us tourist visa appointment from india

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How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

To enter the U.S., you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship along with your visa. Officials at your port of entry into the U.S. will also issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94 and how to apply .

Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.

Check to see if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.

Visitor (tourist) visa

The visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa, is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:

• B-1 for business travel
• B-2 for tourism and medical treatment

Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas , including:

• Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
• How to apply
• What documents you will need
• Application fees
• How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate

How to renew a visitor visa

You must renew your visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas within the U.S.

The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. Follow the process to apply for a visitor visa from the Department of State.

Find the contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and contact them for visa renewal information.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

Authorized Portal for Visa Application to India Indianvisaonline.gov.in

All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa from an Indian Mission/Post or eVisa (Limited Categories) from Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs.

Visa on Arrival for the nationals of Japan, South Korea and UAE (only for such UAE nationals who had earlier obtained e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India) Available at selected Airports

Advisory: Government of India has not authorized any agent or intermediary to charge any fee for facilitation of emergency / express Visa/eVisa. For travel to India a regular/eVisa along with passport is mandatory. Only categories exempted under bilateral arrangments may not need a visa. For persons of Indian origin (all categories), OCI card is mandatory.

e-Visa - Only Ordinary Passport holders may apply for eVisa application online. Select Visa Service as G20 eConference Visa and purpose as "To Attend G20 Conference/Meeting" .

Regular Visa - Diplomatic/Official/Ordinary Passport holders may fill online application and submit at concerned Indian Embassy/Mission in their country. Select Visa Service as Conference Visa and purpose as "To Attend G20 Conference/Meeting" .

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The latest on US visa appointments in India

While the US travel ban was lifted earlier this month, US Consulates in India are yet to resume regular operations. If you're trying to get a US Visa appointment, this piece will tell you everything you need to know:

• Right now, US Consulates in India are giving priority to processing US Visa renewals using drop box.
• In-person appointments are available but in limited numbers. The main reason for this is the social distancing protocols being followed. This also translates to longer wait times.
• As of now, US Consulates will open around 50% of slots in November and December 2021.  Further slots will be added based on demand.
• Currently, US Consulates prefer appointments booked for early 2022 instead of those reserved for later in the year.
• Only medical reasons and genuine emergencies account for  Emergency Appointment booking. Weddings and visiting friends and family aren't considered emergencies.
• You cannot convert an in-person appointment to a Dropbox appointment or vice-versa. Your best bet is to stick to the appointment type you've been given.

F1 Visa Appointments

• US Consulates in India will spend November and December 2021 processing visa appointments for F1 and J1 Student Visa holders planning to go to the US for Spring 2021.
• If you're a student in the US on an Optional Practical Training (OPT) Visa and are planning to come to India for visa renewal, you can get it renewed using the Dropbox based on your eligibility. As slots are limited, consulates are suggesting that you avoid travel.
• You need to meet the vaccination requirements as listed by the CDC. If you have only one dose, you cannot travel to the US. Starting college in January is not considered an emergency to get an exception from the CDC for travel to the US.
• If you have a new I20 and SEVIS Number, your F1 Visa stamping is complete, and you have a valid F1 visa, you can travel to the US with the valid Visa, new SEVIS and I-20. If asked about the change, you might need to explain it to the officer when you enter the US.

H1B, L1, H4, L2 Visa Appointments

• US Consulates will process H1B, H4, L1 and L2 visa appointments as the next priority after processing students' F1 visas in November and December 2021.
• More H1B, H4, L1 and L2  visa slots will open from January 2022. The maximum slots will be given for Dropbox appointments.
• H & L Visa appointments will be a priority for consulates from January to May 2022.
• You cannot travel to the US with an expired H1B visa and an I-797 approval notice that is valid.

B1/B2 Visitor Visa Appointments

• B1/B2 Visitor Visa Appointments will be opening starting from January 2022 until May 2022. Most of these appointments will be primarily Dropbox appointments for renewals of B1/B2 visas.
• There will not be any appointments open for B1/B2 during Nov or Dec 2021
• US Consulates do not plan to give fresh or new B1/B2 appointments for visitors, including parents, during this period.
• B1/B2 Visa appointment slots for January to May 2022 will open in late November 2021/early December 2021. There are no specific dates, and you need to keep an eye out for when the slots open.

