United States Of America

Requisite Documents and Fees

Name: United States Of America

The visa section of the U.S. Embassy, New Delhi, U.S. Consulate General, Chennai, and U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai conduct nonimmigrant visa interviews, by appointment only, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday, except for holidays and closures. The Embassy and Consulates are closed to the public on the last Wednesday of every month.

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 able to visit the U.S. without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. All travelers coming to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) system prior to initiating travel to the United State

If you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (Note: Indian Nationals do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program) or are traveling to study, work, participate in an exchange program, or any other purpose that does not fall under a B visa purpose of travel, you will need a nonimmigrant visa.

Visas for Applicants under 14 and over 80

Overview: Non Immigrant Visa Interview Waivers for Applicants under 14 Years of Age and Over 80.

Please review this information for the requirements of nonimmigrant visa interview waiver for applicants under 14 years of age and over 80 applied at any U.S Consular office in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata).

Requirements:

Applicants under 14 years of age or over 80 years of age from the date of submission are not required to appear for a nonimmigrant visa interview at any Embassy/Consulate in India. Such applicants may submit their visa applications through the Interview Waiver Program. All other rules, requirements and fees for those under 14 years of age and over 80 years of age remain in effect.

Supporting Documents:

All applicants must include the following documents when submitting their applications:

• Applicant’s current and all old passports.
• A completed DS-160 application barcode.
• A visa fee receipt (with both copies) for the current visa application fee.
• For child below 14 years of age a valid visa copy of the same visa category of either of the parents.

Note: Parents having the appointment scheduled together with the child under 14 years of age should submit the required above documentsduring the time of their Interview at Embassy/Consulate. Visa issuance for those not appearing in person is not guaranteed. The Embassy /Consulate may in some cases, after reviewing an application, require the child to appear in person.

Application Items:

If you apply for a business / tourist visa, you must submit the following:

• A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 webpage for more information about the DS-160.
• A passport valid for travel to the United States with validity date of 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.
• A receipt showing payment of your US$160 non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee paid in local currency. This web page has more information about paying this fee. If a visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, depending on your nationality. The Department of State’s website can help you find out if you must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is.
• In addition to these items, you must present an interview appointment letter confirming that you booked an appointment through this service. You may also bring whatever supporting documents you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.
  
  

How to Apply

Step 1: Pay the visa application fee:

• Note: 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. Visa application fees are non- refundable.
• In order to ensure the proper amount is paid and activated a timely manner, please first create a profile HERE and choose the Schedule Appointment option. On the payment confirmation screen you will be presented with payment options and further details of how to initiate payment. Please note it can take up to 2 business days from time of payment for your receipt to be activated.
  • National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT):
  • You may pay your Machine Readable Visa (MRV) Fee using the popular and convenient NEFT payment system.
  • If your bank supports NEFT Payments, you may pay your nonimmigrant visa application fee with a NEFT transfer directly from your bank account. Over 87,000 bank branches are enabled to make NEFT payments. You may also make your NEFT payment through online banking or mobile banking meaning you do not have to visit your nearest bank branch. Be aware that your bank may apply charges to your account for NEFT transactions.
  • After logging into your profile and while on the payment confirmation screen, you will receive a unique account number to which you will send the NEFT payment. Please make only one payment per unique account number as there are the payment is non-refundable.
  • IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU KEEP THE UNIQUE ACCOUNT NUMBER THAT YOU ACTUALLY USE TO MAKE YOUR NEFT PAYMENT. You must have this number as proof of payment in order to schedule your visa interview appointment. It is the applicant’s responsibility to save this number. If not, you may not be able to schedule an interview with your payment.
  • Payment by Mobile Phone (IMPS):
  • Applicants with a mobile phone can pay their MRV Fee via their phone using the IMPs system, however, the applicant must be preregistered with their bank to complete payment via their mobile phone and be in possession of a valid MPIN.
  • Payment of Visa fees shall be in Indian Rupees (INR) and must be the exact amount as listed on the payment confirmation screen available after logging into your profile
  • Applicants can initiate an IMPS payment via SMS to their bank or via the m-banking facility provided by their financial institution.
  • Applicants must enter the correct Beneficiary Mobile Number, Beneficiary MMID number and correct amounts.
  • Please note, many banks operate a payment limit of INR 5,000/- per transaction. To see a list of daily limits employed by India banks, please click here :
  • Once the payment has been verified, you will receive a SMS containing the 12 digit IMPS reference number. Applicants must then enter the IMPS reference number after logging into their profile . Once verified, the applicant will be able to proceed to the appointment scheduling stage.
  • It is important to pay the correct fee as paying the incorrect amount will cause delays in scheduling your appointment.
  • Applicants who pay via the IMPS system during regular business hours (9AM – 5PM) will be able to schedule their appointment within 3 hours. Applicants who make their payment after 6PM will be able to schedule their appointment after 9AM the next business day.
  • Cash – Over the Counter (AXIS Bank / Citibank):
  • You can pay your nonimmigrant visa application fee in cash at any of the designated AXIS or Citibank branches. Before going to the bank, you must print and carry the applicable U.S. visa fee collection slip available after logging into your profile . Take the completed fee collection slip to the bank when you pay your fee. After receiving your payment, the bank will give you a receipt. Values are shown in (USD); however the Fee payable is in Indian Rupees (INR) at the current Consular Exchange rate.
  • Locations:
    • To view Citibank locations
    • To view Axis bank locations
    • Cash – Over the Counter at DRUK Bank:
  • You can pay your nonimmigrant visa application fee in cash at any of 4 DRUK Bank branch. Before going to the bank, you must print and carry the applicable U.S. visa fee collection slip available after logging into your profile Take the completed fee collection slip to the bank when you pay your fee. Be sure that you pay the exact amount indicated on the deposit slip. After receiving your payment, the bank will give you a receipt. Values are shown in U.S. dollars (USD); however the Fee payable is in Bhutan Ngultrums (BT
  • If you cannot open or view the fee payment slip, please download and install the latest version of Adobe Reader from the Adobe website . There is no fee to download or use Adobe Reader.
  • You can pay the MRV Fee at any of the following DRUK Bank locations.
    • To view Druk bank locations
      
      

Restrictions:

Your visa application fee is non-refundable and you cannot transfer it to another person. You will receive a receipt after paying the application fee. This receipt is valid for one year from the date of payment and allows you to schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You must schedule your interview while the receipt is valid, which means your interview must be booked within one year of paying your fee. If you do not schedule an interview within a year of payment then your receipt will expire, you will not be able to schedule an interview, and you must pay the fee again and begin the process ane

Step 2:

• The Form DS-160 is online here.
• You can find information and an FAQ about the DS-160 here.

Step 3:

•  Schedule your appointment on this web page. You will need pieces of information in order to schedule your appointment:
           Your passport number.
           The date you paid your fee.
           The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.

 Step 4:

• Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview. You must bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, your DS-160 confirmation page, one photograph taken within the last six months, your current and all old passports, and the original visa fee payment receipt. Applications without all of these items will not be accepted.

Offsite Collection Services:

After completing the online application, most applicants will be required to have an appointment at an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) prior to their appointment at the Consular Sections. Biometric information including fingerprints and digital photographs will be collected at the OFC.

Applicants for U.S. visas are required to appear in person twice. One, for an appointment at the OFC and TWO, for the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Applicant must schedule the OFC appointment at least one day before the interview appointment date. You can schedule both appointments, either online using this website or through the call center.

Supporting Documents

You will need to bring:

• A passport valid for travel to the United States with validity date of 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 DS-160 confirmation page.
• Your appointment confirmation page.
• OFC Operation Hours:
  • Monday to Friday – 0800 to 1700 hrs.
  • Sunday – 1300 to 1800 hrs.
• OFC Locations
  • Mumbai: Trade Center, Gr. Floor, G Block, Bandrakurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai – 400041
  • Chennai: No 3, Cenotaph Road, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600018
  • Hyderabad: 502, Gowra Grand, S. P. Road, Begumpet, Secunderabad – 500003
  • Kolkata: Jasmine Tower, 31, Shakespeare Sarani (1st Floor), Kolkata – 700017
  • Delhi: S – 1 American Plaza, (Hotel Eros Managed by Hilton), International Trade Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi – 110019
    
    

Photograph Requirements across all cases:

The photograph should measure 50 mm X 50 mm, should not be more than 6 months old, should be taken against a white or off-white background and with the head centred in the frame. The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure between 25 mm to 35 mm with the eye level between 28 mm and 35 mm from the bottom of the photo. The following are the photograph requirements:

• The photo must be a full face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• The applicant should not look down or to either side, and the face should cover about 50 percent of the photo area.
• Side or angled views are NOT acceptable.
• The photo should be in colour, and must have only a white or off-white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• In general, the applicant’s head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed.
• Head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant’s face.
• Sunglasses or other wear that detracts from the face are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons, for example, an eye patch.
• A photo of an applicant wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable.
• Photos of military, airline, or other personnel wearing hats are not acceptable.
• A photo of an applicant wearing tribal, national costume, or other headgear not religious in nature is not acceptable.
• A photo of a minor child must contain no one else. If the child needs to be supported, the means of support should not be in the camera’s frame.
• Group photos are NOT acceptable. As a separate visa is issued to each qualified applicant, a photo of each applicant is required.
• Digital photos must meet all the requirements and be reproduced without any dot patterns or pixels being visible.
• Digitally scanned photos and photocopied photos are NOT acceptable. Only original photos are acceptable.
• Digitally altered or retouched photos are NOT acceptable. The applicant’s appearance and the background of the picture must not be altered.

Non-Immigrant Visa: Tourist:

At the time of the visa interview, applicants will be asked to electronically scan the four fingers and a thumb of each hand. Applicants who are required to be fingerprinted, and who have a cut or blister or other temporary skin injury on their index fingers may not be issued a visa until their finger heals before they can be fingerprinted. The scanned fingerprint data collected at the time of interview will be compared with fingerprint scans at the US port of entry to prevent the misuse of US visas by impostors and by those wanted for more serious offences. Please remember, however, that all visa applicants, regardless of their age or visa category, will require an interview.

• A passport valid for at least six months from the desired date of entry. The validity of the visa issued will in no case extend the validity of the passport.
• One passport-size photograph (see specifications above).
• A Completed and signed Visa Application Form online: DS-160.
• Birth certificate and, if applicable, parents’ valid visas (for children’s applications).
• A printout of an Appointment confirmation.
• If your are employed, carry a letter from employer detailing your position, salary, how long you have been employed with the company; the period of authorized vacation; and the purpose of your U.S. trip.
• Income Tax Returns for the last three (3) years.
• Itemised Bank statements and other documents to show the assets of the Applicant (if any) is needed.
• If the Applicant is in Government Service or with the Armed Forces, a No Objection Letter or Certificate and sanctioned Leave Letter is needed.
• Dependents joining their spouse on-board ship need to carry their original marriage certificate and entire wedding photo album along with the spouse’s visa copy.
• In the event of having a Sponsor the following documents are required of him/ her:
• It is also helpful to carry evidence of how the trip will be financed along with letters of deputation, invitation or sponsorship.
• An Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) from the Sponsor.
• Bank statements.
• Employment Letter.
• Copies of the Passport (along with the visa pages) of the Relative in the United States.
• Documents to show the Sponsor’s legal status in the United States.
• For parents visiting a child resident in the U.S.:

If child is an Indian citizen.

• Childs’s original birth certificate.
• Photocopy of all pages of child’s passport.
• Where the U.S. visa of child has expired, photocopy of the renewed petition required.
• Where child is a legal permanent resident in USA, photocopy of the green card (front and back) is required.
• The US Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) inspector at the port of entry decides your length of stay in the United States.
  
  

Important notes:

• You are strongly recommended to keep photocopies of your passport’s data pages and of the US visa. A US non-immigrant visa is a valuable document. Inform the US Embassy/Consulate from where your visa was issued immediately if you have lost your passport. You would need to obtain a new non-immigrant visa. At the time of your interview please present the Police First Incident Report (FIR) from the Police precinct where the passport was lost in India or overseas as well as a photocopy of the lost Passport and valid US visa, if possibl
• If you have been denied a US non-immigrant visa under Section 214(b), you may schedule a new appointment. You must demonstrate a significant change in your circumstances or present compelling new evidence to an adjudicating Consular Officer at a subsequent interview in order to be granted a visa. There is no limitation on the number of times you may apply for a non-immigrant visa.

