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US B1/B2 Visa Renewal for Indians: 2026 Rules and Fees

US B1/B2 Visa Renewal for Indians: 2026 Rules and Fees
US B1/B2 visa renewal for Indians in 2026: New rules, fees and interview checks with tougher procedure explained · businesstoday.in

Many people from India want to visit the United States for business or holidays, and they need a special travel permit called a B1/B2 visa.

If they had one before, they may be able to renew it.

In 2026, the renewal rules have become stricter.

Only people with a full-length visa, usually valid for ten years, and a clean travel record can renew.

There is a faster option called Dropbox, but it is now only for people whose visa expired in the last twelve months.

Everyone else must attend a visa interview, which can take months to schedule in some cities like Mumbai and Delhi.

The visa fee costs about 17,228 rupees and is not refundable, even if the application is rejected.

Renewing a visa is not automatic.

People must show they have enough money and strong reasons to return to India.

That is why accurate paperwork and honest answers are so important.

Key facts

Visa type
B1/B2 (business and tourism)
MRV application fee
$185 (around ₹17,228), non-refundable
Visa Integrity Fee
$250 (around ₹23,000), if applicable after approval
Dropbox processing time
Around 7–21 days
Dropbox eligibility
Visa expired generally within last 12 months plus other criteria
Previous visa requirement
Full-validity B1/B2 visa, usually issued for 10 years
Interview wait time (Chennai)
Around 1.5 months
Interview wait time (Mumbai)
Around 9–10 months

Sources

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