US Tourist Visa Cost & Fees for Indians 2026 (B1/B2)

Do Indians Need a Visa for the USA? (2026 Quick Answer)

Yes. Indian passport holders are not included in the US Visa Waiver Program and require a valid B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa before entering the United States for tourism, family visits, or short business trips. The B1/B2 is issued as a single combined stamp covering both purposes. Most applicants receive a 10-year multiple-entry visa, though the validity and stay duration at each issuance are at the consular officer's discretion.

The headline cost to start the application is $185 — the non-refundable Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee paid before the interview. Applicants using Visarun.ai pay a total of $205, which includes the $185 government fee plus a $20 service fee covering DS-160 review, appointment coordination, and follow-up support. A new $250 Visa Integrity Fee signed into law in July 2025 will add to the cost at the time of visa issuance once it comes into effect — full details below.

US Visa Cost for Indians in 2026 — Full Fee Breakdown

The cost of a US B1/B2 visa from India in 2026 falls across two stages: an upfront application fee and a new issuance fee charged only on approval. Here is how each component breaks down:

• MRV application fee — $185, paid via ustraveldocs.com/in before the interview; non-refundable regardless of outcome
• Visa Integrity and Border Security Fee — $250, charged at visa issuance (only when approved); signed into law July 4, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act; expected before September 30, 2026 but not yet being collected at the time of writing
• Reciprocity or visa issuance fee — none for Indian citizens applying for B1/B2, per the US Department of State reciprocity schedule for India
• I-94 arrival record fee — $6, collected at the US port of entry, not at the consulate
• Visarun.ai service fee — $20, for a Visarun-managed total of $205

Once the Integrity Fee is active, a single approved B1/B2 visa will cost $435 in government fees alone. For a family of four, that totals $1,740 on approval. The fee is non-waivable, though approved visa holders who comply with all conditions and depart on time may be eligible for a refund after the visa expires — DHS has not yet published the refund process. Confirm which fees are currently active at in.usembassy.gov before submitting payment.

The MRV Fee and What It Covers (B1/B2)

The MRV fee of $185 covers the administrative cost of processing your visa application. Paying it does not guarantee an interview slot or a visa. What it includes:

• Processing of the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
• Biometric enrollment at the Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) — fingerprints and photograph
• The in-person consular interview appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate
• Initial review of the application by a consular officer

The fee is non-refundable if refused, non-transferable to another person, and valid for 12 months from payment — the interview must take place within that window. A separate $185 payment is required for every new application.

The $250 Integrity Fee applies at visa issuance, not application. It was signed into law on July 4, 2025, covers virtually all nonimmigrant categories (B1/B2, F-1, H-1B, J-1, and others), and cannot be waived. Applicants whose visas are refused do not pay it. The fee is expected to increase annually with inflation.

Total Cost in INR — What to Budget

The US Embassy sets an official consular exchange rate for India that determines the rupee equivalent of all visa fees. According to in.usembassy.gov, the rate as of April 1, 2026 is ₹96 per US dollar, rising to ₹98 per US dollar from May 25, 2026.

At ₹96/USD (current):

• MRV fee ($185) — ₹17,760
• Visarun.ai total ($205) — ₹19,680
• Integrity Fee on approval ($250) — ₹24,000
• Total government fees on approval ($435) — ₹41,760

At ₹98/USD (from May 25, 2026):

• MRV fee ($185) — ₹18,130
• Visarun.ai total ($205) — ₹20,090
• Integrity Fee on approval ($250) — ₹24,500

Beyond the visa fee, a realistic application budget should also include passport-size photographs (₹150–₹300), travel to the consulate city if booking a faster appointment in Chennai or Kolkata, any document notarization charges, and the VFS courier return fee (typically ₹300–₹500) for passport delivery after visa stamping.

How to Pay the US Visa Fee from India

All MRV fee payments must go through the official portal ustraveldocs.com/in, operated by CGI Federal. Payments to any other account are invalid and may indicate fraud. There are two accepted methods:

NEFT or IMPS transfer

Log into your CGI Federal account on ustraveldocs.com/in and generate a fee deposit slip containing the beneficiary bank details and exact rupee amount. Transfer the amount via NEFT or IMPS through internet banking or a mobile app. NEFT typically reflects within 24 hours; IMPS is usually faster. Save the Unique Transaction Reference (UTR) number — you need it to activate the payment on the portal.