Vaccination requirements and NIE

• You can take any WHO or FDA approved vaccines for travel to the US. Covaxin and Covishield are both accepted.
• You need to be fully vaccinated as per CDC guidelines to travel to the US.
• If you need an exception from vaccination to travel to the US, you need to email the consulate on your situation after getting the US visa, and they will contact the CDC to get you the exception. This is hard to get. So getting vaccinated is a better option.
• You don't need National Interest Exception(NIE) to travel to the US.
• There is no quarantine after you enter the US if you've been vaccinated.
• COVID testing requirements for children to enter the US are the same as the adult they are accompanying. If the adult gets a test within 72 hours, the child can also get it within 72 hours. But, if the child is travelling alone, they need to get it within 24 hours as per standard CDC guidance for unvaccinated individuals.
• Indian vaccination certificates are valid. They need the date of birth for validation. So, please carry the date of birth proof documents like Aadhar Card or passport.

221(g) Cases Stuck, issued during Travel Ban

• If you have received 221(g) for administrative processing during the travel ban, the consulates will process your case soon.
• You do not have to pay MRV or Visa fee for the processing of 221g cases. Also, there may not be a need to fill the DS 160 again. This will be confirmed by the consulate based on your case. It's best to wait for consulate guidance on the same.

We'll publish more updates as and when we receive them.

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Us releases first tranche of student visa appointments in india for september 2024 intake.

The United States Embassy released the first tranche of student visa appointments in India for September 2024, aiming to expedite processing. Ambassador Garcetti leads efforts to reduce visa wait times, emphasizing the importance for Indian students.

— USAndHyderabad (@USAndHyderabad)

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Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Citizens of qualified countries may be also able to visit the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program . If you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program or are traveling to study, work, or participate in an exchange program, you must apply for a nonimmigrant visa.

Applicants for U.S. visas are required to appear in person for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You must schedule an appointment for that interview, either online using this website or through the call center .

To schedule a nonimmigrant visa appointment, you must have the following information and documents available:

• A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application;
• Your visa application (MRV) fee payment receipt; Cash Deposit Receipt if paid in cash at NIMB Bank Branch, or the payment transaction detail downloaded from connectIPS after EFT payment;
• Your DS-160 confirmation page (please note, DS160 application cannot be reused. A new DS160 application needs to be filled for each time applicant appears for the visa Interview) ;
• Your e-mail address; and
• If applicable, required documents based on visa class (such as a petition approval for petition-based visas; more information about visa types and information about each can be found here ).

Applicants are limited to the number of times they can reschedule their appointments. Please plan accordingly so that you are not required to pay another visa application fee.

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Schengen visa interview slots elusive this summer as demand shoots up

N EW DELHI: Schengen countries saw the third highest demand for visas in India last year in absolute terms at 9.7 lakh applications, 44% more than 6.7 lakh in 2022. In percentage terms among the top five countries, India saw the second highest increase in applications after China, followed by Morocco and Turkey, according to the European Commission. In spite of the surge, unavailability of visa interview slots tripped many Indians' travel plans.

Russia and China have had a story of fluctuating fortunes. While China, which started opening its borders for international travel only last year and had huge pent-up demand, leapt to the top of table from rank 22 in 2022. It saw the highest increase at 1,104% - over 10 times - in 2023 over the 2022 application numbers. (See box).

Russia, on the other hand, slipped from rank 2 in 2022 to rank 5 in 2023 mainly due to the war on Ukraine, and the ensuing sanctions. Russians' Schengen visa applications fell 25% in this two-year span.

For India, travel veterans believe the actual demand is even higher than official figures. But the unavailability of visa interview slots meant many Indians who wanted to travel could not even get a chance to apply for Schengen visas. "Appointments are simply not available with a majority of Schengen countries. If you want to travel to Europe this summer, the earliest appointment date for Germany and Italy is in July. This is making life very difficult for travellers. Rules require people to apply to the consulate of the country which will be their primary destination in Europe. But people are forced to opt for any country that has an appointment available for a visa in time," said Anil Kalsi, VP, Travel Agents Federation of India.

