US Visa Fees For Indians | Types & Fees

American landmarks and Western culture have been major attractions for several Indians who wish to visit the country. In addition, the growth of the US job market has driven many professionals to live and work there. Despite this attraction, the number of US visa applicants has increased, but the number of approvals has decreased.

A report on F-1 visa approvals claims India to be the top sender for international students. In contrast, it states the approvals dropped by 38% between January and September 2024. Now, the takeaway is whether you’re applying for the visa correctly or not. While this is the case for a student visa, Indians may often find similar issues with tourist or work visas for the USA.

Well, the United States has multiple types of visas based on the visitor's intention. Hence, you must know the broader range and their details, including USA visa fees, requirements, application process, etc.

Major Types of USA Visas to Know About

There are multiple types of US visas for Indians and all foreign citizens, but it's important to know the major ones. Whether you wish to visit the country as a tourist, student, or employee, there’s a visa for everyone. 

The major USA visa types are as follows:

Visitor's Visa

For Indian visitors, the USA visa has two broad types: B1 and B2. The B1 visa is for those who wish to carry out business activities on United States soil. If your purpose of visit is tourism, you should apply for a B2 visa.

What's common among both visa types is that they are valid for 10 years, and you can visit the country frequently. However, the stay term is limited to up to six months only. The cost of this visa is $185 and non-refundable.

Here is detailed information about the documents you'd require to apply for a USA visa:

1. A valid passport that is not expiring for a minimum of six months after your stay's intended period.
2. The DS-160 form confirmation page must be submitted as proof of your online immigration application.
3. Proof of USA visa fees payment.
4. Recently clicked passport-sized photographs are per the dimensions set by the embassy or consulate.
5. A detailed travel itinerary also needs to be submitted. It should include your flight booking information, accommodation reservations and planned activities during the stay.
6. You must disclose your financial documents to exhibit stability and resources to support your travel plans. 
7. If you’re applying for a B1 visa, an employment letter from your employer is important. The letter must confirm your position, salary, and approved stay time.
8. Whether you’re visiting family or a friend, an invitation letter from the host needs to be submitted along with other essential visa documents. This is to confirm your host’s details and the purpose of your visit.
9. You must disclose your previous travel history to the United States. The review may include examining your passport for previous visas and travel history.

Work Visa

There are many types of work visas in the USA. For example, L-1 Visa, TN Visa, H-2A/H-2 B Visa, O-1 Visa, E-1/E-2 Visa, etc. The H-1 B visa is the one you must fully understand. Your application will be under process once you have paid the USA visa fees, which can take weeks to months. The application process depends on the type of work visa you have applied for.

USA visa fees to be paid when applying for work may be anywhere from ₹12,920/- to ₹26,581/-. Besides this information, you must also know the specific documents required for a USA work visa:

1. Your passport's validity must be 6 months, at least, beyond your intended stay in the USA.
2. When applying for a work visa in the United States, you must complete the application accordingly.
3. Your employment details need to be submitted along with the application to provide information on your job title, duties, salary, and duration of employment.
4. For certain work visas, such as the H-2A or H-2B visas, your employer may need a labour certification from the concerned authorities.
5. Educational marksheets and diplomas, degrees, or professional certifications are required to demonstrate your qualifications based on the specific job you are being hired for.
6. A comprehensive resume or CV summarising your educational background, work experience, skills, and achievements.
7. Recent passport-sized photographs and proof of US visa application fee.
8. Financial documents must be presented as proof of enough resources to live in the US.

Student Visa

When you’re going to the United States of America for higher education, it is necessary to apply for a relevant visa. For Indian students, the suitable visa type here would be the F-1 visa. The USA visa fees for this type is around $535, which is a total of SEVI fees or the cost of the computer ($350) and the DS-160 form fee ($185). The student visa’s validity is 5 years maximum but extendable in rare cases.

In addition to this, it has some specific visa requirements:

1. Get your I-20 certificate because it is the official invitation from the university you'd be joining. This document outlines your program details, costs, and student status confirmation.
2. Ensure payment of SEVIS fee. The SEVIS system (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) tracks international students in the US.
3. Keep a hard copy of the DS-160 confirmation also. This is your ticket to the next step. It's the confirmation page received after filling out the online US visa application form.
4. Your source of financial backing, like scholarship letters, financial aid documents, or an affidavit of support from your sponsor, is another important visa requirement.
5. Remember to add your academic credentials and any standardised test scores (for example, SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or IELTS). 
6. Attach documents exhibiting your intention to return to your home country once the course is completed. You can do it by showing documents like property ownership, employment contracts, or family ties.

Conclusion

Now that you’re aware of USA visa types and their requirements, you must apply for them smartly. Keep in mind what documents are necessary for which type and how much is the USA visa fees for them. By doing this, you’ll be able to obtain it hassle-free. However, to ensure peace of mind with travel and health insurance coverage, you would need us.

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FAQs

Is the USA tourist visa extendable?

You can apply for an extension by submitting Form I-539 before your authorised stay expires. Approval is subject to USCIS discretion.

Is a visa interview mandatory for all USA visas?

Yes, a personal interview is generally required for all USA visas to verify your application and assess the purpose of your visit.

Can I visit multiple cities in the US on a tourist visa?

Yes, a tourist visa allows you to travel across the US. Your itinerary can include visits to multiple cities.

Can I switch jobs on an H-1B visa?

Yes, you can switch jobs on an H-1B visa, but your new employer must file a petition with USCIS for the transfer.

Is prior work experience with a foreign company necessary for L1 visa eligibility?

Yes, prior work experience is a key L1 visa requirement. To meet L1 visa eligibility, applicants must have worked for at least one continuous year in the last three years with a qualifying foreign company that has a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch in the United States. This prior employment ensures that the applicant has the necessary knowledge of the company’s operations, which is critical for transferring to the U.S. under either the L1A visa or the L1B visa category.

What is the main L1 visa requirement for applicants?

The primary L1 visa requirement is that the applicant must be coming to the United States to work in either a managerial/executive role (L1A visa) or in a position that requires specialised knowledge (L1B visa). Additionally, the U.S. and foreign companies must have a qualifying relationship, and the applicant must have prior experience with the foreign entity. This makes understanding what is L1 visa crucial: it’s essentially a work visa designed for intra-company transfers.

Is it possible to convert an L1 visa to green card?

Yes, it is possible to convert an L1 visa to green card, but the process depends on the type of visa held. Those on an L1A visa (executives and managers) often have a faster route to permanent residency through the EB-1C category, which does not require labor certification. For those on an L1B visa, the process may take longer, typically requiring labor certification before applying for permanent residency. Still, both categories allow applicants to eventually move from an L1 visa to green card if they meet the criteria.

What is an L1A visa and who is eligible for it?

The L1A visa is a type of L1 visa designed for managers and executives being transferred to a U.S. office. To meet L1 visa eligibility for this category, applicants must have been employed in a managerial or executive position abroad for at least one year in the last three years. The role in the U.S. must also be at the managerial or executive level. Since the L1A visa has a clearer pathway from L1 visa to green card, it’s a preferred choice for many multinational companies looking to transfer senior staff.

Is it possible to convert an L1 visa to green card?

Yes, as mentioned earlier, converting an L1 visa to green card is possible. The exact process and timeline depend on whether the applicant is on an L1A visa or an L1B visa. Managers and executives on an L1A visa generally have a quicker route through the EB-1C category, while specialised knowledge employees on an L1B visa may face additional steps. In both cases, fulfilling the L1 visa requirement and maintaining status is crucial for a successful transition.