The application fees are listed below and apply to one visa application. The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190. K visas cost US$265 and the fee amount for E visas is US$205. The tables below are a more comprehensive list of visa types and fee amounts.

Visa Fee is Non-refundable and payable whether a visa is issued or not.

There is NO separate Service Charge for VFS in process of USA Visa.

Consular Exchange Rate: 68.00 INR = 1 USD

Expiration Date: 08/06/2017

Business:

At the time of the visa interview, applicants will be asked to electronically scan the four fingers and a thumb of each hand. Applicants who are required to be fingerprinted, and who have a cut or blister or other temporary skin injury on their index fingers may not be issued a visa until their finger heals before they can be fingerprinted. The scanned fingerprint data collected at the time of interview will be compared with fingerprint scans at the US port of entry to prevent the misuse of US visas by impostors and by those wanted for more serious offences. Please remember, however, that all visa applicants, regardless of their age or visa category, will require an interview.

• A passport valid for at least six months from the desired date of entry. The validity of the visa issued will in no case extend the validity of the passport.
• One passport-size photograph (see specifications above).
• A Completed and signed Visa Application Form online: DS-160.
• A Covering letter from the company.
• An Appointment Letter.
• An Invitation Letter from the US Counterpart/ Company.
• Exchanges of Correspondence with U.S. Purchasers, Suppliers or Contacts.
• Bank transaction statements detailing all deposits and withdrawals for the last 6 months. The Personal and Company accounts need to be submitted, along with evidence of authority to draw on the Company Accounts.
• Any copies of recent advertising brochures or publications.
• Incorporation documents and business license(s).
• Recent contracts, Bills of Lading and other documentary evidence of recent imports and exports of purchases.
• A printout of an Appointment confirmation.
• Income Tax Returns for the last two (2) years.
• Itemised Bank statements and other documents to show the assets of the Applicant (if any) is needed.
• The US Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) inspector at the port of entry decides your length of stay in the United States.

Important notes:

• You are strongly recommended to keep photocopies of your passport’s data pages and of the US visa. A US non-immigrant visa is a valuable document. Inform the US Embassy/Consulate from where your visa was issued immediately if you have lost your passport. You would need to obtain a new non-immigrant visa. At the time of your interview please present the Police First Incident Report (FIR) from the Police precinct where the passport was lost in India or overseas as well as a photocopy of the lost Passport and valid US visa, if p
• If you have been denied a US non-immigrant visa under Section 214(b), you may schedule a new appointment. You must demonstrate a significant change in your circumstances or present compelling new evidence to an adjudicating Consular Officer at a subsequent interview in order to be granted a visa. There is no limitation on the number of times you may apply for a non-immigrant visa.

The application fees are listed below and apply to one visa application. The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190. K visas cost US$265 and the fee amount for E visas is US$205. The tables below are a more comprehensive list of visa types and fee amounts.

Visa Fee is Non-refundable and payable whether a visa is issued or not.

There is NO separate Service Charge for VFS in process of USA Visa.

Consular Exchange Rate: 68.00 INR = 1 USD

Expiration Date: 08/06/2017

Student

Academic studies (F visa):

At the time of the visa interview, applicants will be asked to electronically scan the four fingers and a thumb of each hand. Applicants who are required to be fingerprinted, and who have a cut or blister or other temporary skin injury on their index fingers may not be issued a visa until their finger heals before they can be fingerprinted. The scanned fingerprint data collected at the time of interview will be compared with fingerprint scans at the US port of entry to prevent the misuse of US visas by impostors and by those wanted for more serious offences. Please remember, however, that all visa applicants, regardless of their age or visa category, will require an interview.

This applies to people seeking to study or conduct research at an accredited U.S. college or University. The following is an indication of the documents required.