Cash at Axis Bank or Citibank

Print the deposit slip from the portal and carry the exact rupee amount in cash (only cash is accepted at the bank counter — demand drafts and cards are not valid) to any participating Axis Bank or Citibank branch in India. The branch stamps the slip as confirmation, typically on the same business day. Once payment is confirmed on the portal, proceed to book appointments.

How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa from India (Step-by-Step)

The B1/B2 application follows a fixed sequence. Attempting to book the interview before confirming fee payment will result in a blocked appointment.

Step 1 — Complete the DS-160

Fill out the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application at ceac.state.gov. Submit it and print the confirmation page with the barcode — this is required at every subsequent stage.

Step 2 — Create a CGI Federal account

Register on ustraveldocs.com/in with your passport number and email address. All family members can be managed under one account login.

Step 3 — Pay the MRV fee

Generate the deposit slip from the portal and pay via NEFT, IMPS, or cash at an Axis Bank or Citibank branch. Wait for payment confirmation before booking appointments.

Step 4 — Book the OFC (biometrics) appointment

Schedule biometric enrollment — fingerprints and photograph — at an Offsite Facilitation Center. OFC slots are generally available within days to two weeks even at busy consulates.

Step 5 — Book the consular interview

After scheduling the OFC, select an interview slot at any of the five US consular posts in India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata). Indian applicants may book at any post regardless of home city — see wait times below.

Step 6 — Attend OFC and interview

At the OFC, carry your passport, DS-160 confirmation, and appointment letter. At the consular interview, bring the DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, valid passport, two photographs in US visa specifications, 3–6 months of bank statements, employment letter or business documents, property records, and any invitation letters from US contacts. Interviews for uncomplicated B1/B2 applications are typically brief.

Step 7 — Receive stamped passport

If approved, the consulate retains the passport for visa stamping and returns it via the official VFS courier, typically within 3–5 business days. For Visarun.ai-managed applications, document handling and coordination takes 5–7 business days before the consulate's own timeline begins.

Visa Appointment Wait Times and Processing

India consistently ranks among the countries with the longest US B1/B2 visa wait times globally. According to US State Department data analysed in February 2026, the approximate next available B1/B2 interview dates across Indian consulates were:

• Chennai — approximately 1 month (fastest post in India)
• Kolkata — approximately 2.5 months
• New Delhi — approximately 8 months
• Hyderabad — approximately 8 months
• Mumbai — approximately 10 months

These figures change week to week. Because applicants can book at any post in the country, many from Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad are now booking at Chennai or Kolkata to reduce wait time — this is fully permitted. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov before choosing a post.

Interview waiver (dropbox) eligibility

As of October 1, 2025, the US Department of State significantly narrowed the Interview Waiver Program (dropbox). A B1/B2 applicant qualifies only if all four conditions are met: the prior B1/B2 visa was issued for full validity at issuance; the renewal is filed within 12 months of that visa's expiration; the applicant was at least 18 years old at the time of the prior issuance; and the prior visa was not cancelled or revoked. First-time applicants and those whose last B1/B2 expired more than 12 months ago must attend an in-person interview. Confirm eligibility at ustraveldocs.com/in, as criteria are subject to revision.

Administrative processing (221g)

Some applications are held for administrative processing after the interview for additional security review or document requests. No fixed timeline applies — resolution can take weeks to several months. Applicants with time-sensitive travel should apply as early as possible to absorb this risk.

Common Reasons for 214(b) Refusal

Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act presumes every B1/B2 applicant to be a potential immigrant until proven otherwise. A 214(b) refusal means the consular officer was not satisfied that the applicant has strong enough ties to India to ensure their return after the visit. Common reasons include:

• Weak ties to India — no stable employment, no owned property, no dependent family members in India
• Thin or inconsistent financial documentation — irregular bank balance, or funds deposited specifically ahead of the application
• Vague travel purpose — inability to clearly explain the reason for the trip, planned itinerary, or source of funds
• History of overstays in the US or any other country
• Prior US visa refusals without a material change in circumstances
• Inconsistencies between the DS-160 and statements made at the interview
• Close family members already in the US on immigrant status, seen as a potential pull factor

There is no mandatory waiting period before reapplying after a 214(b) refusal, but a fresh application should be backed by materially stronger documentation — updated bank statements, a current employment letter, property records. The $185 MRV fee must be paid again for each new application. Visarun.ai's pre-submission review covers DS-160 accuracy and document completeness to support a better-prepared case; approval authority rests entirely with the consular officer.

