US Visa For Indians - An Overview

What Is a US Visa, and What Does It Mean to Have a US Visa?

A US visa for Indians certifies you’ve been granted permission to visit the US for a specific time. The reason you are travelling to the US, e.g., study, employment, vacation, etc., will determine the type of visa required.

The two primary forms of US visas are an Immigrant Visa and a Non-Immigrant Visa. To enter the US, you must have a US visa.

What Are the Different Types of Us Visas?

Following are the typical types of US visas for Indians:

• ● Tourist or business visa
• ● Work visa
• ● H1-B for speciality occupation
• ● H-1 B-1 Work Visa temporarily
• ● H-2A for Seasonal Agricultural Workers
• ● H-2B for skilled and unskilled workers
• ● H-3 for trainees
• ● H-4 for dependents
• ● L-1 for intracompany transferees
• ● L-2 for dependents
• ● Type O Visas
• ● Type P Visa
• ● Type Q visa
• ● Student visa
• ● F-1 Visa
• ● M-1 Visa
• ● Exchange Visitor Visa
• ● Ship Crew or Transit Visa
• ● Transit C Visa
• ● Crew D Visa
• ● Religious Worker Visa
• ● Domestic Employee Visa
• ● Visa for Journalists and the Media

Validity of the Different Types of Us Visa

The validity of a US visa for Indians will depend on the type of visa granted. Firstly, you should know which US visa would be right for you. Next, you can check the validity of that visa online from official sources.

Furthermore, you should also know whether, in the case of your visa, you can apply for an extension or not.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for a US Visa?

The following is a list of the paperwork needed to apply for a US visa:

• ● A passport with at least six months of validity.
• ● Marriage certificate, if applicable
• ● Most recent passport-sized photos
• ● Job offer letter (in case of a work visa)
• ● Family link evidence to visit family in the US
• ● The i-20 form or other evidence of enrolment at a school for a student visa
• ● Flight details and additional travel data
• ● Financial statements
  
  

How Can You Apply for a US Visa?

The application process for a US visa is organised and transparent. You must follow the following instructions:

1. Choose your visa type

Choose the appropriate US visa category and submit an application. This depends on your travel objectives, including business travel, academic study, tourism, visiting family or friends, etc.

2. Complete the online visa application form

Complete the corresponding online application form. You must have a few documents before beginning the online application process. These include your passport, academic transcripts, job offer letter (if applicable), etc.

3. Pay the visa fee

Pay the visa fee online and print out the form and payment confirmation.

4. Make an appointment for your visa interview

Make an appointment for your visa interview. The outcome of this interview will determine whether or not your visa application is approved.

5. Get a US visa (if accepted):

Wait until your application process has been completed and your application is determined as accepted or rejected..

What Are the Fees Applicable for a US Visa?

Different types of US visas have different fees. Ensure to check the latest fees online before applying. For example, a non-petition-based non-immigration visa (except Type E) requires fees of $185. Similarly, for petition-based visas, the fees is $205.

Is a US Visa Available on Arrival for Indian Citizens?

The US does not issue Indian nationals a visa on arrival.

Know Why Your Us Visa Application Can Get Rejected

Your application for a US visa could be turned down for a few reasons. Some of these are:

• ● Submitting an incomplete visa application
• ● Lack of any required supplemental documentation
• ● Applying for the wrong visa category
• ● Failure to meet the requirements for the chosen visa category
• ● Passport not having enough blank pages
• ● Past criminal history or any ongoing criminal proceedings against you
• ● No evidence of sufficient means to support your stay in the US
• ● Applicant's nation and the US don't have sufficient diplomatic ties
• ● Uncertainty regarding the anticipated stay in the US and return arrangements
• ● Not having a genuine, authorised reason for travelling to the US
  
  

Why Is Travel Insurance Essential for a US Visa?

It is equally vital to get proper travel insurance for the US. You can encounter various unfavourable situations while travelling to and from the country and while you are there, including airline delays, lost luggage, lost passport, accidents, or sickness.

Choosing a reliable international travel insurance policy and securing your finances before travelling to the US is crucial. The following coverages are part of this:

• ● Travel support
• ● Coverage for illnesses and accidents
• ● Hijack cover
• ● Hospitalisation (In this case, your travel insurance for the US will automatically be extended for 60 days)
• ● Protection from personal culpability
• ● Help concerning delay or loss of baggage
  
  

Are There Any Changes in Documentation Requirements After COVID for Obtaining a US Visa?

If you have a valid visa and are fully vaccinated, you may travel to the United States without any further visa processing. Refer to the CDC website for a listing of accepted COVID-19 vaccines. Since June 12, 2022, you no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding a U.S.-bound flight.

Tourist Attractions in the US

There are several locations and landmarks in the US that draw visitors worldwide. The US has a diverse natural landscape with something to intrigue everyone, from the frigid peaks of Alaska to the azure waters of Florida and Hawaii. Make sure you buy travel insurance online before visiting these places. Here are a few of the top US tourist destinations:

• ● New York City
• ● San Francisco
• ● Los Angeles
• ● Washington DC
• ● Hawaii
• ● Seattle
• ● Chicago
• ● Miami