Nonimmigrant Visas

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The Consular Sections of the U.S. Embassy and the Consulates are responsible for providing visa services to those seeking to enter the United States for a temporary period and for those wishing to take up indefinite or permanent residence in the United States.

Please visit our Global Support Services (GSS) website for complete information on applying for a nonimmigrant U.S. visa, including a directory of nonimmigrant visa categories.

Do you need assistance applying for a visa?  Our navigators will guide you to information that you need, and help you ask us for assistance. 

To contact a customer service representative, please visit the visa information page for full information or use contact information below:

  • E-mail: support-india@usvisascheduling.com
    This is the fastest and best way to reach us. We read every email and strive to reply within 3 working days. Occasionally, complicated requests can take longer.
  • Telephone:  +91 22 62011000 and 1-703-520-2239 (for all calls from the United States)

Visa appointments can only be scheduled online. We don’t accept appointment requests through email.

Important Note: Emergency visa appointments can only be scheduled online via UStraveldocs

Please take the time to review the information on https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en and particularly the information on our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) webpage. If you have not found the answer to your question, you may email us at: support-india@usvisascheduling.com.

Administrative Processing:

If your case is under administrative processing, please follow the instructions as mentioned in the 221(g) letter you received. You can monitor the progress of your application online.  As soon as the Consulate is able to take further action in your case, we will update the status.

Please note that a review of your application may take 60-90 days to complete, and we will not respond to email inquiries concerning individual cases that have been pending for less than 60 days.

Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

Section 214(b) of the INA requires all applicants to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent by establishing that they have sufficient professional, economic, and social ties to assure their departure after a limited stay in the United States & their intent to abide by the terms of the visa class.

There is no appeal or waiver process available in these cases. If you are refused a visa under section 214(b), you may reapply for a visa by going online to https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en. We will not respond to emails inquiring about 214(b) refusals.

Applicants under the no-fee visa category should not pay the MRV fee.  If paid in error, the MRV fee is not refundable, but can be used to schedule an appointment for the same applicant with any other visa class of the same fee, within one year of payment.

  1. A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-4 visa categories (Please enclose the visa note/diplomatic note and mention the names of the applicants along with their passport numbers).
  2. A-3 and G-5 visa categories (Please enclose the visa note/diplomatic note and the employment contract signed by both the employer and the employee. Please also mention the names of the applicants along with their passport numbers).
  3. J-1 visa – No fee category – Exchange programs eligible for the MRV exemption have a program number that begins with the prefix G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-7 program serial number on the Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status.  All other applicants with U.S. Government funding must pay the MRV processing fee.
  4. Diplomatic passport holders applying for B-1/B-2 visa (Please enclose the visa note/diplomatic note and mention the names of the applicants along with their passport numbers).
  5. P and O visa group appointment requests (Please enclose the copy of the I-797 petition and mention the names of the applicants along with their passport numbers).
  6. U visa (Please enclose the copy of the I-797 petition and mention the names of the applicants along with their passport numbers).
  7. Requests for T visa finger-printing appointments.
  8. Requests to escort applicants who are vision impaired/wheel chair bound.

Location

U.S. Consulate General, Chennai
Gemini Circle, No. 220 Anna Salai
Chennai – 600006

U.S. Consulate General, Hyderabad
Paigah Palace
1-8-323
Chiran Fort Lane,
Begumpet
Secunderabad- 500003
Andhra Pradesh

U.S. Consulate General, Kolkata
5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani
Kolkata – 700071

U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai
C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex
Bandra East, Mumbai 400051

U.S. Embassy, New Delhi
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi – 110021

Hours of Operation

The visa sections of the U.S. Embassy and the Consulates in India conduct nonimmigrant visa interviews, by appointment only. The Embassy and Consulates are closed to the public on the last Wednesday of every month.  Please check here for a list of holidays and closures.

Visitors to the United States require nonimmigrant visas. The type of visa you need depends on your purpose of travel. Unless specifically noted, all nonimmigrant visa applicants follow the same application process.

For Visa Applicants in A-3, G-5, NATO-7, B-, H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, H-4, J-1 and J-2 domestic employee, H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, and J-1 categories:  Before your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, it is important that you take the time to carefully read this pamphlet about your rights.