Many agents have vented their ire at VFSon multiple countsmany times, including that the agency handles far too many nations. Applying for a Schengen visa requires prior flight and hotel bookings, and not getting a visa in time means bearing huge cancellation charges.

In response to the complaints, a VFS Global spokesperson said: "Visa decision timelines are entirely at the discretion of the respective embassies/consulates... We urge travellers to plan travel early to avoid last-minute surprises. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days (3 months) before date of travel." According to the revised Schengen Visa Code, effective Feb 2, 2020, you can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before your date of travel." Another bugbear is the EU policy of issuing very short term visas till recently to frequent visitors, something that was changed a few days back.

This means frequent travelers have had to apply time and again till recently.

For more news like this visit TOI . Get all the Latest News , City News , India News , Business News , and Sports News . For Entertainment News , TV News , and Lifestyle Tips visit Etimes

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• News Updates /

Study Abroad: US Releases First Batch of Student Visa Appointments for India (September 2024 Intake)

• Updated on  
• May 8, 2024

The US Embassy has released the first batch of student visa appointments in India for the September 2024 intake. In the coming weeks, the additional appointments for June, July, and August will also be released. In a recent interview at the American Center, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti emphasized the US commitment to reducing visa processing times for Indian students. 

More Visa Options for Australia, TOEFL Scores Accepted Again

Garcetti revealed that US President Joe Biden has specifically instructed to expedite the visa process for Indian students, indicating the high importance attached to this issue. It’s the first time, I think, in American history that a President has told an ambassador to get those visas. The US Mission Indian students can study in the US. 

According to the new policy, individuals who create a profile or schedule an appointment with incorrect or fraudulent passport information will not be accommodated at the Visa Application Centers (VAC). 

The F, M, and J visa categories are typically for international student exchange visitors. In 2022, the US consular team in India issued over 140,000 student visas, a record number that surpassed all other countries. This record is expected to break again as more Indian students aim to pursue their studies in the US. 

Important Documents for Foreign Students in America

Applicants who do not comply with this policy risk having their appointment canceled or facing delays in processing. Student visas need to ensure that their passport information is accurate and up to date when creating their profile and scheduling an appointment. 

For more visa and immigration news and daily news updates follow Leverage Edu and start your study abroad journey today!

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U.S. Consulate General Mumbai, India - BMB

Please follow these steps to prepare for your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai, India.

Step 1: Register online and schedule a biometrics appointment

Once you receive your appointment letter, you must register online at www.ustraveldocs.com , select your visa pick-up location, and schedule an appointment for your photograph and fingerprints to be taken at one of our Visa Application Centers in India. 

Registration is free. Click the "Register" button below to register. If you want to cancel or reschedule your appointment you will be able to do so right after you register online. 

IMPORTANT! Failure to schedule and complete your biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Center will result in the cancellation of your consulate visa interview.

Register >>

Step 2: Get a medical exam in India

As soon as you receive your appointment date, you must schedule a medical exam in India. Click the “Medical Exam Instructions” button below for the list of approved panel physicians in India. Please schedule and attend a medical exam with one of these physicians before your interview.

Medical Exam Instructions >>

Step 3: Complete your pre-interview checklist

It is important that you bring all required original documents to your interview. We have created a checklist that will tell you what to bring. Please print the checklist below and bring it to your interview along with the listed documents.

Pre-Interview Checklist >>

Step 4: Review interview guidelines

Read our interview guidelines to learn about any special actions that you need to take before your visa interview.

Interview Guidelines >>

Medical Exam Instructions

Now that you are scheduled for an Immigrant or fiancée visa interview, you must schedule a medical examination with one of the authorized physicians on the List of Approved Panel Physician Sites for India (list is below).  Please schedule your medical examination with any approved panel physician site at least seven days before your immigrant visa appointment.