FAQ

What is the US B1/B2 visa fee for Indian applicants in 2026?

The MRV application fee is $185, equal to ₹17,760 at the current consular exchange rate of ₹96 per USD (rising to ₹18,130 at ₹98/USD from May 25, 2026). A new $250 Visa Integrity Fee is expected before September 30, 2026 and will be charged at visa issuance, bringing total government fees on approval to $435. Applying through Visarun.ai costs $205 total ($185 government fee plus $20 service fee).

Is the MRV fee refundable if my visa is refused?

No. The $185 MRV fee is non-refundable and non-transferable regardless of outcome. The $250 Integrity Fee applies only on approval, so a refused applicant does not pay it. Approved applicants who comply with all visa conditions may be eligible for a partial Integrity Fee refund after visa expiry, though the refund process has not yet been published by DHS.

Can I apply at any US consulate in India regardless of where I live?

Yes. Indian applicants may book appointments at any of the five US posts — New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata — regardless of home city. Given wait times of around one month in Chennai versus ten months in Mumbai, many applicants outside Chennai are choosing to travel there for a faster interview slot.

How long is a B1/B2 visa valid for Indian citizens?

Most Indian applicants receive a 10-year multiple-entry B1/B2 visa. Each individual stay is typically limited to 6 months, as determined by Customs and Border Protection at the US port of entry. The exact validity and permitted stay on a first application are at the consular officer's discretion.

Is there a separate fee for B1 (business) versus B2 (tourist)?

No. The B-1 and B-2 categories share the same $185 MRV fee and are applied for on a single DS-160 form. Most Indian applicants receive a combined B1/B2 visa covering both business activities and leisure travel under a single stamp.

Who qualifies for the US visa interview waiver (dropbox) in India in 2026?

Under rules effective October 1, 2025, eligibility requires: the prior B1/B2 visa was issued for full validity, the renewal is filed within 12 months of the prior visa's expiration, and the applicant was at least 18 years old when that visa was issued. First-time applicants and those whose last B1/B2 expired more than 12 months ago must attend an in-person interview. Verify eligibility at ustraveldocs.com/in before applying.

What documents are needed at the US visa interview?

Applicants typically bring: a valid passport (with at least 6 months of remaining validity beyond the intended stay), prior passports with any previous US visas, the DS-160 confirmation page, MRV fee receipt, two US-specification photographs, 3–6 months of bank statements, salary slips or business income proof, an employment letter or business registration, property or lease documents, and invitation letters if visiting contacts in the US. Each applicant — including children — needs their own DS-160 and fee receipt.

What should I do after a 214(b) refusal?

There is no waiting period — reapplication is permitted immediately, but with the same documentation the result is likely to be the same. Gather stronger evidence of ties to India first: six or more months of updated bank statements, a current employment confirmation, property documents, or business records. Pay the $185 MRV fee again and book a new interview. Address the specific gap that led to the refusal; do not simply repeat the previous application.

When will the $250 Visa Integrity Fee start being charged?

The fee was signed into law on July 4, 2025 and is expected to be implemented before September 30, 2026. It is not currently being collected. When active, it applies at visa issuance — not at application — and covers all major nonimmigrant categories including B1/B2. Monitor in.usembassy.gov for the confirmed start date.

How long does the full US visa process take from India in 2026?

At Chennai (fastest post), an applicant completing DS-160, fee payment, OFC, interview, and courier delivery can expect the process to take roughly 6–8 weeks. At Delhi or Mumbai, the interview wait alone runs to 8–10 months. After approval, passport delivery takes 3–5 business days. For Visarun.ai-managed applications, document coordination covers 5–7 business days before the consulate's own scheduling applies.