If you plan to permanently relocate to the United States, please visit the Immigrant Visas section.

More information on all types of visas is available at the U.S. Department of State website.

Not from India or Bhutan?
Some third country nationals (Non-Indian or Bhutanese citizens) may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). For more information about third country national visa and appointment requirements, please visit the Department of State website.

  1. Business and Tourism B1/B2 – Please visit the Department of State website for information.
  2. Students and Exchange Visitors – Please visit the Department of State website for information.
  3. Work (H1b, L-1) – H and L visas require approved petitions from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before a visa interview can be scheduled.  Please visit the Department of State website for information.
  4. Other visas – Please visit the Department of State website for information.

Still not sure which visa category might be appropriate for your travel to the United States? Check Visa Wizard.

Visit the Department of State website for visa information.

Apply for a U.S. Visa by scheduling your visa appointment.

If you had a previous U.S. visa (issued at post in India) and you are trying to apply for the same class of visa (or) if you are a minor applicant under the age of 14 years (or) someone who is over 80 years, please visit the U.S. Travel Docs website to understand the qualifying criteria to waive your interview.

Official and Diplomatic travelers are generally exempt from application fees and the interview requirement, but otherwise follow the nonimmigrant visa application process. The applicant or their representative may submit the documents on any working day between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Please note that the U.S. Embassy is closed on all U.S. and Indian holidays. All diplomatic and official passport holders must enter the embassy from gate number 6. For more information, see the State Department’s website

1.    DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application barcode page. 

2. Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements).

3.    Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.

4.    Diplomatic Note/Letter from International Organization.

Domestic employees of Official and Diplomatic travelers (A-3, G-5) must appear in person with the above mentioned documents. In addition, they must also bring their employment contract (view sample employment contract) (PDF 48 KB).

Personal Travel on Diplomatic Passports

Active diplomats and their family members may be exempt from visa fees regardless of visa classification and purpose of travel. Applicants with diplomatic passports seeking non-official visas should write directly to nivnd@state.gov for New Delhi, Chennaiciu@state.gov for Chennai, HydCEA@state.gov for Hyderabad, MumbaiConsDirect@state.gov for Mumbai and ConsularKolkata@state.gov for Kolkata before applying to confirm eligibility for this courtesy.

For questions or to report fraud, email us at support-india@usvisascheduling.com or contact our call center.

If your case is still pending administrative processing. The Embassy cannot proceed with your case before completion of the processing. The Embassy cannot waive the processing. Do not contact the Embassy.

Applicants can easily check the status of their cases  online with the U.S. Department of State’s CEAC Status Check by following the instructions below.

Use your CEAC barcode or case number and the location where your interview occurred to check the status of your case. Click on “Check My Visa Application Status.” If you received a 221g letter or were told your case requires further “Administrative Processing” this system will let you know if your case has been approved, requires more information, or is still being processed.

Check your Status Here

  • Administrative Processing: 221 (g)

Please visit the Department of State Travel Site for information on administrative processing wait times. After your visa interview, if you are found ineligible for a visa under Section 221(g) you will receive a handout with additional information or instructions.

  • Refusal: 214 (b)

Section 214(b) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act requires that Consular Officers must assume that every visa applicant intends to leave his or her home country and immigrate to the United States.  The applicant must convey during the interview that this presumption of immigrant intent is not true.The Consular Officer must be convinced that the applicant:

  1. Has a home outside the United States that they will not abandon;
  2. Is visiting the United States temporarily and will leave when the stated purpose of travel is complete;
  3. Is able to pay for the trip; and
  4. Meets the requirements of the visa type for which they are applying, and/or that planned activities in the U.S. are allowed by that category.

Supporting Documents

Non-immigrant visas are interview-based.  Interviewing officers rely on statements made by the applicant to determine visa eligibility, although they may consult supporting documents such as affidavits of support, travel arrangements, employment letters or financial statements to verify statements made in the interview.

Why you were refused

As each person’s situation is different, there is no single reason that explains all refusals.  The most common reason for being refused is that the officer decided, based on your interview, that your social, family, economic or other ties to India are not strong enough to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent and qualify for a visa.