Please carry the following items for each family member when you attend your medical examination:

• Original appointment letter;
• Four recent photographs;
• All medical records of vaccinations, prior illnesses or treatments. You must discuss your medical history and current conditions, included but not limited to, pregnancy, diabetes, hypertension and other conditions and medications taken, with the physician.
• DS-260 confirmation page

Authorized panel physicians are licensed to practice in India and the examinations they give to visa applicants conform to standards prescribed by the United States Public Health Service. Any attempt by an applicant to influence the panel physician’s medical judgment will reflect unfavorably on the visa application.

When your examination is completed, the doctor will either provide you with exam results in a sealed envelope or send them directly to the U.S. Consulate. IF GIVEN AN ENVELOPE TO CARRY TO YOUR INTERVIEW, DO NOT OPEN THIS ENVELOPE . Instead, bring it to your visa interview. .

Now that you are intending to apply for an Immigrant/K visa, the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai has authorized the physicians listed below to administer your medical examination. Please make your examination arrangements with any panel physician site on the list at least seven days before your immigrant visa appointment. 

Please carry the following items for each family member: 

• Passport; 
• All medical records of vaccinations, prior illnesses or treatments. You must discuss your medical history and current conditions, including, but not limited to, pregnancy, diabetes, hypertension and other conditions and medications taken, with the physician. 

These physicians are licensed to practice locally and the examinations they give to visa applicants conform to standards prescribed by the United States Public Health Service.  Any attempt by an applicant to influence the panel physician’s medical judgment will reflect unfavorably on the visa application. 

The physician may need four to seven days to prepare the results of your medical examination.  Collect the report from the panel physician and bring it to the Consulate on the day of your visa interview.  List of Approved Panel Physicians sites for India .

The following fees for panel physicians have been authorized by the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai, effective October 1st, 2023.

Physical Examination: Required for all applicants, regardless of age.

Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) Test: Required for applicants 2-14 years of age.

Chest X-ray (CXR): Required for all adult applicants aged 15 and above, or children who had exposure to TB cases or history of TB disease.

Syphilis Test: Required for applicants 18 to 44 years of age.

Gonorrhea Test: Required for applicants 18 to 24 years of age.

COVID-19 Screening and Vaccination

Panel physicians who conduct medical examinations of immigrant and K visa applicants are required to verify that applicants have met certain vaccination requirements, or that it is medically inappropriate for an applicant to receive one or more of the following vaccinations:

DT/DTP/DTaP, Td, Polio (OPV/IPV), Measles (or MR or MMR), Mumps (or MMR), Rubella (or MR or MMR), Rotavirus, Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal, Varicella, Pneumococcal, Influenza, and COVID-19 (see below).

If you have already received some or all of the required vaccinations, you should bring your vaccination records with you to your medical exam for verification. Panel physicians will determine which of the listed vaccinations are medically appropriate. Only vaccinations verified or administered at the panel physician sites will be accepted.

The cost of required immunizations are subject to prevailing market prices.

COVID-19 Vaccination: Applicants are required to complete the COVID-19 vaccination series for visa issuance. The administered vaccine should be listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) must have licensed or authorized that particular vaccine.  Please be advised that the medical examination report will not be issued until the applicant has completed the COVID-19 vaccination series.

Exemption: Children or young adults who have been advised by National Command Operation Center (NCOC) against receiving the COVID-19 immunization are exempt from this requirement. Applicants for whom the vaccine is contraindicated are required to provide all medical reports supporting the contraindication for their condition.

Please note: Applicants who cannot complete vaccination before their appointment should still plan to attend their scheduled visa interview; however, a visa cannot be issued until the medical exam is completed and forwarded to the Consulate.

