How to Apply for a U.S. Visit/Tourist Visa (B2)
Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for tourism (visa category B-2). Activities permissible under are Tourism, Vacation, Visit with friends or relatives, participation in social events etc.
If you apply for a B-2 visa, you must demonstrate to a consular officer that you qualify for a U.S. visa in accordance with the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Section 214(b) of the INA presumes that every B-1/B-2 applicant is an intending immigrant. You must overcome this legal presumption by showing:
- That the purpose of your trip to the United States is for tourism, vacation, visit with friends or relatives, participation in social events etc.;
- That you plan to remain in the United States for a specific, limited period of time;
- Evidence of funds to cover your expenses while in the United States;
- That you have a residence outside the United States, as well as other binding social or economic ties, that will ensure your return abroad at the end of your visit.
How to Apply
Step 1
Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. Be sure to read the Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 form carefully. All information must be correct and accurate. Once the form is submitted, you cannot make any changes.
Step 2
Once you have completed the DS-160, you must pay necessary visa fee. In order to ensure the proper amount is paid and activated in a timely manner, first create a profile and choose the Schedule Appointment option. On the payment confirmation screen you will be presented with payment options and further details of how to initiate payment. Your profile usually will be updated with payment information within few hours from time of payment.
Payment Options
- National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) * New Mobile Payments – IMPS * New
- Cash – Over the Counter at DRUK Bank
- Cash – Over the Counter (AXIS Bank and Citibank).
Step 3
You are almost ready to schedule your visa appointment! Now you will need to login to your profile with the same credentials you used to pay your visa fee. Once you are in the system, you will see your dashboard. Click on Schedule Appointment on the left-hand side menu. This will start the process for scheduling your appointment.
You must schedule two appointments, one for the Visa Application Center (VAC) and one for the visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate. First, schedule your appointment at a Visa Application Centre. This appointment will allow you to go to one of the five Visa Application Centre locations to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This appointment must be at least 1 day before your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate. Second, schedule your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate.
As you go through the process you will be able to select your visa type, enter personal data, add dependents, select your document delivery location, confirm visa payment, and schedule your appointment.
Documents Required
Step 4
For your Visa Application Centre appointment, you need to carry:
- A passport valid for travel to the United States with validity dates at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.
- Your DS-160 confirmation page.
- Your appointment confirmation page.
Following your visit to the Visa Application Centre to have your photo and fingerprints taken, you will then visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview.
Documents to carry for Visa Interview
- A printed copy of your appointment letter.
- Your DS-160 confirmation page.
- Your current and all old passports.
- Supporting Documents as per your visa type – Please check B-1 Checklist for more details.
Passport Delivery
Step 5
If your visa application is approved, your passport with visa can be collected from the pickup location you selected when you scheduled for interview appointment. When your passport is available at selected location you will receive an email and an SMS that your passport is “Ready for Pick Up”.
Passport Tracking
You can track your passport online (Passport Tracking). If your passport is not collected within 14 calendar days from selected location it will be sent back to the respective Embassy or Consulate. If you have selected Blue Dart courier location then you will have to collect your passport within 7 business days.
Note: Please ensure that you provide the correct email address and also check your mail box regularly for notification.