“Ties” are the various aspects of life that bind you to your home country, such as family relationships, employment commitments, possessions and other factors.

Another common reason for a refusal is that during the interview, you did not demonstrate to the officer’s satisfaction that you meet the qualifications for the visa category, or that your planned activities in the U.S. are allowed by that category.

Can I reapply?

Section 214(b) denials are not permanent. If you have new information or if your overall circumstances have changed significantly, you may reapply.  Applicants who provide identical information in a second interview rarely get a different result.

Students

The I-20 does not entitle you to a visa. This form only states that you have been accepted to a school in the U.S.  Students must show that they are credible, qualified students and that they intend to leave the U.S. after they finish their studies.

Students may be ineligible if it appears that their primary purpose is an indefinite stay in the U.S. for themselves or their family.

 

Many temporary visitors turn to visa consultants before scheduling their interviews. While some consultants provide helpful information, many do not.

Information on the visa application process can be found on this website as well as on the Department of State Travel site. This information is free of charge and is the only accurate source on which you should rely. Answers to all visa questions can be found easily on these websites.

Remember: You alone are responsible for the accuracy of the information in your application. Intentionally submitting false information either on the application itself or during the visa interview can lead to a finding of a permanent ineligibility. Never sign the application you are submitting without reviewing it first for accuracy if you have had help filling it out.

As part of their “services,” Consultants sometime sell to students fake financial packages or encourage parents wishing to visit U.S.-based children to lie about the number or location of their other children. In both of these scenarios, applicants have been found permanently ineligible for visas because they provided false information during interviews.

Applicants who receive interview coaching by consultants should also be wary of such services. The end result is that every client from a particular consultant sounds exactly like one another. This diminishes credibility among those who memorize the “correct” answers and cannot hold free-flowing conversations with visa officers.

Once an officer has determined that an applicant does not qualify for a visa, the applicant should not re-apply unless there are significant changes in the applicant’s circumstances or information, which was not presented during the first interview.

A U.S. visa gives you permission to travel to the United States, but does not guarantee your entrance or determine the length of time you will be allowed to stay. An immigration officer at the point of entry makes those decisions.

When you arrive, an immigration officer will review your passport, visa, and I-94 arrival and departure card to verify if and how long you can be admitted to the U.S. The immigration officer will capture your photo and your fingerprints just like during the visa interview process. If you are approved, you will be directed to the baggage and customs inspection areas to collect your luggage.

In some cases, an immigration officer may direct you to the secondary inspection area for further questions. During secondary inspection, a second immigration officer will review your case and ask you about your travel and background.

Know Before you go

For detailed information on arriving in the U.S., please visit the following websites:

Bringing Goods into the U.S.

After you collect your luggage and are cleared through passport and visa inspection, you must clear any goods that you brought with you through the customs inspection area. For information on what goods you can and cannot bring into the country and the fees you may have to pay, please visit:

Departing the U.S.

When you are ready to depart the U.S., you should plan additional time into your departure for airline check-in and security screening. For up-to-date information on prohibited items, personal preparation for screening and the screening process, please visit:

If you returned home with your departure record Form I-94 (white) or Form I-94W (green) in your passport, your departure was not properly recorded. For the most current procedures on turning in your I-94 in order to correct your travel record, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site.

DS-160 Acceptance Policy – November 15, 2023 Update

Why is this policy being implemented?
In order to maintain the integrity and security of the visa application process it is important to ensure that visa application data is submitted correctly.  Improperly filled DS-160s also create significant additional work for our VACs, document drop-off locations, and consular teams.  By eliminating this additional workload, we can devote more time to processing incoming applications and reduce wait times for all applicants.

How can I avoid having my appointment cancelled?
Make sure that you, or your representative, submit a DS-160 that is properly completed.  If you hire a visa agent for assistance, it may help to complete the DS-160 yourself before you approach the agent.  Under no circumstances should you submit, or allow anyone to submit on your behalf, an improperly filled DS-160 application as a placeholder as this will result in loss of your appointment.

