Appointments and Interviews
Scheduling Appointments
Make your appointment through the VFS website. Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before the time on your appointment letter.
To reschedule or cancel an appointment, follow the instructions on the VFS website.
Find wait times for visa processing and appointments here.
Apply Early! Although the vast majority of visas are delivered in a week or less, some applications require administrative processing. Please do not make travel arrangements until you have received your visa.
Emergency Appointment
If you have an emergency, please contact us at the appropriate email address below:
- Chennai: infouschennai@vfshelpline.com
- Hyderabad: hydniv@state.gov
- Kolkata: consularkolkata@state.gov
- Mumbai: ceamb@state.gov
- New Delhi: ceand@state.gov
Interview Waivers
If you are not a citizen of India or Bhutan, and your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you may be exempt from the visa and interview requirement.
If you are 80 years or older and have not been refused a visa in the last year, you may request an interview waiver following this procedure.
Interview Waivers for Children Under 7 Years Old
Children under 7 years of age are no longer required to appear for a nonimmigrant visa interview at any Post in India. This exemption covers all nonimmigrant visas, including B1/B2, H4 and L2 visa categories. Applications for eligible children may be submitted through VFS. All other rules, requirements and fees for those under 7 years of age remain in effect. All applicants must include the following documents when submitting their applications:
- The applicant's valid passport
- A completed DS-160 application barcode
- One 2" x 2" photograph that meets specifications; and
- An HDFC visa fee receipt (with both pink and blue copies) for the current visa application fee
Note: Parents/guardians may also consider submitting the following documents if applicable: the parents’ or guardians’ U.S. visa numbers, the purpose of the visit, those to be visited in the U.S., and evidence of the applicant's ties to India. Visa issuance for those not appearing in person is not guaranteed. After reviewing the application, the Embassy or Consulate may in some cases require the child to appear in person.
Family Interviews
Parents and children schedule appointments together, even if they plan to travel separately. Each family member needs a DS-160 application barcode and HDFC receipt, and each family member needs appointment.
If children are applying, both parents should interview with the child. If one parent cannot attend, please bring a no objection letter from the absent parent.
If your children are not applying for visas, please do not bring them to the Embassy unless absolutely necessary. There is limited space in the waiting room and the added noise makes it difficult for other applicants to hear properly during their interviews.
Groups
School groups, P-visa performance groups, athletic teams, and other large groups should apply together. Each group member is interviewed individually, and each member must completely fill out the DS-160. Email ceand@state.gov to make an appointment.
Performance, entertainment, and athletic groups, please scan and include the following in your email:
- Name and telephone number(s) of group leader and/or point of contact
- Contracts for show venues
- Contract between the petitioner and the beneficiaries
- Publicity material for the event
- Tax returns of the petitioner
Indian & Bhutanese Citizens Resident in the U.S.
If you are an Indian or Bhutanese citizen and live in the U.S., you can use a different application process.
Questions?
Email: infouschennai@vfshelpline.com
Frequently Asked Questions about Appointments Interviews
Families should apply together -- even if traveling separately!