• All the documents required for any non-immigrant visa.
• An I-20 Form.
• A Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status, obtained from the U.S. College, School or University.
• Both pages of the new, bar coded SEVIS form. The form must be signed by the traveler and a School Official.
• Mark sheets, Transcripts and Certificates from all previous institutions attended.
• Certificate of scores from U.S. standardized tests such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT (wherever applicable).
• Any financial documentation provided should be in support of this. This applies to all student visa applicants. They might include:
• Original Income Tax Returns for the past 3 years (specifically Form 16).
  • Original Bank records for the past 3 years, and / or fixed deposit statement of Parent or Sponsor.
  • If the Applicant receives a scholarship, it is noted on the I-20 and favourably considered by the Visa Officer.
  • The US Consulate discourages Applicants from bringing property deeds or certified copies of financial documents.
  • If the Applicant is financially supported by an Individual in the U.S, the notarized From I-134 (Affidavit of support) along with the Sponsors Income Tax Returns and Bank Statements for the past 3 years is recommended.
• Proof that funds are immediately available to cover the First Year’s costs, evidence that funds for tuition fees will be available for all subsequent years.
• Any financial documentation provided should be in support of the above conditions. This applies to all Applicants.

Academic studies as an Exchange Visitor (J visa/ J-1 visa):

• This is for participation in exchange visitor programs in the United States. The “J” visa is the primary visa for educational and cultural exchange programs.
• J-1 visas are for International Exchange visitors to the United States. These visitors may be Academics, Scientists, Businesspeople or Students visiting the U.S. under the sponsorship of, or funded by, Individual Universities, Private Companies, the U.S. Government, or their own Government. J-2 visas are for dependents of J-1 visas.
• The Organizations sponsoring an Exchange Visitor must be approved for program acceptance by the Department of State. The approval grants the Organization the authority to issue Form DS-2019 to prospective J-1 Applicants. The approval does not assure you of a visa, and does not imply U.S. government endorsement of the program or sponsor.

Applicants for Exchange Visitor (J-1) visas should include with their application:

• All the documents required for any non-immigrant visa.
• All pages of the Form DS-2019 duly completed and signed (in original-no copies will be accepted).
• Transcripts and Diplomas from previous Institutions attended.
• Financial evidence proving the availability of sufficient funds to cover the tuition and living expenses during the period of Study.
• Any financial documentation provided should be in support of this. This applies to all student visa applicants. They might include:
  • Original Income Tax Returns for the past 3 years (specifically Form 16).
  • Original Bank records for the past 3 years, and / or fixed deposit statement of Parent or Sponsor.
  • If the Applicant receives a scholarship, it is noted on the I-20 and favourably considered by the Visa Officer.
  • The US Consulate discourages Applicants from bringing property deeds or certified copies of financial documents.
  • If the Applicant is financially supported by an Individual in the U.S, the notarized From I-134 (Affidavit of support) along with the Sponsors Income Tax Returns and Bank Statements for the past 3 years is recommended.
• If the Exchange-Visit is being funded out of personal funds, original Bankbooks and the like are the clearest evidence of adequate funds.
• If the Applicant is being funded by an Organization (either in India or America), a Letter from that Organization explaining the nature of the funding will help to process the case on a speedy basis.

Non-Academic or Vocational Studies (M Visa):

• This applies to students seeking to study or train at a non-academic institution in the U.S.
• The M visa can be issued to International Students who are going to the US to pursue a full-time course of study at an established Vocational School or other Non-Academic School that has been approved by the USCIS. Schools that may be approved for attendance by M-1 Students include:
• A Community College or Junior College that provides vocational or technical training and which awards recognised Associate Degrees, a Vocational High School, a School that provides Vocational or Non-Academic training other than language training.

Acquiring M-1 status and duration:

• The procedures for obtaining M-1 status parallel those for the F-1 student visa.
• The M-1 student must have been admitted into an Authorised School, and the designated School Official (DSO) must have issued the I-20 in the US.
• Potential M-1 students will not be able to enrol in the School’s programmes, if they were initially admitted in B-1 or B-2 status.
• Unlike the F-1 who is granted duration of status for his/her studies, a person who is admitted or changed to M-1 status is granted a ‘date certain’ for the period of study set forth on Form I-20MN (plus 30 days) or one year, which ever is less. The M-1 grace period is only half the time of the 60-day F-1 grade period.
• The M-1 student must be enrolled for a full course of study. For community or junior college M-1 students, this means 12 credit hours so long as that is deemed full-time by the institution.
• For post-secondary vocational students, this generally means at least 18 hours of classroom instruction per week or, if predominantly a shop or laboratory-based curriculum, at least 22 clock hours per week of instruction.
• An M-1 student who has been compelled to interrupt or reduce a course of study may be granted an extension of stay. However, the cumulative time of extensions that can be granted to an M-1 student is limited to a period of three years from the M-1’s initial start date, plus 30 days. If the M-1 cannot complete his/her programme during this extended time, no further extensions will be granted.
• The areas generally covered under M-1 include commercial pilot training, fashion designing, gem and jewellery related training etc.