What is the difference between a properly and improperly completed DS-160 form?
A properly completed DS-160 form contains the complete and correct information (including name, gender, visa class, date of birth, passport number, etc.) for the applicant who will appear for the interview.

An improperly completed DS-160 form may be blank or may contain placeholder information that does not correspond to the applicant who will appear for the interview.

What if I have completed a DS-160 form, but need to make a correction?
You may make minor corrections and submit a new DS-160 when you attend your VAC appointment, and you will not have to reschedule your appointment.  Corrections to multiple fields or major changes to basic applicant data will not be allowed and you will have to reschedule your appointment.

How long will it take for my interview waiver case to be processed?
Interview waiver processing generally takes up to three weeks from dropoff at the VAC until the passport is ready for pick up or delivery. Please plan carefully as you will not be able to pick up your passport during this time or expedite the interview waiver process.

I need to renew or apply for a nonimmigrant visa. How can I get an appointment?
Please continue to monitor the USTravelDocs.com website for appointment availability. We have now resumed routine B1/B2 processing, however due to high demand, we are experiencing extended wait times across all visa categories. Applicants with an urgent need to travel should follow the instructions at  https://www.ustraveldocs.com/gm/gm-niv-emergencyappointment.html. 

I can’t make my upcoming appointment, what should I do?

As soon as you are aware that you will not be able to attend your appointment you should reschedule or cancel the appointment.  At a minimum you must cancel at least 48 hours before the Visa Application Center appointment. If you do not appear for your scheduled appointment you will be blocked from booking a new appointment for 120 days.  This policy applies to both interview and interview waiver (interview waiver) appointments.

I booked a B1/B2 appointment for October 2022 on Sunday.  Is this just a placeholder? Will it be cancelled?
No! The appointments on the calendar now are all real appointments and are open to any B1/B2 traveler. We do not plan to cancel them. 

 How can I request an emergency expedite going forward?
Like before, you can take any available appointment on the calendar and request that it be expedited. The difference is that if your expedite request is denied your original appointment is still valid.  

Damaged, Expiring or Incorrect Visas and Passports

Why does my visa say “FNU”?
If you have only one name, or if your name appears in one line in your passport, your full name goes in the surname field and “first name unknown”, or “FNU,” goes in the given name. We recommend obtaining a new passport with given and surnames if possible.

My passport expires within the next year, but I want to apply for a U.S. visa. What should I do?
Please obtain a new passport before you pay any visa fees or book an appointment. If you have an urgent need to travel, schedule an appointment or email us through online appointment system with your passport number and explanation of the emergency to see if you can proceed with your appointment.

Please obtain a new passport before your interview if:

  • You must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from the United States (unless exempted by country-specific agreements).
  • The film on the biographic data pages of your passport (i.e., page with your photo and back page with your parents’ information) is separating from the pages in your passport, or
  • Your passport is otherwise torn, damaged, mutilated or has been washed or laundered.

U.S. visas cannot be placed in damaged passports!

My passport is going to expire soon. It contains a valid U.S. visa. Do I need to get a new visa for my new passport?
No.  As long as the passport issuing authority does not punch holes through your U.S. visa, you may use it to travel to the U.S.  You should carry both your new, valid passport and your old passport that contains your U.S. visa.

I just received a U.S. visa, but it has been accidentally damaged. Do I need to reapply?
If your visa has been damaged, you will need to reapply for a new visa. You may contact support-india@usvisascheduling.com for more information.

My visa was printed incorrectly.  What do I do?
If you think your visa was printed incorrectly, please email support-india@usvisascheduling.com@ and explain why you think there is an error.  If necessary, we will provide instructions on how to submit your passport.

I received a B1/B2 visa from a previous employer.  If I have left that job, is it still valid for traveling with a new company or will that visa be cancelled?
The visa is valid until its expiration date.  B1/B2 visas are issued to individuals, not employers.

Working in the United States

More information on working in the United States is available at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services site.

Can I check Petition Information Management Service (PIMS)in advance?
No, you cannot check it in advance. The officer will verify the details on the day of the appointment.  PIMS updates usually take 2-3 days; there is no way to expedite this process.

