Are you planning a trip to the US soon? Then, knowing about the US visa is essential for you, whether your trip is for business, academics, or leisure purposes. The type of visa you apply for and the reason for your visit decides the US visa fees for Indians.
In this article, we will help you to understand the US visa process, visa types and the costs associated with them. Let’s us begin.
Is US Visa a Necessity For Indians?
Getting a US visa is generally mandatory for Indians who are planning to visit or relocate there, except for those from countries eligible under the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). A US visa grants the holder the ability to approach a port of entry—be it an airport or border crossing—and formally request entry from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials. These authorities determine your admissibility based on the visa type and intended duration of stay. Notably, while a visa does not ensure entry, it does confirm that a US Embassy or Consulate has preliminarily vetted and approved your visit, signalling to DHS/CBP officers your eligibility to enter the United States.
US Visa Fees in India: Types of US Visas for Indians
Knowing the US visa fee schedule for Indian citizens means negotiating a convoluted range of visa types. Each visa type is catered for various uses and stay times. Non-immigrant visas are for travellers who do not plan to reside permanently in the US.
Here is a list of different types of visas and their associated fee for Indian nationals:
- Business/Tourist Visa (B): B visas are mostly used for short trips for work or pleasure. You have to pay $185 USD to get this visa.
- Work Visas (H, L, O, P, Q): People coming to the U.S. for work reasons can get these visas. They are available for a variety of categories, such as temporary workers and people with special skills. The associated fee is $205 USD.
- Student Visas (F, M): Individuals who want to pursue college or vocational studies in the U.S. must have these. It costs $185 USD to apply for both F and M visas.
- Exchange Visitor Visa (J): People who are taking part in cultural exchange programs must pay $185 USD for this visa.
- Religious Worker Visa (R): It costs $205 USD and is for people coming to the U.S. to work in a religious role.
- Domestic Employee Visa (B-1): This visa costs $185 USD and is for domestic workers who are coming to the U.S. with their bosses.
- Journalist and Media Visa (I): This visa is intended for representatives of foreign media. It includes journalists and filmmakers and costs $185 USD.
US Visa Application Fees in India
The US visa application fees for Indian applicants vary depending on the visa category:
- Standard Fee (approximately INR 15,540): This fee applies to B, C-1, D, F, I, J, M, T, and TN/TD visas. They cover tourists, transit, crew, students, journalists, exchange visitors, victims of trafficking, and NAFTA professionals.
- Enhanced Fee (approximately INR 17,220): The fee applies to H, L, O, P, Q, R, E, and K visas. These are visas for temporary workers, intra-company transfers, people with remarkable abilities, sports, entertainers, cultural exchange participants, religious workers, treaty traders/investors, and fiancé or spouses of US citizens.
Other US Visa Fee Payments in India
There are also several other specific US visa fee payments that Indian applicants may encounter. These are:
- Border Crossing Card Fees: The price for those 15 years of age and above is USD 185 (approximately INR 15,540).
- L Visa Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee: This applies to the USD 500 (approximately INR 40,923) major petitioners included on the L blanket petition.
- Certain H-1B and L-1 Petitioners Fee: Companies employing 50 or more employees in the US where more than half of them are on H-1B or L-1 nonimmigrant status must pay a hefty fee. The fee is USD 4,500 (INR 3,68,309).
When is the Non-Immigrant US Visa Application Fee in India Not Required?
Certain Indian candidates are free from the non-immigrant US visa application cost. This happens under circumstances supporting international diplomacy, cooperation, and humanitarian initiatives.
- Diplomatic and Official Exemptions: Holders of A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, and diplomatic visas are exempt, facilitating official international duties.
- Cultural and Educational Exchanges: Participants in US government-sponsored educational and cultural exchanges holding J visas are not required to pay the fee.
- Machine-Readable Visa Corrections: Fees are waived for corrections to visas that were improperly affixed or issued erroneously, though there was no fault of the applicant.
- International Agreements and Charitable Services: Exemptions apply to international observers and those providing approved charitable services.
- US Government Employees and Families: Fees are waived for US government employees and their families travelling for official or critical personal reasons, ensuring continued support in times of need.
Conclusion
A clear understanding of the visa fee structure is essential to avoid any financial surprises as you finalise plans for your trip to the US. While some visa fees are fixed, others may vary based on the visa type and your specific needs. You should also look into availing travel insurance online to ensure a hassle-free experience. This step safeguards your journey against unexpected events and provides peace of mind.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.