How to Get a US Visa
When travelling to the United States, one requires to avail a visa to enter. One should also keep in mind that the procedure to avail a visa varies with the type of visa one is applying for and also that even if a visa is granted it does not mean guaranteed entry into the country.
Regardless having a valid visa is a must to enter the United States. One can apply for a visa either through a travel agent or online. The below article outlines the procedure involved in applying for a US Visa
US Visa Eligibility
Visas are often granted based on the type of visa applied for. By and large there are two main categories of visas for US which is the non-immigrant visa and the immigrant visa. The non-immigrant visas are the ones most commonly applied for and these are further broken down based on the nature of the visit. Below are a few key criteria that need to be met or adhered to when applying for a Visa USA:
- The applicants must furnish contact details of their residence in the destination country
- Applicants must show that they are financially stable to visit the destination country for the duration of the stay
- Applicants must not have prior criminal cases against them
- Applicants must publish required letter of confirmation by employer if it is a business visa and must show letter of appointment if academic visa has been applied for.
- The passport of the applicant must have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of visa application
- Applicants must furnish return tickets to validate duration of stay
- Applicants must show strong ties to their resident country to negate risk of illegal immigration
- Spouses or children of applicants will have to apply for separate dependent visas
Information Required for a US Visa Application
While applying for a visa, some basic information is required to corroborate the details provided. Though these may change depending on the type of visa applied for, the information and list of documents that need to be submitted for successful approval of a visa is as follows
- Regulation sized Passport photos of the applicant
- A copy of the valid passport
- Passport number
- Visa application number
- Visa fee receipt number
- Occupational status of the applicant
- Duration of stay
- Contact details and address in the destination country
Application Methods for US Visa
United States Visa applications can be done both offline and online. Regardless of the mode of application, one has to first choose the type of visa they would want to apply for and fill out the application form accordingly. Applications forms change according to the embassy one wishes to visit. Offline visa applications require an applicant to download the required forms and mail it to the visa application centre they wish to visit with the required documents.
Online application of visas are done in a similar fashion. One has to first choose the type of visa required and download the appropriate form. The wrong visa forms will not be entertained. The applicant will then have to pay the visa application fees and submit the document along with the required credentials. Once these documents have been processed an appointment date will be allotted where the applicant has to show up with both original and copies of their required information along with a copy of their visa fee receipt.
Regardless of the mode of application, a face to face visa interview is required. Once this interview is complete, the applicant is required to hand over their passports for further processing. The applicants can collect their passports at their allotted pick up points upon completion of the application process. Applicants can also track the status of their passport through the US embassy website and will receive regular notifications through email and SMS on the status of their passport and application.
US Visa Embassies in India
An applicant can visit one of the US embassies located across India. One can find US embassies and consulates across major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. The office addresses and contact numbers of these offices can be found online at the US Embassy website.
News About How to Get a US Visa
U.S. Consulates in India see rising visa wait times
Indian applicants seeking U.S. B1/B2 visas are experiencing unprecedented delays at consulates across the country. Kolkata reports the longest current wait at 499 days, with Chennai close behind at 486 days. Other major consulates, including Mumbai, New Delhi, and Hyderabad, are also seeing extended processing times, averaging over 425 days each. Meanwhile, Interview Waiver Visitor visas are processed more swiftly, with wait times between 13 and 14 days at most locations. Efforts by the U.S. to ease these backlogs such as processing a record 1.4 million visas in 2023 and initially cutting wait times by 75 %have been outpaced by soaring demand, leading to renewed delays at Indian consulates.
Disclaimer
Credit Card:
Credit Score:
Personal Loan:
Home Loan:
Fixed Deposit:
Copyright © 2025 BankBazaar.com.