Visas to Attend Flight Training School in the US:

• The procedures for obtaining an M visa to attend US flight schools have changed. All applicants for M visas for US flight training will be required to submit the following additional documents:
• Reason for the training; Current Employer and Applicant’s position; Name of and relationship of the Sponsor paying for the training; Most recent flight certifications and ratings; Information on what kind of aircraft the training is for (Document must be signed by a school official in the US).

Extension of Stay, Transfers, Change of Status and Employment:

• The M-1 and any M-2 Spouse or Children (below 21) must apply for an extension of stay annually with Form I-539, (filing fee USD 200) submitted to a USCIS service centre having jurisdiction over the school the M-1 Student was last authorised to attend.
• The application must be accompanied by an endorsement from the DS on the Student’s SEVIS Form I-20 and the Student’s and his/her Dependants’ I-94 arrival/departure forms.
• One rather inflexible area of the regulations notes that transfers of schools are not permitted after the M-1 has been in status for 6 months unless the M-1 is not able to remain at the original school for reasons beyond the M-1’s control. No change in educational objective (such as change in major or degree program) is allowed.
• An M-1 follows similar procedures as the F-1 with respect to transferring schools, except the M-1 must also submit form I-539, the new I-20 and I-94 to the appropriate USCIS service centre for approval.
• Although M visa holders may generally apply for a change of status, an M-1 is prohibited from changing to H status if the M-1’s qualification for H status is based on credentials gained as an M-1. Also, an M-1 may not request a change of status to F-1 (although an M-2 can change to F-1 status).
• Non-immigrant students in the M-1 classification are not permitted to engage in any employment except for post-completion practical training. An M-1 may apply to the USCIS on Form I-765 (filing fee $180) no more than 90 days before graduation for practical training in a proposed position that is related to the course of study. The DSO must endorse the M-1’s SEVIS I-20MN and certify that it is his/her information and belief that the comparable employment is unavailable in the Student’s country of foreign r
• The application must demonstrate that the training can be completed within the time that may be allowed. The M-1 may be granted one month of training for every four months of study, not to exceed six months in total. An employment authorisation document (EAD) will be issued if the training is approved.

Mandatory Documents for M-1 visa:

• Photocopies of the first page, address page and last page of the current passport.
• One passport-size photograph (see specifications above).
• Original DS-160, Non-Immigrant visa application form.
• Original DS-160, Supplemental Non-Immigrant visa application form.
• Original Form DS-160.
• Copy of Form I-20, approved and signed by the university authority.
• Proof of payment of SEVIS fee receipt I-901, if applicable.

Supporting Documents for M-1 visa:

• The Original passport.
• Letter of appointment for the Interview.
• SEVIS generated Form I-20 in original, approved and signed by the University authority.
• Proof of payment of SEVIS fee receipt I-901, if applicable.
• Original Degree Certificates along with Mark Sheets.
• Original Bachelor Degree Transcripts or High School Diploma along with Mark Sheets from previous Institutions attended.
• Evidence of Financial Resources.
• Proof of liquid assets sufficient to pay for the entire first year of Education and living expenses as well as proof of readily available funds to cover the remaining year(s) of studies.
• Any financial documentation provided should be in support of this. This applies to all student visa applicants. They might include:
  • Original Income Tax Returns for the past 3 years (specifically Form 16).
  • Original Bank records for the past 3 years, and / or fixed deposit statement of Parent or Sponsor.
  • If the Applicant receives a scholarship, it is noted on the I-20 and favorably considered by the Visa Officer.
  • The US Consulate discourages Applicants from bringing property deeds or certified copies of financial documents.
  • If the Applicant is financially supported by an Individual in the U.S, the notarized From I-134 (Affidavit of support) along with the Sponsors Income Tax Returns and Bank Statements for the past 3 years is recommended.