Will my B1/B2 visa be cancelled when I apply for an H1-B?
No, you can hold a B visa and an L or H work visa at the same time.  However, if you are issued a B1 in Lieu of H visa, your B1/B2 visa will be cancelled.

I am a holder of a valid H-1B/L-1 visa but want to change my employer. What do I do?
You must notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when you make any change to your employment status.

I left the U.S. and have a valid petition, but my visa has expired. I need to return to the U.S. to continue my work. What do I do next?
You must apply for a new visa to re-enter the U.S.

I was recently in the U.S. and changed my status from one classification to another, for example, F-1 to H-1B. Do I need a visa to return to the U.S.?
Yes. You must apply for the appropriate visa and bring to your visa interview appointment an I-797 Form (Notice of Action) that shows you changed your status.

Arriving in America / I-94

More information on arrival procedures in the U.S. is available at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site.

I did not turn in my I-94 when I left the United States. What should I do?
If you returned home with your departure record Form I-94 (white) or Form I-94W (green) in your passport, your departure was not properly recorded. For the most current procedures on turning in your I-94 in order to correct your travel record, please click on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site.

How long can I stay in the United States?
If you are allowed to enter the U.S., the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official will determine the length of your visit on the Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94, below). Since Form I-94 documents your authorized length of stay in the U.S., it’s very important to keep it with your passport. You must depart the U.S. on or before the last day you are authorized to be in the U.S. on any given trip. Failure to do so could affect your eligibility to obtain visas in the future.

Refusals 214(b) and Administrative Processing 221(g)

What if my case is refused for Administrative Processing under Section 221(g)?
If the consular officer refuses your case under Section 221(g),  it means your visa application was not complete or requires further administrative action before it can be reconsidered. Processing times are different for every applicant.  When the processing is finished, the passport will be returned to you by courier. Before you contact us, please know that we cannot provide updates on your status once the processing has begun, and we cannot expedite the processing of your case.

Can I reapply if I was refused a visa under 214(b)?
If you now have new information, or if your overall circumstances have changed significantly, you may re-apply following the same procedures as any other applicant. Re-applying is the only way to have your application reconsidered.

Why didn’t the Consular Officer give me time to explain?
The Consular Officer who refused your visa is trained to evaluate all aspects of your case, such as your financial and family situation in India, your stated intent in visiting the United States, your travel history, and many other factors. The Officer asked the appropriate questions to obtain the relevant information, weighed your answers with the other facts of your case, and made a decision based on that information.

Why didn’t the Consular Officer look at my documents?
Applying for a non-immigrant visa is not a documentary process. Consular Officers never rely only on documents, although they may help support information you provide at the interview. If the Consular Officer made a decision in your case without reviewing documents, it was because the circumstances of your situation were clear. If your visa was refused, it is highly unlikely that any document you could provide would significantly alter the Consular Officer’s decision about your case.

Why can’t I get my money back?
All applicants for a U.S. visa must pay a non-refundable application fee. It cannot be returned if you fail to establish that you qualify for the visa.

Lost or Stolen Passport or Visa

What should I do if my visa is lost or stolen?
You must report the loss of your passport and visa to the local Indian Police and obtain a police report. Please report the loss of the visa to the Fraud Prevention Unit at: support-india@usvisascheduling.com.

  1. Your name, date and place of birth, and nationality.
  2. Your address and phone number.
  3. A photocopy of the lost visa, if available, or the date and place of issuance, if known.
  4. A photocopy of the bio-data page of your lost passport, if available.  If not, the nationality and number of your lost passport as well as the issuance and expiration dates, if available.
  5. Circumstances of the loss: When and how your passport was lost or stolen.

Lost or stolen U.S. visas cannot be replaced. You must apply for a new visa in person at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. When applying for the new visa, you will need to explain the loss of your passport and visa.

If you have already reported your visa lost/stolen to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and then you later find your misplaced visa, please note that the visa will be invalid for future travel to the U.S. You must apply in person at the Embassy or Consulate for a new visa.

Appointments and Interviews

How long will it take for my interview waiver case to be processed?                      Interview waiver processing generally takes up to three weeks from drop off at the VAC until the passport is ready for pick up or delivery. Please plan carefully as you will not be able to pick up your passport during this time or expedite the interview waiver process.

