B-1 / B-2: Visitor visa (Business and Tourism).

Who the B-1 / B-2 is for

• Tourists visiting U.S. attractions or going on holiday
• Indians visiting children, parents, or relatives in the U.S.
• Business travellers attending meetings, conferences, or training
• Patients seeking medical treatment in the U.S.
• Attendees of trade shows, weddings, or short academic events

Typical Indian use cases

• Visiting a son or daughter in the U.S.
• Tourism to New York, California, Las Vegas
• Attending a conference, board meeting, or trade fair
• Short medical evaluation or treatment
• Attending a relative's graduation or wedding

Key requirements

• Strong ties to India (job, family, property, finances)
• Genuine and temporary purpose of visit
• Adequate funds to cover the trip
• Intent to return to India after the trip

Documents to prepare

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Visa fee receipt (USD 185)
• Bank statements (last 6 months)
• Income tax returns (last 2-3 years)
• Employment letter or business proof
• Travel itinerary
• Invitation letter (if visiting family or attending events)
• Property documents (showing ties to India)

India-specific notes

Indian B-1/B-2 visas are typically issued for 10 years, multiple entry. The visa stamp duration is separate from the stay duration: each entry is granted for up to 180 days at the port of entry, regardless of how long the visa is valid for. Wait times in India are currently among the longest worldwide; check the wait-times tool for your consulate.

Common pitfalls at the B-1 / B-2 interview

• Weak documentation of ties to India (the most common refusal reason)
• Inconsistent answers about purpose of visit between DS-160 and interview
• Not bringing supporting documents to the interview
• Overstaying a previous U.S. visa (this damages future applications)
• Applying too close to interview-required events (wait times can exceed a year)

Compare with

• F-1

  Full-time academic study at a SEVIS-approved U.S. school, college, or university.

• H-1B

  Sponsored employment in a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree or higher.

• J-1

  Government-sponsored exchange programs: scholars, interns, au pairs, camp counsellors, summer work-travel.