Effective November 20, 2010, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India will begin collecting an additional fee of $2,000 for certain H-1B petitions and $2,250 for certain L-1A and L-1B petitions that fall under the provisions of Public Law 111-230. These additional fees apply to petitioners with more than 50 employees in the United States and with more than 50 percent of those employees in H-1B or L (including L-1A, L-1B, and L-2) status.

The application fees are listed below and apply to one visa application. The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190. K visas cost US$265 and the fee amount for E visas is US$205. The tables below are a more comprehensive list of visa types and fee amounts.

Visa Fee is Non-refundable and payable whether a visa is issued or not.

There is NO separate Service Charge for VFS in process of USA Visa.

Consular Exchange Rate: 68.00 INR = 1 USD

Expiration Date: 08/06/2017

Temporary Work Visa:

Temporary Work Visas H1-B, L-1: There are several categories of temporary worker visas some of which are listed below.

At the time of the visa interview, applicants will be asked to electronically scan the four fingers and a thumb of each hand. Applicants who are required to be fingerprinted, and who have a cut or blister or other temporary skin injury on their index fingers may not be issued a visa until their finger heals before they can be fingerprinted. The scanned fingerprint data collected at the time of interview will be compared with fingerprint scans at the US port of entry to prevent the misuse of US visas by impostors and by those wanted for more serious offences. Please remember, however, that all visa applicants, regardless of their age or visa category, will require an interview.

All applicants for such visas must have a petition approved by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service (BCIS) before applying for the visa. Petitions cannot be filed with the Embassy; they must be filed in the U.S.

Categories of Work Visas:

• H-1B: Persons in a Specialty Occupation.
• H-2B: Temporary or Seasonal Non-agricultural Workers.
• H-3: Trainees other than Medical or Academic. It also applies to Practical Training in the education of Handicapped Children.
• H-4: Dependants of H visa Holders.
• L-1: Intra-Company Transferees.
• L-2: Dependants of L-1 visa Holders.
• O-1/ O-2: Visas for Persons of Extraordinary Ability.
• P-3: Artists or Entertainers in a Culturally Unique Program.

Requirements for a H-1B or L-1 visa are:

• All the documents required for any non-immigrant visa.
• Notice of Approval I-797 (in original).
• The complete petition submitted by the prospective Employer including the Labor Condition Application (LCA – not applicable to L-1 applicants) and the I-129.
• The originals of University Diplomas, Mark Sheets and any other relevant Certificates. (Secondary School Information is not required).
• Letters of Work Experience from your previous Employers.
• One set of photocopy of all the above documents.
• A Letter from the Petitioning Employer confirming the Employer’s intent to hire the Applicant.
• L visa Applicants must provide a Letter from their Employer stating the length of association with the Company.
• Pay stubs from the current or most recent place of Employment.
• First time Applicants are also requested to bring the following items:
  • Names and current phone numbers of the Personnel Managers at the Applicant’s present and past Jobs.
  • Photographs of the inside and outside of the current or the most recent Employer’s place of business.
  • Names and contact information of two co-workers from the current or most recent place of Employment.
  • Names and contact information of two co-workers from past Jobs.
  • A complete resume and Cover Letter describing current job duties in detail.
  • Personal bank records for the last six months.
  • Information of the company in the US: Photographs of the inside and outside of the Company’s Offices, prospectus, brochures, and Annual Report.
• The Embassy will not accept documents received directly from the company by mail or fax. All documents should be brought by the traveler to the interview. The Embassy will not make this information available to anyone and will destroy the documents after review.
• An H-1B visa holder, after changing H-1B Employers in accordance with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) procedures for making such a change, may continue to use his or her original H-1B visa for entry into the United States. Upon applying for entry, the visa holder must present the new Form I-797A, Notice of Action evidencing the approval of the change of Employer in addition to the visa.

Dependent Visas: H-4, L-2

Applicants for the related dependent visas, H-4 and L-2 visas, should submit:

• All the required documents for any Non-Immigrant visa.
• The Marriage Registration Certificate and the original Birth Certificate for each Child.
• Wedding Invitation and Wedding Ceremony photos.
• All 36 pages of the Principal Applicant’s passport (if not applying with the Principal Applicant).
• A Letter from the Spouse’s Employer confirming continued Employment.
• Copy of the Principal Applicant’s I797, I129 and LCA.
• Copy of the Principal Applicant’s Work Experience Letters.
• Copy of the Principal Applicant’s Letter of Offer from the US Company.
• Pay stubs from Principal Applicant’s current place of Work and Income Tax Return.
• The Embassy will not accept documents received directly from the Company by mail or fax.
• All documents should be brought by the traveler to the interview. The Embassy will not make this information available to anyone and will destroy the documents after review.

