Nonimmigrant B-1 — BusinessVerified 2026-04-19USA Business Visa (B-1 — Business Visitor)
The B-1 Business visa is for Indian professionals visiting the US for short business activities: meetings, negotiations, conferences, consultations with business associates, settling estates, or specific commercial/professional activities. Cannot take paid employment from a US source. Most Indians apply for combined B-1/B-2 visa — same class, same $185 fee, covers both business and tourism.
Processing
Interview wait times vary significantly by city and season — check current wait times at travel
Stay Duration
Up to 6 months per entry (CBP decides at US border)
Starting Fee
$185
Apply At
6 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL United States visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Complete DS-160 online and print the confirmation page with barcode BEFORE booking appointments. One DS-160 per person, including children.
- 2Pay MRV fee online via usvisascheduling.com. Keep the receipt number — required to schedule appointments.
- 3Book TWO appointments: (1) Visa Application Centre (VAC) for biometrics; (2) Consulate for interview. VAC must be at least 2 business days before Consulate interview.
- 4Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond your intended US stay (unless reciprocal agreement — India has none, so 6-month rule applies).
- 5Social media declaration is MANDATORY on DS-160 for all handles used in the last 5 years. Expanded vetting applies to A-3, C-3 (domestic worker), G-5, H-1B, H-3, H-4 dependents, F, M, J, K, Q, R, S, T, U categories — set social media accounts to 'public' for these.
- 6Presidential Proclamation 10998 (effective 1 Jan 2026) suspends/limits visa issuance to nationals of 39 specified countries — Indian applicants are NOT on this list but check the current travel.state.gov notice.
- 7US visas are stamped (physical sticker) in the passport — unlike UK/Australia digital visas.
- 8Applicants with medical devices must bring a hard-copy letter from a medical professional certifying the need — otherwise entry to the Consular Section may be refused.
- 9Dress smart/professional for the interview. Arrive 15 minutes early. Bring ONLY necessary documents — no bags, no laptops, no bottled water.
Who Can Apply
- Indian professionals attending meetings, conferences, trade shows in the US
- Indian business owners negotiating contracts, settling disputes, site visits
- Consultants providing short-term advice to US clients (payment from overseas employer)
- Indian employees attending short-term training at US offices (not available in India)
- Members of boards of directors attending meetings
Not eligible under this visa:
- Anyone taking up US employment (paid or unpaid — need H/L/O/etc.)
- Activities that sell goods/services directly to the US public
- Management/operational roles at a US entity
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 Business/Tourist visa | $185 |
| F-1 / M-1 Student visa | $185 |
| J-1 Exchange Visitor | $185 |
| H/L/O/P/Q Work visas | $205 |
| R-1 Religious Worker visa | $205 |
| C/D Transit/Crewmember visa | $185 |
| I Journalist/Media | $185 |
| K-1 Fiancé(e) | $265 |
| E Treaty Trader/Investor | $315 |
All US nonimmigrant visa (MRV) fees are set in USD by the Department of State and paid online in India via usvisascheduling.com. The INR amount depends on exchange rate on payment day. Additional costs: SEVIS fee for F/M/J visas (paid to ICE separately), VFS document delivery charges, photograph, and any USCIS petition fees (for work visas — usually paid by employer). MRV fees are non-refundable regardless of interview outcome.
Documents Required
Mandatory at Interview
- !Valid passport (6+ months beyond stay)
- !DS-160 confirmation page
- !Interview appointment confirmation
- !MRV fee receipt ($185)
Business Documents
- !Letter from Indian employer
On company letterhead. Confirms role, salary, approved leave, purpose of US visit, that all costs are borne by employer (or applicant), and that you return to your Indian job after.
- !Invitation letter from US company/client
On US company letterhead. Includes US company address, purpose of meetings, duration, meetings scheduled, and who bears costs.
- ○Conference/trade show registration (if applicable)
- ○Meeting agenda / itinerary
Supports genuine business purpose.
- ○For self-employed: GST certificate, company registration, recent financials
Proof of Funds
- !Personal bank statements (6 months)
- ○Company bank statements (if employer sponsoring)
- !ITRs (3 years)
Ties to India
- !Employment continuity evidence (salary slips, appointment letter)
- ○Property / family / business commitments in India
- ○Return flight tentative booking
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Complete DS-160 online
Select B-1 or B-1/B-2 combined. Fill accurately.
Pay $185 MRV fee
Via usvisascheduling.com.
Schedule VAC + Consulate appointments
VAC 2+ days before Consulate.
Biometrics at VAC (VFS centre)
Quick — fingerprints + photo.
Consulate interview
Be ready to explain: who you're meeting, what you'll discuss, how long, why it can't happen virtually.
Decision same day
Approved / 214(b) refused / 221(g) further review.
