Indian applicants often miss:
- Fixed Deposits (FDs) and mutual funds count as assets — attach your FD certificate or mutual fund statement to support a lower savings account balance
- A sudden large deposit (e.g., ₹5 lakh transferred 2 weeks before applying) will be questioned — maintain a consistent balance for at least 3–6 months before applying
- Property ownership in India (home, commercial, agricultural land) is a powerful financial AND tie-back document — attach your property documents
- If a family member in the USA is sponsoring your trip, attach their bank statements, employment proof, and a formal invitation/sponsorship letter
USA Visitor Visa Fee in India 2026 (Cost in Indian Rupees)
As of 2026, the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) application fee for a B1/B2 visa has increased. Here is the complete cost breakdown in Indian rupees:
| Cost Item | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| MRV visa application fee (B1/B2) | $185 | ~₹15,540 |
| OFC biometric appointment fee | Included in MRV | ₹0 extra |
| SEVIS fee | Not applicable | Not applicable for B1/B2 |
| Travel insurance (recommended) | — | ₹1,500–5,000 |
| Courier / passport return fee | — | ₹500–800 |
| Consultancy / documentation fee (Peoples Overseas) | — | Contact for current pricing |
| Travel to Mumbai (Surat applicants — round trip) | — | ₹1,500–3,500 (train/bus) |
| Estimated total (excluding consultancy & Mumbai travel) | $185 | ~₹17,000–22,000 |
Exchange rate used: 1 USD ≈ ₹84. Verify at xe.com before payment as rates fluctuate.
How to pay:
- Pay the MRV fee online at ustraveldocs.com using net banking (HDFC Bank or Axis Bank recommended), debit card, or credit card
- The fee is non-refundable — even if your visa is rejected, the fee is not returned
- After payment, you will receive a UID (Unique Identifier) — save this and use it to book your OFC and consulate appointments on the same portal
Do not pay the MRV fee through any third-party website. The only official payment portal is ustraveldocs.com. Fraudulent sites charging extra fees are common — be careful.
How to Book Your OFC and US Consulate Appointment (2026)
The US visa application process in India involves TWO separate appointments — the OFC (biometrics collection) and the consulate interview. Both are booked at ustraveldocs.com.
Step-by-Step Appointment Booking Process
- Step 1: Complete your DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov and save the application ID and confirmation barcode page
- Step 2: Pay the MRV fee at ustraveldocs.com and note your UID number
- Step 3: Create a profile on ustraveldocs.com using your UID and passport number
- Step 4: Schedule your OFC biometric appointment (fingerprints + photo collection) — usually 2–4 weeks before the consulate interview
- Step 5: Schedule your consulate interview appointment at the US Consulate General Mumbai
- Step 6: At OFC: carry your appointment letter, passport, and MRV fee receipt. No documents submitted here — biometrics only
- Step 7: At Consulate: carry your full document set, DS-160 confirmation, and both appointment letters
2026 Wait Times — Critical Information for Surat Applicants
| Consulate | Current B1/B2 Wait Time (Oct 2026) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai (Consulate General) | ~9.5–12 months | Applicants from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, MP |
| Chennai (Consulate General) | ~3–5 months | Best alternative for urgent cases from Gujarat |
| Delhi (Embassy) | ~8–10 months | Applicants from North India |
| Hyderabad (Consulate General) | ~5–7 months | Applicants from Telangana, AP, Karnataka |
| Kolkata (Consulate General) | ~4–6 months | Applicants from East India |
Mumbai wait times have reached 12 months in 2026. If your trip is planned for summer 2027, apply NOW. If your trip is urgent (medical, family emergency), apply at Chennai — wait times there are 3–5 months.
Tips to get an earlier slot:
- Check the ustraveldocs.com portal daily for cancellations — slots open up regularly when others reschedule
- Early morning (5–6 AM IST) is when new slots typically appear on the portal
- Consider applying at Chennai Consulate if Mumbai wait time is too long — you can apply at any Indian consulate regardless of your home state
- Peoples Overseas tracks available slots for clients — contact us for slot monitoring support
DS-160 Form: How to Fill It Correctly
The DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) is the official US visa application form, completed online at ceac.state.gov. Mistakes on the DS-160 are one of the top reasons for rejection — and once submitted, you cannot edit it (you must start over). Here are the key sections to fill carefully:
- Personal Information: Exact name as in passport — no nicknames, no shortcuts
- Travel Information: Purpose of visit (select B2 Tourism or B1/B2 Business/Tourism), intended arrival date (approximate is fine), intended length of stay (e.g., 21 days)
- Travel Companions: List everyone travelling with you on the same application. If applying as a family, one member can be the primary applicant but each person needs their own DS-160
- Previous US Travel: List ALL previous US trips with exact dates — missing one trip (even a short one) can lead to rejection for dishonesty
- US Contacts: If visiting family, list their full name, US address, and relationship. For tourism only, list a hotel address
- Employment: Must match your actual job title, employer name, and address exactly as they appear on your employer letter
- Social Media: US visa now requires listing major social media handles (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter/X). List all accounts — hiding one is a serious issue
- Photo Upload: 600×600 pixels, JPG format, white background, face centred, taken within 6 months, no glasses
Save your DS-160 application ID at every step. If the session expires, you can retrieve it with the ID. Print the confirmation page with barcode before your OFC appointment.
What Happens After You Arrive in Germany?