List of approved physicians

CHENNAI Apollo Personalized Health Check Block (APHC Block ) 4th floor, Apollo Hospitals (Annex Building), Wallace Garden 1st street, Chennai 600 006 Tel No: 044 4040 1066 https://chennai.apollohospitals.com/health-check/visa-medical-checks/united-states-of-america

DELHI Max Med Centre First Floor, 26A, Ring Road Lajpat Nagar-4 Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi -110024 Tel No: +91 8860444888 Time: Monday through Saturday (except for legal holidays) - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

GUJARAT (1) Apollo Hospitals Nr. Indira Bridge Dist.: Gandhinagar Ahmedabad – 382428 Tel No: 079-66701800 Time: 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Monday to Saturday)

(2) Apollo Clinic Mann Complex Anand Mahal Road, Adajan Surat Tel No: 0261-2790202 / 9879767977

HYDERABAD Center for Migration Medicine A Wing, 2nd floor, 8-2-293/HH/89 Banjara Hills Road #12 Hyderabad Telangana - 500034 Tel No: +91 40 2360 7770 (Prior appointment required) migrationmedicine.com

MUMBAI Rele Clinic 10AA, Gita Building, Pandita Ramabai Road, Gamdevi Mumbai – 400007 Tel No: 022-23613737 / 23613838 releclinic.com

PUNJAB Max MedCentre Plot A-19, Industrial Area Phase VI SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab-160055 Tel No: 91-172- 5212000 Time: Monday through Saturday (except for legal holidays) - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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After the medical exam

When your examination is completed, the doctor will either provide you with exam results in a sealed envelope or send them directly to the U.S. Consulate. IF GIVEN AN ENVELOPE TO CARRY TO YOUR INTERVIEW,  DO NOT OPEN THIS ENVELOPE . Instead, bring it to your visa interview.

Any x-rays will be given to you on a CD-ROM. You DO NOT need to bring the x-rays to your visa interview unless you suffer from tuberculosis. However, you must carry the CD-ROM with you when you travel to the United States for the first time. The medical report must be less than six (6) months old when you enter the United States as an immigrant.

Pre-Interview checklist

Please use the list below to determine the items that every applicant must bring to the immigrant visa interview. 

IMPORTANT! All documents that are not in English must be accompanied by a notarized English translation :

A copy of your NVC interview letter (does not apply to Diversity Visa, fiancé(e), adoptive, or asylee/refugee applicants).

Unexpired passport valid for eight (8) months beyond your intended date of entry to the United States.

Two (2) color photographs of each person applying for a visa (5 cm x 5 cm). Please review our online photo requirements.  You must schedule an appointment to have your photograph and fingerprints captured at one of the five Visa Application Centers in India. Please visit ustraveldocs.com/in for information.

Confirmation page from the Form DS-260 Application for an Immigrant Visa you submitted online at ceac.state.gov/iv.

Your original birth certificate and a photocopy. If you do not have a birth certificate or your birth certificate is missing your name, your date of birth, or the names of your parents, submit the following secondary evidence:

• A notarized affidavit executed by a parent, if living, or another close relative older than you. This affidavit should clearly state the relationship between the relative and you, how well the relative knows you, the date and place of your birth, the names of both your parents, and any other related facts; OR
• School-leaving certificate, matriculation certificate or Certificate of Recognized Board from the school you last attended; OR
• Your baptismal certificate from a church

Medical examination results in a sealed envelope (if the physician gives you these results) .

Original or certified copies of birth certificates for all children of the principal applicant (even if he or she is not accompanying) .

Applicants who fall into any category listed in italics below should bring these additional documents:

For family-based visa applications:

The appropriate Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for each financial sponsor along with: 

• NOTE: The IRS tax transcript is not the same as a tax return;
• NOTE: NVC strongly recommends the submission of tax transcripts since they typically provide the information necessary for an evaluation of completeness of the Affidavit of Support and result in more efficient processing.  
• If you are unable to submit the IRS tax transcript, you may alternatively submit a photocopy of both the sponsor’s (1) most recent U.S. federal income tax return, and (2) all W-2s documenting the income reflected on the federal income tax return.
• If applicable, you must also include an I-864A for each household member contributing income to meet the financial support requirement;
• NOTE!  Incomplete or incorrect Affidavit of Support documentation is the most common cause for delay in visa issuance after the consular interview. Please review instructions from USCIS and prepare your Affidavit of Support documents carefully: Affidavit of Support | USCIS .
• Proof of your U.S. petitioner’s status and domicile in the United States (photocopy of a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or lawful permanent resident card).
• Evidence of the relationship between the petitioner and visa applicant (such as photographs, letters, or emails).
• You are older than 16 years;
• The police certificate you submitted to NVC is more than two years old; and
• You still live in the country that issued the police certificate.  

