Yes, Indian Citizens need a visa to enter the United States, whether visiting for tourism, business, education, or other purposes.

Indian Citizens are eligible for getting a US visa, provided they can prove that:

• The trip to the US is for a temporary visit, such as business, tourism, or family.

• The stay in the US is planned for a limited period.

• There is sufficient evidence of funds to cover expenses while in the US.

• There is a residence and strong ties outside the US that ensure a return after the visit.

Here is a list of documents required to apply for a US tourist visa from USA: 

• A complete Nonimmigrant Visa Application or Form DS-160.

• The passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the US. 

• A passport-size photo that meets the US visa photo requirements. 

Additional documents required for US visa appointments:

• DS-160 Form Confirmation page;

• Appointment confirmation page;

• Fee payment receipt;

• Proof of the trip's purpose (e.g., cover letter, travel itinerary, etc.);

• Proof of sufficient funds (preferably bank statements of the last 6 months);

• Proof of your intent to return to your home country (letter of employment or the leave approval letter).

Here is how Indian Citizens can apply for a US visa from USA: 

Step 1: Carefully complete the DS-160 Form online. 

Step 2: Create an account on the USA government website to pay your US visa fees.  

Step 3: After paying the fee, schedule the VAC (for biometrics) and embassy appointments (for a personal interview). 

Step 4: Visit the VAC to submit your biometric information and take the appointment confirmation page, DS-160 Confirmation page, and passport (including your old passport, if applicable).

Step 5: On the interview day, submit your supporting documents and answer any questions the officer asks. 

Step 6: You will be informed about the visa decision immediately after your interview. If approved, submit your passport for visa processing. 

Step 7: Once the visa is processed, you can collect your passport from the US passport collection centres or have it delivered (if you opted for the courier service). 

A US tourist or B-2 visa for Indian Citizens is typically valid for 10 years from the issue date and allows a stay of up to 180 days per visit.

Yes, the US consular interview is mandatory for all Indian Citizens (except children under 14 and applicants aged 80 and over).

The most common questions asked in a US visa interview are any combination of the following:

• Purpose of visit

  • Why do you want to go to the USA?

  • What places do you plan to visit in the USA?

• Duration and dates of stay

  • How long do you intend to stay in the USA?

  • Have you booked your flights?

• Accommodation and travel plans

  • Where will you be staying in the USA?

  • Do you have relatives or friends in the USA?

• Financial capability

  • Who is sponsoring your trip?

  • How will you finance your trip?

• Employment and ties to home country

  • What is your occupation?

  • How long have you been working with your current employer?

  • Do you have any dependents?

• Previous travel history

  • Have you ever visited the USA before?

  • Have you travelled to other countries before?

The US visa processing for Indian Citizens typically takes 3-5 working days, which also involves stamping the visa. 

Note: Generally, you are informed of the visa decision by the end of the visa interview.

Here is how you can track your US visa status from USA:

• Visit the US Department of State’s CEAC website.

• Select ‘Nonimmigrant visa’ under the “Visa Application Type.”

• Select your location and enter- your application ID, passport number and first 5 letters of your surname.

• Enter the Captcha and click ‘Submit’ to see the visa status.

Yes, all USA citizens (including minors) applying for a US tourist visa must separately complete the DS-160 Form.

Here are some common mistakes that applicants make which often lead to US visa rejections:

• Incomplete or incorrect application forms, where details don’t match supporting documents, can lead to visa rejection.

• Insufficient proof of funds may suggest you cannot cover your trip expenses, increasing the risk of rejection.

• A visa may be denied if your passport is not valid for at least six months beyond your stay.

• Failure to provide strong ties to your home country, like a job or property, may cause concerns about overstaying.

Applying for the wrong visa type, such as requesting a tourist visa for work purposes, will result in rejection.

Yes, you can reapply for a US visa after being rejected, provided you understand and address the reasons for the denial outlined by the visa officer.

No, Indian Citizens cannot work or enrol in a degree program on a B-2 visa. The B-2 visa is strictly issued for tourism, visiting friends or relatives, or participation in social events or activities.

Here's a quick overview of what to expect when applying for a US visa through Atlys.

• Visit Atlys: Start your US tourist visa application on Atlys.

• Submit documents and pay the fee: Upload your digital photo and passport and check out by paying the required fee. 

• Connect with a visa expert: Once you check out, an Atlys visa expert will contact you to help you throughout the visa application process.  

• Express US visa appointments: The visa expert will also get an expedited slot for your visa appointment and interview. 

• Attend the appointments: Attend your VAC appointment and the consular interview as scheduled. 

• Visa outcome: At the end of the interview, the visa officer will inform you of your visa status. If approved, submit the passport and relevant documents to the consulate. 

Delivery of your visa: Once your visa is processed, collect the visa-affixed passport from your selected pickup location.