The consulate interview is typically 2–5 minutes. The officer is assessing credibility, consistency, and intent to return to India. Here are the most commonly asked questions at the Mumbai consulate and how to answer them confidently:
| Interview Question | What the Officer Is Looking For | Sample Strong Answer |
|---|---|---|
| What is the purpose of your visit? | Clarity and honesty | “I am visiting the USA to meet my [son/daughter/friend] in [city] and to see some places like New York and Washington DC. I will be there for 3 weeks.” |
| Who is sponsoring your trip? | Financial independence or clear sponsor | “I am funding the trip myself. I have savings of ₹X in my account. I also have my son in New York who may help with accommodation.” |
| What do you do in India? | Employment / business stability | “I run a textile business in Surat since 2015. I have 12 employees and annual turnover of ₹X lakh.” OR “I am a software engineer at [company] for the past 5 years.” |
| Do you have family in the USA? | Immigrant intent assessment | “Yes, my [relationship] is there on [visa type]. But I have my own business here, my family is here, and I will return as planned.” |
| Have you visited the USA before? | Travel history | If yes: mention dates. If no: “This is my first visit. I have previously visited [UAE / UK / Singapore / etc.].” |
| When will you return to India? | Intent to return — most critical | “I plan to return on [date]. My business requires my presence and I have employees depending on me. My return flight is planned for that date.” |
| What property do you own in India? | Ties to India | “I own my home in Surat and have a commercial property for my business. I also have investments in FDs and mutual funds.” |
| Why are you going to [specific city]? | Credibility of purpose | Be specific: mention family address, landmark, or activity. Vague answers raise suspicion. |
| How much money are you carrying? | Financial sufficiency | “I have $X as forex and my credit/debit card. My total budget for the trip is approximately $X.” |
| Have you ever been refused a US visa? | Honesty test | If yes, say so clearly and explain what has changed since then. Lying about a prior refusal is grounds for permanent ban. |
Answer only what is asked — do not volunteer extra information. Short, confident, direct answers perform better than long explanations. Practice with Peoples Overseas mock interview sessions before your consulate date.
Top Reasons for USA Visa Rejection — And How to Fix Them
The single most common rejection code for Indian applicants is Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act — which states that any alien applying for a non-immigrant visa is presumed to be an immigrant until proven otherwise. In plain terms: the officer was not convinced you will return to India. Here is a breakdown of all major rejection reasons and exactly how to recover:
| Rejection Reason | Why It Happens | How to Fix It Before Reapplying |
|---|---|---|
| Section 214(b) — immigrant intent | Officer not convinced you will return to India | Add stronger tie-back documents: property, spouse, children, business registration, ongoing contracts |
| Insufficient financial proof | Bank balance too low or inconsistent | Maintain a healthy average balance for 6+ months before reapplying. Avoid large sudden deposits. |
| Weak employment / business ties | No stable income or unclear occupation | Get a strong employer letter or CA certificate. Show 3 years of ITR. |
| Inconsistent DS-160 | Travel history, employer, or purpose don't match documents | Re-fill DS-160 carefully. Every detail must match your passport and documents exactly. |
| Prior overstay in USA or other countries | Signals immigration risk | Difficult to overcome without strong mitigating factors. Consult an immigration specialist. |
| Previous visa refusals (hidden) | Lying about prior refusals — automatic disqualification | Always declare prior refusals honestly. Explain what has changed. |
| No clear purpose / vague itinerary | Officer cannot assess credibility of visit | Prepare a clear day-by-day itinerary. Know addresses, names, and plans. |
| Strong immigrant intent — US family | Officer suspects you plan to immigrate, not visit | Bring extra evidence of ties to India: property, business, family here, ongoing responsibilities. |
Can I Reapply After a 214(b) Rejection?
Yes — there is no mandatory waiting period after a 214(b) rejection. However, applying again with the same documents and profile almost always results in the same outcome. Before reapplying you must:
- Identify the specific weakness in your previous application
- Gather substantially stronger evidence of ties to India
- Wait until your financial position has genuinely improved (at least 3–6 months)
- Rebuild your travel history if possible — visiting UAE, Singapore, UK, or Europe on valid visas before a US reapplication significantly improves your profile
- Work with an experienced consultancy to do a mock interview and document audit before your next attempt
Applying again within 30 days of a 214(b) rejection without any change in your profile is almost always rejected again and can create a pattern that makes future applications harder.
How Peoples Overseas Helps You with Your USA Visitor Visa — Surat
Peoples Overseas has been Surat’s trusted overseas consultancy since 2008, with a 98% visa success rate across 30+ countries. Our dedicated USA visa team has handled hundreds of B1/B2 applications from Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and across Gujarat.
What we do for your USA visitor visa:
- Free initial consultation — we assess your profile and tell you upfront if any issues need to be addressed before applying
- Complete document checklist and audit — we review every document against current consulate requirements and flag weak areas
- DS-160 review — we check your completed form for errors, inconsistencies, and red-flag answers before you submit
- Appointment slot monitoring — we track ustraveldocs.com daily and alert you when earlier slots open up
- Mock interview preparation — a full practice session covering the top 20 questions asked at Mumbai and Chennai consulates
- Rejection recovery — if you have been rejected before, we do a root-cause analysis and build a stronger reapplication strategy
For official appointment booking and visa fee payment, use the official US Travel Docs India portal. For visa requirements and policy information, refer to the US Department of State Visitor Visa page.
Frequently Asked Questions: USA Visitor Visa for Indians
What is the difference between B1 and B2 visa, and which one should I apply for?
What is the USA visitor visa fee in India in 2026?
How long does the USA visitor visa take to process from India in 2026?
How much bank balance do I need for a US visitor visa?
Can self-employed people and business owners in Surat apply for a US visa?
What happens if my US visa is rejected? Can I reapply immediately?
Do I need travel insurance for a US visitor visa?
Can I work in the USA on a visitor visa?
Is there a US Visa OFC centre in Surat or Gujarat?
What is DS-160 and how do I complete it?
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