Non-Immigrant Visas

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any preference given when adjudicating visa applications? Is any type of applicant more likely to receive a visa?

Visas are adjudicated individually, and each applicant is evaluated on his/her own merits. There is no preference given for any group of applicants, be they students, parents visiting children or businesspeople going to conferences. Each case is judges on its own merits.

How do I arrange an interview? 

To arrange an interview, you must log on to http://www.vfs-usa.co.in/.

There are no interview slots available for the next few days and I need to travel urgently. Can I attend the interview without an appointment? 

No, you need to schedule web appointment. This requirement cannot be waived.

How long may I stay in the United States? 

Your length of stay in the United States is decided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) inspector at the port of entry.

When will I get my passport after the interview? 

If you qualify for a visa, the passport with the visa will be returned to you by courier in a few days.

Can I get my passport immediately after the interview? 

It is the policy of the Consulate to send your visa to you using our courier service.

I already have a valid visa, do I need to come in for fingerprinting?

Ans: No, if you already hold a visa, you need not come to the consulate for fingerprinting. You may travel as long as your visa is valid.

How do I re apply after a visa has been refused?

214(b) Refusals 

If you have been refused under Section 214(b) you may choose to reapply and appear in person for another personal interview. Please be aware, however, that in the absence of any significant change in your situation or new information, it is unlikely that you will be issued a visa. Please consider this when deciding whether to travel to Chennai. If you choose to reapply, you may schedule an appointment for a personal interview at http://www.vfs-usa.co.in/.  

Please note that if you have been refused under Section 214(b) and you choose to reapply, you will be required to fill out a new application form. In addition, you will also be required to pay the NIV application fee each time you reapply.

221(g) Refusals

Please click here for information on refusals under 221(g).

What About the Visa Refusal Rate? 

It is important to remember that there is no set issuance/refusal rate. The consular officers who adjudicate nonimmigrant visas are obligated to issue all visas that are issuable and to refuse those that must be refused.

What are the penalties for overstaying? 

A non-immigrant who remains in the United States beyond the authorized period of stay or who violates his or her non-immigrant status may become subject to arrest and deportation.

How can I help my friend get a visa? 

Applying for a visa can seem complicated at times. Understandably, many individuals may want to help a friend, colleague or loved one go through the visa process.

One of the most common misconceptions regarding nonimmigrant visas is that someone can act as a sponsor or offer to guarantee a person's return to their home country. We receive many such well-intentioned letters. U.S. immigration law makes no provisions for any such guarantees. 

The fundamental rule of applying for a visa is that an applicant must qualify based on his or her own circumstances. If you wish to submit information to us in support of an applicant, please send it directly to the applicant. The applicant can then share it with us during his/her interview, or can include it with his/her documents.

I've found another website that gives information about U.S. visas, should I follow their instructions and advice? 

No, probably not. The U.S. Consulate General, Chennai does not endorse any non-U.S. government websites. We recommend that individuals follow the instructions available at http://chennai.usconsulate.gov and other.gov websites. Following instructions from non-U.S. government websites can lead to expensive and time consuming problems for applicants.

Who can I bring with me to the interview? 

Please do not bring extra people to your visa interview, including your American citizen children. Food items and bottles of any kind are not permitted to be brought into the building. We recommend that you find a baby sitter for your minor U.S. citizen children.

Can I make a group appointment? 

Family members (principal applicant and dependents) can schedule appointments in the same time slot via VFS. However, each H1B visa applicant needs a separate appointment (even married couples who each have an H1B). In fact, the Consulate prefers that your spouse and/or children attend the same interview with you EVEN IF THEY PLAN TO TRAVEL SEPARATELY AT A LATER DATE. 

What personal items can I bring with me to the interview? 

The following items are not permitted inside the Consulate: mobile phones, electronic personal digital assistants, cameras, audio or video recording devices, lap top computers, portable music players, travel bags, back packs, brief cases, suit cases, cosmetics (including but not limited to spray perfume/cologne and talcum/baby powder), bottles of any kind, food items, and any sealed envelopes or packages. This list is not finite, other items may be prohibited based on security staff discretion. There is no facility at the Consulate to store prohibited items. If you bring prohibited items with you, you will have to dispose of them before entry.

How do I get a visa for my minor child? 

The application process is the same for any applicant, regardless of age. Even minor children need their own appointment. However, the minor child(ren) must be accompanied to the interview by the parents. If only one parent can attend the interview, the other parent must send a copy of the absent parent's passport along with a signed, notarized, letter of consent stating that the minor child(ren) have permission to apply for a visa for travel to the U.S. Please remember to bring the original birth certificates for the minor child(ren) along with an official English translation if the birth certificate is not in English.

My Blanket L application was refused under 221g. I was told to apply for an individual L petition. What do I do?

Your company will decide whether to file for an individual L petition for you. If the petition is approved, you may return with your application and supporting documents to the Consulate in Chennai on any Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between the hours of 10:00 and 12:00 noon. You do not need to schedule another appointment and you do not have to pay the application fees again. If your visa for an individual L is approved, you would have to pay the visa issuance fee.