What is the Cross Post interview waiver process? 
Applicants are now allowed to submit their interview waiver applications, according to their scheduled appointment date and time, free of cost at any of the Visa Application Centers (VAC) where the Embassy or Consulate is located i.e. Chennai VAC, Hyderabad VAC, Kolkata VAC, Mumbai VAC, and New Delhi VAC. Or, for a nominal fee of Rs. 850 per application applicants can also drop off at the document delivery locations in Bangalore, Cochin, Ahmedabad, Pune, Jalandhar, and Chandigarh.  

If an applicant chooses to use the Cross Post interview waiver process, do they still have to drop off at the date and time of the original Interview Waiver appointment? 
Yes, applicants or their representatives can only submit interview waiver applications at the scheduled appointment date and time. If the applicant does not submit their interview waiver application on the scheduled date and time they will be considered as a “no show” and will be required to schedule a new appointment. 

How will the applicants get their passport and documents back? Can they use the Cross Post interview waiver process to receive documents as well?  
Your passport and documents will be delivered to the document delivery address which you have selected while scheduling your appointment. Using the Cross Post Submission process will not impact the delivery of your documents.

How soon should I apply for my appointment?
Apply early!  The wait times for appointments by post are available at the Department of State Travel site.

Although the majority of applications are processed and ready to pick up within 2 business days, some applications will require administrative processing.  We cannot predict in advance which applications will require administrative processing, not do we know how long it will take.  Please apply at least 6-8 weeks before you plan to travel, and do not book tickets or hotels until you have a visa.

When will new appointment slots open?
Reducing wait times is one of our top priorities. We release appoints several weeks in advance.  If those appointments are immediately filled, we assess our capacity for opening new appointments, and release those dates incrementally.

I need to travel a few days after my interview.  Can I take my passport with me at the end of the interview?
Yes. After you return from your travels, send your passport back to the Embassy. We will then continue to process and print your visa and will return your passport by courier to the location you selected when you created your profile. Email support-india@usvisascheduling.com for more information about resubmitting your passport.

My wife and I just had a baby.  Do babies need appointments?
The application process is the same for babies as it is for adults, except they do not need a separate appointment. In other words, you must pay all applicable fees, and follow the application process for each applicant.

My child needs a visa. Do my wife and I have to attend the visa interview with our child?
Children under 14 may qualify to have their visa interview waived and should submit an application online at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en. First-time nonimmigrant Visa applicants ages 14 and older must attend a visa interview.

Can I accompany an applicant into the waiting room?
Due to security concerns and space limitations, U.S. consular sections do not permit interested parties such as friends, relatives, attorneys or business contacts to attend the visa interview with the applicant.

If an interested party wishes to provide information to a specific consular section concerning a particular visa applicant, they are encouraged to supply this information directly to the applicant. The applicant can then bring this information with them to the visa interview.

How long before my planned travel date should I apply for a visa?
The current wait time for visa appointments are available at the Department of State Travel site.  Some visas may not be issued immediately after the interview due to required additional administrative processing. We cannot predict how long that process will take, so please do not make travel plans until your visa has been issued.

How do I reschedule an appointment?
Reschedule appointments through https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en.

Students and Exchange Visitors

What if I receive an I-20 Form from a better school?
If you receive an SEVIS I-20 Form from a better school and wish to attend that school you will need to change the name of the school printed on your visa. To do this you will have to apply for another visa and pay the Application Fee and Service Charge again.

How soon can I apply for my student visa?
You cannot apply earlier than 365 days from the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.  If you receive your visa, you are not allowed to enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.  You should apply as you soon as possible in case of delays issuing your visa.

Am I required to pay the first year’s tuition expenses in advance and show a receipt from the school?
No. Payment of tuition expenses in advance is good evidence that you can finance your studies in the U.S., but it is not a requirement to pay in advance and show a receipt.

How do I prove I can pay for the program? What financial documents will you review?
Financial documents are not required for visa interviews. Typically, officers will not review these documents and will ask you questions about how you plan to pay. Documents are not forbidden, and may on occasion be reviewed, but we discourage applicants from going through trouble and expense of gathering accountant’s statements and property appraisals.

