Nonimmigrant E-1/E-2 — Not Eligible for Indian NationalsVerified 2026-04-19USA Treaty Trader/Investor Visa (E-1/E-2) — Not Available to Indian Nationals
The E-1 (Treaty Trader) and E-2 (Treaty Investor) visas are for nationals of countries with a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the US. Despite India's strong economic relations with the US, India is NOT on the E-visa treaty list — so Indian citizens are NOT eligible.
India is NOT on the E-visa treaty country list. Indian citizens cannot apply for E-1/E-2 unless they also hold a qualifying dual citizenship (e.g., UK, Canada, Singapore, Australia). This page is informational only.
Processing
Interview wait times vary significantly by city and season — check current wait times at travel
Stay Duration
Up to 5 years per admission (renewable indefinitely while treaty business continues)
Starting Fee
$185
Apply At
6 VFS centres
Who Can Apply
- Nationals of countries with qualifying treaties (UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, etc.) — NOT India
- Indian citizens with second passport from eligible treaty country
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 |
Not applicable to Indian nationals.
Documents Required
Overview — not applicable for Indian passport holders
- !Eligibility requires treaty-country passport
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Not applicable for Indian passport holders
Indian citizens should consider L-1 (intra-company transfer), H-1B (specialty occupation), or EB-5 (investor Green Card) instead.
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
Why can't Indians apply for E-2?+
What should Indians consider instead?+
This page is for information only
SureshotVisa does not process this visa category. For other United States visa types we can help with — Tourist, Visitor, Business, Student, or Family Reunification — see the related visa types below.
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.