The United States Tourist Visa (B-2 Visa) application process for Indian passport holders

1. Eligibility & Core Requirements

• Confirm that Indian citizens must obtain a US tourist visa (B-2 visa) prior to travel; no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option exists.

• Passport criteria: must be original, valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, with a minimum of two blank pages.

• Visa purpose strictly for tourism, leisure, visiting family/friends, or medical treatment; paid employment, business, long-term study, migration, or settlement are prohibited.

• Applicants must demonstrate strong ties to India (stable employment, property ownership, family connections), clear intent to return, and no serious criminal or immigration violations.

2. Comprehensive Document Checklist & Required Evidence

• Completed and signed DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application form with confirmation page.

• Original passport with required validity and blank pages, plus photocopies of biodata and prior US visas if applicable.

• Two recent 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) passport-style photographs with white background meeting US specifications.

• Confirmed round-trip flight bookings and proof of accommodation for the stay.

• Cover letter or supporting documents explaining visit purpose, itinerary, funding source, and intent to return.

• Proof of financial means: recent bank statements (last 3–6 months), salary slips, and income tax returns (last 2–3 years).

• Employment proof: leave sanction or no objection letter for employees; business registration and tax documents for self-employed; pension or student enrollment certificates where applicable.

• Invitation letter from US-based host if visiting family/friends (if applicable).

• Biometrics appointment confirmation and interview appointment letter.

• Any additional documents as required by the US embassy or consulate.

3. Permitted vs. Prohibited Activities

• Permitted: tourism, leisure, visiting family/friends, medical treatment, and attending unpaid short-term events.

• Prohibited: paid employment, business activities, long-term study, residency, migration, or overstaying visa validity.

4. Recent Policy & Process Updates (2025)

• Online DS-160 form completion and biometric data submission through VFS Global centers; visa interviews must be attended in person at US embassy/consulates.

• Interview scheduling is flexible with options to reschedule; wait times may vary.

• No requirement to show confirmed hotel or flight bookings, but these may be requested during interviews or secondary screening.

• Enhanced scrutiny of financial proofs, travel itinerary, ties to India, and previous immigration history is enforced.

• Processing times vary; early application is advised to avoid delays.

5. Application Submission Workflow

• Complete DS-160 online form and print confirmation page.

• Schedule biometrics appointment at VFS Global center; provide fingerprints and photograph.

• Schedule and attend visa interview at the US embassy or consulate.

• Bring all required documents and be prepared for questioning about the trip's purpose and ties to India.

• Track application status online; once approved, collect passport and verify visa details.

6. Role & Value of Professional Visa Service Providers (JKVTravel.com)

• Pre-screen applicants for eligibility and recommend the appropriate visa category.

• Provide updated, tailored document checklists and review document completeness and compliance with embassy requirements.

• Assist with DS-160 form completion, appointment scheduling, and interview preparation.

• Monitor visa application status, help respond to additional document requests, and support reapplication if necessary.

• Professional support reduces errors, streamlines the process, minimizes refusal risk, and alleviates client stress while clarifying that final visa issuance and entry decisions rest solely with US authorities and cannot be guaranteed or expedited by any agent or service.