My academic program is starting soon but there are no more appointments available this month.  What should I do?
Send a request through the emergency appointment module at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en with your passport number, SEVIS number, I20 start dates, and an explanation of your circumstances.

It is three days before the start date on my I-20 and my visa is still being processed.  What should I do?
Please contact your school and request an extension letter or a new I-20. Inform them that your visa is still being processed. When you receive an extension letter or new I-20, please send a copy to the Embassy immediately. Please remember that visa processing cannot be expedited.

I am an unmarried female student going to study in the U.S.  Can my father (or my brother) receive a student visa to accompany me to the United States?
Only children under 21 and spouses qualify to accompany students. Other family members must apply for a Business and Tourism (B1/B2) visa. This means that the family member will not be able to live in the United States for the full term of the F1 student visa, and must exit the country within the time given by the Customs and Border Protection officer. Most visitors on a B1/B2 visa are admitted for six months, after which they must depart or seek an extension.

Can the “Two-Year Foreign Residency Requirement” be waived?
Yes. You may apply for a waiver of the requirement under any one of the five applicable grounds provided by U.S. immigration law. For more information, please visit the Department of State Travel site.

Inviting a Consular Officer to Speak to Our Group

Can I speak to a consular officer directly? Consular officers are happy to meet groups of students, travel agents or other businesses  to present the visa process and answer general queries. Contact us through the support-india@usvisascheduling.com to request a meeting.

Fraudulent Job Offers

Q:  I received a job offer from a company that said it would get me a U.S. visa but asked me to pay money.  Is this legitimate?

Beware if:

–You receive an offer of a job for which you have not applied

–You are asked to pay to get a U.S. work visa

–You are asked for your bank account details in order to get a job or visa

–You are asked to contact someone specific at or meet someone near the U.S. Embassy or Consulate

How to find out if a U.S. company is genuine:

–Phone the job-offering company in the U.S. and ask detailed questions about the company and the job. Genuine companies do not usually give a mobile number for employment contact. Request a landline number. Compare the area dialing code with the given location of the company.

–Most genuine US companies do not use a hotmail or yahoo type email account. The offer may show genuine U.S.-company websites but email addresses may be false.  Example: genuine website – www.uscis.gov. False contact details – uscis@hotmail.co.us

Visa application and fees:

The official website for information about the visa application process is here. All fees and instructions are listed there. If you are given different instructions, contact support-india@usvisascheduling.com.

If you have been cheated through a job scam, immediately report it to the Indian police. This is an international crime.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division enforces more than 400 different violations of criminal law, ranging from those involving child exploitation to transnational gangs.  To report potential employment fraud, any other potential violation or a security threat to the United States visit:  http://www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp

For more information please review information on the State Department’s website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html

I received a job offer from a company that said it would get me a U.S. visa but asked me to pay money.  Is this legitimate?

Beware if:

  • You receive an offer of a job for which you have not applied
  • You are asked to pay to get a U.S. work visa
  • You are asked for your bank account details in order to get a job or visa
  • You are asked to contact someone specific at or meet someone near the U.S. Embassy or Consulate

How to find out if a U.S. company is genuine:

  • Phone the job-offering company in the U.S. and ask detailed questions about the company and the job. Genuine companies do not usually give a mobile number for employment contact. Request a landline number. Compare the area dialing code with the given location of the company.
  • Most genuine US companies do not use a hotmail or yahoo type email account. The offer may show genuine U.S.-company websites but email addresses may be false.  Example: genuine website – www.uscis.gov. False contact details – uscis@hotmail.co.us

Visa application and fees: The official website for information about the visa application process is https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en. All fees and instructions are listed there. If you are given different instructions, contact support-india@usvisascheduling.com

If you have been cheated through a job scam, immediately report it to the Indian police. This is an international crime.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division enforces more than 400 different violations of criminal law, ranging from those involving child exploitation to transnational gangs.

To report potential employment fraud, any other potential violation or a security threat to the United States click here.

For more information please review information on the State Department’s website.

 

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