Passport + visa collection
3–7 business days after approval.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
DS-160 — Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Mandatory online form for ALL US nonimmigrant visa applicants. Complete, submit, and print the confirmation page (with barcode) BEFORE booking your appointment.
US Embassy India — Official Visa Information
Official information on US visa services in India — covers all categories, updates, and notices.
USTravelDocs India — Appointment Scheduling & Fees
Where Indian applicants pay MRV fee, schedule VAC (biometrics) + Consulate (interview) appointments, and track passport return.
SEVIS Fee Payment (I-901) — for F/M/J visas
Required for student and exchange visa applicants BEFORE the visa interview. Keep the receipt.
USCIS — Petition-based Work Visa Information
For H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc — the employer files I-129 petition with USCIS first; approval notice (I-797) is required at visa interview.
VFS Application Centres
Schengen Business Visa Eligibility Check
Answer 10 questions focused on business visa criteria. Business applications face different scrutiny — the embassy wants clear purpose, genuine business relationships, and verifiable host.
Who is inviting you to Denmark / the Schengen country?
What form will the invitation take?
How long have you had a business relationship with the Danish host?
How long is your business trip?
What's your role in your Indian company?
What's your Indian company's annual turnover?
Helps establish legitimacy of the business case.
How often do you travel internationally for business?
Have you used a Schengen visa before?
Any previous visa refusals (business or otherwise)?
Your return-to-India anchor?
Indicative only — final decision is always with the Embassy.
💡 Pro Tips
- If you travel to the US for business 2+ times/year, apply for B-1/B-2 combined — same fee, covers both purposes, and lasts 10 years.
- The US invitation letter is heavily scrutinised. It should clearly state the US company's purpose, meetings planned, duration, and who bears costs.
- Common interview question: 'Why can't this meeting happen on Zoom?' Have a concrete answer — site visit, in-person negotiation, hands-on training, equipment demo, etc.
- Don't overpack documents. Interview time is 2-3 minutes — the officer reads the DS-160 and your visa history more than bringing papers.
- Complete the DS-160 carefully — you cannot make changes after submission. Any errors require starting over.
- Prepare strong 'ties to India' evidence: property documents, family, employment, ongoing commitments. The single most important factor for B-1/B-2 and F-1 interviews.
- Bring ORIGINALS (not photocopies) of all financial and supporting documents to the interview — the consular officer may ask to see any of them.
- Interview lasts 2-3 minutes on average. Answer questions directly, honestly, and confidently. Do NOT volunteer extra information.
- The consular officer decides within minutes. You're told immediately whether approved, denied (214(b)), or placed in 221(g) administrative processing.
- 214(b) refusals are not permanent — you can reapply with stronger documentation. 221(g) means your case needs further review.
- If approved, your passport + visa is delivered to your chosen pickup location (VFS centre or courier) within 3-7 business days.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.214(b) — weak ties to India, concerns about overstay
- 2.Vague business purpose
- 3.Weak US invitation letter
- 4.Profile mismatch — junior employee sent for senior-level activities
Frequently Asked Questions
B-1 vs B-1/B-2 — which?+
Can I work in the US on B-1?+
Can I attend a US training on B-1?+
How long can I stay per visit?+
Let us prepare your USA Business Visa — (B-1 — Business Visitor) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other United States Visa Types
USA Tourist Visa (B-2 — Tourism / Visit Family)
Non-immigrant visa for Indian citizens visiting the US for tourism, leisure, medical, or to see family/friends. Typically 10-year multiple-entry. $185.
USA Student Visa (F-1 — Academic Student)
Full-time study visa for Indian students at US universities/colleges. Requires I-20 from SEVP-certified school + SEVIS fee + funds evidence. $185 visa fee.
USA Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1) — Informational
For participants in State-Department-approved exchange programs — research scholars, interns, trainees, au pairs, summer work travel, physicians. Sponsor-driven.
USA H-1B Work Visa (Speciality Occupation) — Informational
Petition-based work visa for Indian professionals with US job offers in specialty occupations requiring bachelor's+. Annual lottery, 65,000 cap + 20,000 US master's. $205.
USA L-1 Intra-Company Transfer Visa — Informational
For Indian managers/executives (L-1A) or specialised-knowledge employees (L-1B) transferring to a US branch/subsidiary of their employer. No annual cap. $205.
USA O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa — Informational
For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or film. Petition-based, no cap. Stringent standards.
USA P Visa (Athletes, Entertainers, Artists) — Informational
For internationally recognised athletes, entertainers, artists, or performers entering the US for specific events/competitions. P-1, P-2, P-3 sub-categories.
USA Q Cultural Exchange Visa — Informational
For participants in international cultural exchange programs providing practical training + cultural sharing with the American public.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global United States website and Embassy of United States. Last verified 2026-04-19. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.