If you are registered with the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO), obtain a police clearance certificate from them.

If you are a foreigner residing in India but are not registered with the FRRO, obtain a police clearance certificate from your District Police Station.

If you are married :  Your original marriage certificate and a photocopy.

If you were previously married:  Your original divorce or spouse’s death certificate and a photocopy.

• Divorce between Hindus and Christians must be documented by a court order (divorce decree), not a deed of divorce. 
• Divorce between Muslims must be documented by a certificate from the Kazi or head of the Jamaat.

If you have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime: Court and criminal records and a photocopy.

If you have had any U.S. immigration violations: All documents relating to those violations.

If you have served in any country’s military: Military records and a photocopy.

If you are adopted: Adoption papers or custody documents and a photocopy.

If you are the petitioner’s stepchild: The original marriage certificate of the petitioner and your biological parent and a photocopy along with divorce records for any previous marriages of either parent. 

For employment-based visa applications:  Letter from your U.S. employer dated less than one month ago.

Interview Guidelines

Sending documents to the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai

If your application requires additional documentation, you may submit the documents to any of our 11 document drop-off locations . Do not send documents to the consulate by mail.

If you are requested to personally return to the consulate with additional documents or information, you must schedule a new appointment online at ustraveldocs.com (please select the “Embassy/Consulate Appointments” option).

Rescheduling or cancelling your interview

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please email [email protected] . There may be a significant wait before the next available appointment, so please attempt to attend the date already assigned.

• For some family-based and employment preference visa categories, a visa became available within the month you have been scheduled by NVC.
• DV applicants should be aware that visas are numerically limited and must be issued by September 30 of the program year. There is no guarantee that a visa will still be available on the date of your rescheduled interview. Please carefully consult the Visa Bulletin before you request to reschedule your interview.

Please note: You need to register your original NVC/KCC appointment online before you can reschedule it. Rescheduling is only possible on a date after your assigned appointment.

Security screening procedures

All visitors to the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai must follow certain security procedures. To avoid delaying your entry and that of those in line behind you, please bring only what is required for your interview in an unsealed plastic bag or folder. Mobile phones and most purses/bags are not permitted. We do not provide a facility for storage of any other items.

Accompanying persons

Attorneys are not permitted to accompany clients into the waiting room or to their interview. The following persons may accompany a visa applicant to their interview:

• Special Needs Visitors: Applicants may bring ONE person to help if they are elderly, disabled, or a minor child (under age 18).

Immigrant visa fees

If you have not paid all required fees to either the National Visa Center or via the appointment website, please be prepared to pay these fees on the day of your interview.

Fees may be paid by submitting a rupee bank draft drawn on a national or foreign bank. The bank draft must be issued in the name of “U.S. Consulate General Mumbai” and be payable in Mumbai. Please note that if you are found ineligible to receive a visa, the application fee cannot be refunded. A complete list of fees can be found via  travel.state.gov .

Do not make travel plans outside of India

If your visa is approved, the consulate will keep your passport while we print the visa.

Receiving your passport:

• If you choose to receive your passport through Premium Delivery, you will receive an SMS and email when your passport is dispatched.
• If you choose to retrieve your passport from a pick-up location, you will receive an SMS and email when your passport is ready to be collected. You must bring an original government-issued photo ID and a photocopy of the ID to collect your visa at the pick-up location you selected online at ustraveldocs.com  (see Step 1 ).

After Your Visa Interview

A consular officer can make a decision on a visa application only after reviewing the formal application and interviewing the applicant. There is no guarantee that you will receive a visa. Do not sell your house, car or property, resign from your job or make non-refundable flight or other travel arrangements until you have received your immigrant visa.

If more information is needed

Sometimes a consular officer is unable to make a decision on a visa application because they need to review additional documents or the case requires further administrative processing. When additional documents are requested, the consular officer will give you a refusal letter that asks you to submit additional documents or take certain actions. The letter will include instructions on how to send those documents to the consulate.

