Independent private US visitor visa consultancy
1. Confirm the visitor category and purpose
Tourism, family visits and certain medical travel generally fall under B-2. Qualifying temporary business activities may fall under B-1. A combined B1/B2 visa may be issued, but the stated purpose must be accurate and the activity must comply with visitor rules.
2. Gather accurate information
Prepare passport details, travel purpose, intended dates and destinations, US contact, employment or business history, education where requested, previous international travel, prior US applications and family information. Resolve unclear dates before entering the form.
3. Complete and submit the DS-160
The DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State. Review every section before signing. After submission, print and keep the barcode confirmation page. The applicant remains responsible for the answers even when another person assists.
4. Create the official scheduling profile and pay the fee
Use the official country-specific scheduling resource, enter the applicant’s details accurately and follow the current payment instructions. The B-category application processing fee is currently US$185, non-refundable. The INR amount and payment method can change.
5. Schedule the required appointments
Follow the current India instructions for biometrics, document submission and the consular interview. Requirements may differ for applicants who appear eligible for interview-waiver processing, and a consular officer may still require an interview.
6. Prepare supporting evidence
Carry the required items and a focused set of supporting records that fit the applicant’s profile. Evidence may concern the purpose of travel, financial ability, employment or business, family situation and intention to leave after the visit.
7. Attend biometrics and the interview
Arrive according to the official instructions. At the interview, answer briefly and truthfully from the submitted application. Do not provide documents unless requested, but keep relevant evidence organised.
8. Decision, administrative processing and passport return
The officer may approve, refuse or place the case into additional administrative processing. Processing time varies by case. If approved, follow the official delivery or collection instructions. A visa does not itself guarantee admission; US Customs and Border Protection decides admission at the port of entry.
Do not make irreversible travel commitments based only on an appointment or expected approval.
Decision checkpoints before moving to the next stage
| Before | Confirm |
|---|---|
| Submitting the DS-160 | Passport details, category, travel purpose, US contact, employment history and refusal disclosures are accurate |
| Paying the fee | The official profile belongs to the correct applicant and the intended category is understood |
| Booking or rescheduling | The confirmation number, required stages, cities and dates are correct and practical |
| Attending the interview | The applicant has reviewed the submitted form and can explain the trip, funding and personal circumstances |
Each checkpoint prevents a small early error from becoming an appointment or interview problem.
A practical sequence for applicants in Delhi
Delhi applicants can complete the online preparation from anywhere, but the appointment notice determines where each in-person stage must occur. Read the notice rather than assuming that every step takes place at the embassy. Allow for local travel, security restrictions and the possibility that the official system may show different location options.
Applicants visiting our Bhikaji Cama Place consultation office should call first and bring a short case summary: category, passport status, DS-160 status, fee status, existing appointment and intended travel timing. Passwords, one-time codes and unnecessary original records should not be brought or sent unless a secure and specific need has been agreed.
Common sequence mistakes
- Paying before confirming that the official profile and category are correct.
- Submitting a DS-160 with placeholder contacts or invented travel details.
- Booking a date without checking every required appointment stage.
- Changing the DS-160 but failing to follow the official procedure for the confirmation number.
- Preparing documents only after the appointment is booked and discovering that the travel purpose is unclear.
- Purchasing non-refundable flights because the interview date has been scheduled.
What our end-to-end assistance includes
Support can begin at the profile stage or after an applicant has already submitted a form. We first identify the current stage, then review only the work that remains: category and purpose, DS-160 preparation or consistency check, profile and fee sequence, appointment assistance, documents and interview readiness.
We do not replace the applicant's responsibility to provide truthful information, attend required appointments and make final declarations. Official fees and decisions remain outside the consultancy's control.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first step in a US visitor visa application?
First confirm that the planned travel fits the visitor category and gather accurate information for the DS-160.
When is the visa fee paid?
Follow the country-specific official scheduling instructions. The fee step is generally completed before an interview appointment can be scheduled.
Do I need to buy flights before applying?
Non-refundable travel should not be booked merely to support a visa application. A proposed itinerary can be described without assuming approval.
Where should Indian applicants schedule the interview?
Current Department of State guidance generally directs nonimmigrant applicants to apply in their country of nationality or residence. Follow the official India scheduling instructions for the available posts and procedures.