Non-immigrant Visas

Applying for a Visa

All nonimmigrant visa applicants must follow these steps in order to apply for a US Visa and to schedule a visa Interview:

Step 1: All nonimmigrant visa applicants except "Officials travelling on government business" and "Officials of international organisation travelling for official purpose" must pay the  Application Fee and VFS Service' Charge at a designated branch of HDFC bank before applying for a visa.

Step 2: Log on to the website http://www.vfs-usa.co.in and click on the Apply for a Non-immigrant Visa link once the fees are paid. You will need to use the barcode number from your HDFC Bank Fee Receipt in order to schedule an appointment.  You will be required to fill the forms DS-156 and DS-157 and DS-158 (if applicable) at that time.  You will have to wait 48 hours after paying the fee before you can book an appointment.

Step 3: Report to the US Embassy or Consulate where your appointment for a visa interview is scheduled. You will need to bring the printed Appointment Letter, the Visa Application Forms, one recent photograph and the original HDFC Bank Fee Receipt with its two barcode stickers to the interview.  Applications without an original HDFC Bank Receipt or with an incorrect photograph will NOT be accepted.

Step 4: If you are issued a visa, your passport will be returned to you via courier.

Applicants can seek information at any US Visa Application Centre located in 12 cities across India. For more information about Visas to the United States, or to make an appointment for a Visa using the new VFS system, please visit http://www.vfs-usa.co.in 

Bring the following documents to your scheduled interview:

 

A passport valid as of the date of entry into the U.S. (persons whose passports will expire in less than 6 months after their entry into the United States should renew their passports before applying for a visa.) 

A completed and signed Visa Application Form - DS-156

A completed and signed Supplemental Application Form - DS-157

Appointment Letter

HDFC Bank Fee Receipt with two bar code stickers

In addition to the above forms, if you are applying for a F-1, M-1 and J-1 visa, you must submit a completed and signed application form DS-158

One recent (within the past six months) passport size photograph 50mm X 50mm (2" x 2") with a white or off-white background. Please click here for photo requirements.

Important things to remember when filling out application forms:

Respond to all the questions. If you have no response for a question, put "none" or "nil" - do not draw a line or write

You must provide specific contact and address information both in India and the United States. Applications with responses such as "any hotel" as the address in the U.S. will be rejected for additional information.

The applicant must sign the application, even if someone else fills it out. 

All applicants are personally responsible and accountable for the answers on their application forms, regardless of who fills out the forms.

When applying for tourist or business visitor's visa you should also bring documents that you think will help establish your financial ability to travel, your business connections either in India or the US, and other social or economic ties which will serve to compel your return to India after a limited visit to the United States. Please refer to specific documentary requirements for students, exchange visitors, temporary works and other specific types of visas.

Due to security concerns and space limitations the Consulate does not permit interested parties such as friends, relatives or business contacts to intervene on behalf of a nonimmigrant visa applicant during an interview. If any such party wishes to present facts to the Embassy concerning a particular visa case, they are encouraged to supply this information directly to the applicant, which that person can then bring in. Letters sent to the consular section in anticipation of applications are seldom available to the interviewing officer at the time the applicant appears. Important: Submit only valid Documents. Fraud or misrepresentation can result in permanent ineligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.

Visa fees

Nonimmigrant visa application fee (non-refundable) RS. 5502

(To be paid at a designated branch of HDFC Bank before applying for a US Visa.) Please visit http://www.vfs-usa.co.in for payment procedure.

VFS Service Fee RS. 322 (inclusive of taxes)

(This service charge covers on-line or phone-in information, assistance with making appointments and return by courier of passports with new visas.)

(To be paid at a designated branch of HDFC Bank before applying for a US Visa.)  Please visit http://www.vfs-usa.co.in for payment procedure.

Important: Please write your complete name and passport number on the back of each draft.

This brief video explains new visa policies and procedures for visitors to the United States--a nation with secure borders and open doors.
(http://www.state.gov/r/pa/obs/vid/c12893.htm)