Nonimmigrant C-1 — TransitVerified 2026-04-19USA Transit Visa (C-1 — Transit Through the US)
The C-1 Transit visa is for aliens travelling in immediate and continuous transit through the US to a third country. HOWEVER, unlike the UK, the US does NOT have a separate airside-transit option — even a transit through a US airport requires a full visa (typically B-1/B-2). Most Indians transiting via the US use their existing B-1/B-2 visa; C-1 is less common.
Processing
Interview wait times vary significantly by city and season — check current wait times at travel
Stay Duration
Up to 29 days (but typically mere hours for airline connections)
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.
- 10The US has NO airside-transit option — even a 2-hour airport connection requires a valid US visa. Plan ahead.
- 11If you already hold B-1/B-2, you can use it for transit — no need to apply for separate C-1.
Who Can Apply
- Indian travellers with immediate continuous transit through US to a third country
- Crew members of ships/aircraft (C-1/D combined is common)
- Travellers with confirmed onward tickets within 29 days
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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. Note: most Indian travellers use their B-1/B-2 visa for transit rather than a separate C-1. A valid B-1/B-2 covers transit at no extra cost.
Documents Required
Core
- !Valid passport (6+ months beyond transit)
- !DS-160 confirmation
- !$185 MRV fee receipt
- !Confirmed onward ticket within 29 days
- !Valid visa/entry document for onward destination
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Check if you already have B-1/B-2
If yes — no need for separate C-1. Your B-1/B-2 covers transit.
Complete DS-160
Select C-1 Transit if applying fresh.
Pay $185 + schedule appointments
Standard consular flow.
Consulate interview
Brief — focus on onward destination and transit purpose.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a US transit visa with my B-1/B-2?+
Can I leave the airport during US transit?+
Is there an airside-only transit option like DATV?+
Let us prepare your USA Transit Visa — (C-1 — Transit Through the US) 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 Business Visa (B-1 — Business Visitor)
Non-immigrant visa for Indian professionals doing business activities in the US — meetings, conferences, negotiations, consulting. $185. Usually combined B-1/B-2.
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.
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.