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B1/B2 visitor visa
USA visitor visa guide
Planning a graduation visit, a family celebration or a holiday in the USA? The B-2 visitor category covers tourism and family visits. Visas are often issued as a combined B1/B2 visa. The sections below explain what to prepare and how to apply.
B1/B2 visitor visa (B-2 covers tourism and family visits)
Application
DS-160 online form for each applicant, then the visa fee and appointments
Appointments
Photo and fingerprints at a Visa Application Centre, then a consular interview (or document submission if eligible)
Length of stay
Decided by US border officers (CBP) on arrival and recorded on your I-94
1Visitor visa for a graduation ceremony
Parents and relatives can apply to attend a student's graduation or “grad walk”. Plan around the ceremony date and allow enough time for appointments.
Be ready to explain the university name, ceremony date, length of your visit, where you will stay and who will pay.
Useful supporting documents: Graduation details or an invitation, proof of your relationship, and copies of the student's passport, visa, latest I-20 and I-94. Enrolment confirmation or an OPT card may be useful, depending on the student's current situation.
2Visitor visa for an event or family visit
This covers short visits for occasions such as a wedding, birthday, housewarming or family reunion, as well as visiting a relative studying in the USA.
Explain your connection to the host and your travel dates. Business conferences generally fall under B-1; paid work or professional performances need a separate eligibility check.
Useful supporting documents: Event details, the host's address and contact details, proof of your relationship and, where relevant, a copy of the host's passport and immigration-status documents.
3Visitor visa for tourism
For a holiday, prepare a simple plan showing the places you want to visit, your expected travel dates, accommodation and budget. Keep the plan realistic for your income and available leave.
Useful supporting documents: A proposed travel itinerary, recent bank statements and relevant employment, business or retirement records. Wait until the visa is issued before buying non-refundable tickets.
4US visitor visa renewal
Renewal means making a fresh visa application with updated information. A previous visa does not guarantee approval, and Dropbox is not available to every applicant.
Under the current interview-waiver rules, certain B1/B2 renewals may qualify within 12 months of the previous visa's expiry if it was issued for full validity and the applicant was at least 18 when it was issued. Applicants must apply in their country of nationality or usual residence, have no visa refusal unless overcome or waived, and have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
Complete a new DS-160 and follow the appointment system's eligibility questions. If directed to document submission, use its checklist. The consulate can still ask you to attend an interview.
How the application process works
Prepare your details
Keep your passport, travel history, work or study details, US contact and proposed travel plan ready. Include previous visa refusals and past US visits accurately.
Complete the DS-160
Each applicant needs a separate online form. Check every answer before submitting and save the barcode confirmation page.
Pay and book
Use the official appointment service linked from the US Embassy in India website. Pay the applicable fee and follow the booking instructions for an interview or eligible document submission.
Attend your biometric and visa appointments
Interview applicants in India normally attend a Visa Application Centre for photo and fingerprints, followed by a consular interview.
Speak clearly at the interview
After entry checks and security screening, staff direct you to the interview counter. Answer honestly about your visit, finances and plans to return. Some applications need further documents or processing before a decision.
Receive your passport
Follow the collection or delivery instructions.
Documents to keep ready
Application documents
Current passport, previous passports where relevant, DS-160 confirmation, appointment or submission confirmation, fee receipt where required, and a photo meeting the current instructions.
Financial evidence
Recent bank statements and income records. Depending on your situation, these may include payslips, Form 16, tax returns, business records or pension statements. If someone else pays, explain what they will cover and provide relevant evidence.
Reasons to return
Employment or approved leave, ongoing business, studies, family responsibilities or other genuine commitments in India. Use documents that fit your circumstances.
There is no standard ₹6–10 lakh minimum balance for every visitor. Your funds should reasonably cover the trip. Invitation letters are optional, and property valuations or CA certificates are not compulsory for everyone. Carry relevant evidence; the officer may not ask to see every document.
Before you travel
A visitor visa does not allow regular employment or degree study. Visa validity is different from permission to stay: US border officers (CBP) decide admission and the allowed stay, recorded on your I-94.
Book your return (to-and-fro) flight tickets once your visa is issued.
Golden Globe Overseas Education can help you understand the process, organise documents and prepare for the interview. Visa decisions are made by the US consular officer.
