Oct 30, 2026
Sep 26, 2026
Riddhi MevadaDreaming of a trip to New York, a family visit in New Jersey, or exploring the national parks out west? Since India has no visa-waiver or visa-on-arrival arrangement with the United States, every Indian citizen travelling for tourism must first obtain a B1/B2 Tourist Visa. This guide covers everything you need to know about documents, fees, interview wait times, and the application process in 2026.
The B1/B2 is a non-immigrant visitor visa: B1 covers short business visits, while B2 covers tourism, family visits, and medical treatment. In practice, almost all Indian applicants are issued a combined B1/B2 visa. It is typically valid for 10 years with multiple entries, though the length of each individual stay — usually up to 6 months — is decided by the immigration officer at the US port of entry, not by the visa itself. Working or taking up paid employment on a B1/B2 visa is not permitted and can lead to deportation and future visa ineligibility.
| Fee Component | Amount (USD) | When Charged |
|---|---|---|
| MRV Application Fee (non-refundable) | $185 | At the time of scheduling the interview |
| Visa Integrity Fee | $250 | Only upon visa approval |
| I-94 Fee | $24 | Paid on arrival in the USA |
| Total estimated cost (if approved) | ~$435–$472 | — |
The $185 MRV fee applies whether or not the visa is approved. The Visa Integrity Fee is a new addition introduced under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," applicable only to approved applicants.
The US tourist visa process has two distinct timelines. Interview appointment wait times currently range from around 3 to 10 months, depending on the consulate (Mumbai and Hyderabad tend to run longer) and the season, with peak demand typically in April–June and November–December. Post-interview processing is much faster — most approved applications are stamped within 3 to 5 business days, though cases flagged for administrative processing (also known as 221(g)) can take an additional 4 to 12 weeks. Given the long appointment wait, Volumaax recommends starting the process at least 3 to 4 months before your intended travel date.
| Factor | USA | UK | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Fee (approx.) | $185 + $250 (if approved) | £127 (6-month visit) | CAD 100 |
| Interview Required | Yes, in-person | Usually not required | Usually not required |
| Typical Wait for Appointment/Decision | 3–10 months (appointment) | 3–6 weeks (decision) | 4–8 weeks (decision) |
| Visa Validity | Up to 10 years | Up to 10 years | Up to 10 years |
The USA stands out for its long interview wait times compared to the UK and Canada, which generally do not require an in-person interview for standard tourist applications. This makes early planning especially important for US-bound travellers.
Volumaax's visa consultants can help you complete your DS-160, prepare for your interview, and put together a strong, well-documented USA tourist visa application.
Explore USA Visa ServicesYes. India does not have a visa-waiver or visa-on-arrival arrangement with the United States, so Indian passport holders must obtain a B1/B2 visitor visa from a US Embassy or Consulate before travelling.
The base MRV application fee is $185, non-refundable regardless of outcome. If approved, a new Visa Integrity Fee of $250 also applies, along with a $24 I-94 fee paid on arrival, bringing the total cost to roughly $435–$472 per applicant.
Interview appointment wait times currently range from about 3 to 10 months depending on the consulate. Once the interview is completed, a decision is usually given the same day, with the passport returned within 3 to 5 business days, unless the case goes into administrative processing.
The visa itself is typically valid for 10 years with multiple entries for Indian citizens, but the length of each individual stay is decided by the immigration officer at the port of entry, usually up to 6 months.
Yes, for most applicants. Since September 2, 2025, most non-immigrant visa applicants, including B1/B2 tourists, are required to attend an in-person interview, though some renewal applicants may qualify for the Interview Waiver (Dropbox) Program.
Related reads: UK Tourist Visa 2026 Guide · Canada Tourist Visa 2026 Guide · Germany Tourist Visa 2026 Guide · USA Visa Services at Volumaax