Administrative processing takes additional time after the interview. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days. However, the timing varies based on the circumstances of each case. Before inquiring about the status of administrative processing, please wait at least 60 days after your interview.

What happens after visa approval

Passport, Visa, and Sealed Immigrant Packet – We will print your immigrant visa on a page in your passport. Please review your visa to make sure there are no spelling errors.

• In some cases, we will also give you a sealed envelope containing documents that you must give to U.S. immigration authorities when you arrive in the United States for the first time. Do not open this envelope. You must carry it with you; do not put it in your checked luggage. If you receive X-rays during your medical examination, carry those with you and give them to the U.S. immigration authorities.

USCIS Immigrant Fee – All individuals who are issued immigrant visas overseas must pay an Immigrant Fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to traveling to the United States. This fee is for processing your residency status and printing your Permanent Resident Card. The only people exempt from paying this fee are: children entering the United States under the Hague Process, returning residents, and people traveling on a K visa.

When You Should Travel – You must enter the United States before the expiration date on your visa, which is usually six months from the date of printing. Your visa cannot be extended and all fees are nonrefundable. The principal applicant must enter before or at the same time as other family members with visas. Unless they are eligible for benefits under the Child Status Protection Act, children who are issued a visa before turning 21 years of age must enter the United States before their 21st birthday to avoid losing their immigrant status.

Getting a Green Card – Your Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card, also known as a green card, will be automatically mailed to the address in the United States that you write in your visa application form. This is a very important document that proves you have permission to reside in the United States. If you plan to travel outside the U.S. before your green card arrives: Please consult USCIS’s and CBP’s websites for rules about what documents you need to re-enter the country. We also recommend you check with the airline to ensure you are in compliance with their rules. Once your card is issued, you should not stay outside of the United States for more than one year. If you do, you will lose your status as a Lawful Permanent Resident.

Children’s Issues – In the United States, children are required to have certain vaccinations before they can enroll in school. We recommend that you bring your child’s complete vaccination records with you to the United States. If your child is adopted, you have full custody because of a divorce, or you share custody with another parent, you should bring a copy of all applicable adoption or custody papers from the authoritative court in your home country. You will need these papers (translated into English) for issues such as school enrollment, medical care, and eventual citizenship.

Information for New Immigrants – Please visit the USCIS web page for helpful information on moving to the United States. You can read their publication “Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants” online.

Diversity Visa Applicants - Additional Information

If you are interviewing for a Diversity Visa (DV), all the above instructions apply to you. Please schedule and attend a medical examination prior to your visa interview; enroll in the required courier service; and gather the required documents.

Below are additional instructions that apply only to DV applicants.

Bring to your interview

In addition to the documents listed on the Pre-Interview Checklist in this package, DV applicants should also bring the following items to your visa interview:

• Appointment information printed from the “Entrant Status Check” on the E-DV website.
• Documents showing that you have either a qualifying high school education OR two (2) years of qualifying work experience in the five (5) years immediately prior to application (for the principal applicant only; more information is available via  travel.state.gov ).
• Payment in cash of the $330 Diversity Visa Application Fee for each visa applicant.

Review your DV Lottery entry

Prior to your visa interview, we recommend that you review the data on your initial E-DV entry. On your initial E-DV application, you must have correctly entered your marital status. If you are legally married you must have listed your spouse, even if you are currently separated from him/her (unless your spouse is a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident).

Additionally, you must have listed ALL of your living children who are unmarried and under 21 years old. This includes your natural children, your spouse’s children, or children you have formally adopted in accordance with the laws of your country.

Failure to have listed an existing spouse or children at the time of your entry in the Diversity Visa lottery will result in the denial of your visa and visas for your family. Any fees paid to the U.S. government in support of your visa application(s) are nonrefundable. If you failed to include a child who had already been born, or a spouse to whom you were married when you entered the lottery, you should not proceed with the visa application. You can review the eligibility requirements online .

Last Update: 9/29/2023

Contact Information

C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra East, Mumbai 400051 India

Other links

Diversity visa instructions After Your Interview Frequently Asked Questions Country Documents Finder

Interview Preparation Video

External Link

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