Effective November 20, 2010, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India will begin collecting an additional fee of $2,000 for certain H-1B petitions and $2,250 for certain L-1A and L-1B petitions that fall under the provisions of Public Law 111-230. These additional fees apply to petitioners with more than 50 employees in the United States and with more than 50 percent of those employees in H-1B or L (including L-1A, L-1B, and L-2) status.

The application fees are listed below and apply to one visa application. The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190. K visas cost US$265 and the fee amount for E visas is US$205. The tables below are a more comprehensive list of visa types and fee amounts.

Visa Fee is Non-refundable and payable whether a visa is issued or not.

There is NO separate Service Charge for VFS in process of USA Visa.

Consular Exchange Rate: 68.00 INR = 1 USD

Expiration Date: 08/06/2017

American Embassy New Delhi – Business Executive Program (BEP)

The Business Executive Program (BEP) is designed to facilitate business travel in support of U.S. commerce abroad. The BEP enrolls major companies and permits their employees to obtain expedited processing on the day of the interview. All other visa-processing requirements remain the same. Companies must meet strictly established criteria in order to be enrolled, and must adhere to firm standards to stay in the program. Site visits are often critical to determining a company’s eligibility. A key aspect of the BEP program is to ensure that visa applications by legitimate foreign business travellers, especially those involved in trade, negotiations and other dealings with U.S. companies, receive full and timely at

Once a company application for the BEP is received, our BEP team will review it and make a decision on whether to enrol the company in the program. Among the criteria for enrolment, the company must have one hundred employees or more and be located in the New Delhi Consular District at the time of the application (this District includes the State of Delhi, the Union Territory of Chandigarh, and the States of Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal). For more information and the full set of criteria governing enrolment in the Business Executive Program, e-mail us at: bepindia@s

A and G Visas (Official Visas)

C Visas (Alien-in-transit)

C1/D (Alien crew member in-transit)

I Visas (Foreign Info Media)

O Visas for Persons of Extraordinary Ability

P Visas for Artists or Entertainers in a Culturally Unique Program

R Visas (Alien in Religious Operation).

Requisite Documents and Fees

Name: United States Of America

The visa section of the U.S. Embassy, New Delhi, U.S. Consulate General, Chennai, and U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai conduct nonimmigrant visa interviews, by appointment only, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday, except for holidays and closures. The Embassy and Consulates are closed to the public on the last Wednesday of every month.

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 able to visit the U.S. without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. All travelers coming to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) system prior to initiating travel to the United State

If you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (Note: Indian Nationals do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program) or are traveling to study, work, participate in an exchange program, or any other purpose that does not fall under a B visa purpose of travel, you will need a nonimmigrant visa.

Visas for Applicants under 14 and over 80

Overview: Non Immigrant Visa Interview Waivers for Applicants under 14 Years of Age and Over 80.

Please review this information for the requirements of nonimmigrant visa interview waiver for applicants under 14 years of age and over 80 applied at any U.S Consular office in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata).

Requirements:

Applicants under 14 years of age or over 80 years of age from the date of submission are not required to appear for a nonimmigrant visa interview at any Embassy/Consulate in India. Such applicants may submit their visa applications through the Interview Waiver Program. All other rules, requirements and fees for those under 14 years of age and over 80 years of age remain in effect.

Supporting Documents:

All applicants must include the following documents when submitting their applications:

• Applicant’s current and all old passports.
• A completed DS-160 application barcode.
• A visa fee receipt (with both copies) for the current visa application fee.
• For child below 14 years of age a valid visa copy of the same visa category of either of the parents.

Note: Parents having the appointment scheduled together with the child under 14 years of age should submit the required above documentsduring the time of their Interview at Embassy/Consulate. Visa issuance for those not appearing in person is not guaranteed. The Embassy /Consulate may in some cases, after reviewing an application, require the child to appear in person.

Application Items:

If you apply for a business / tourist visa, you must submit the following:

• A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 webpage for more information about the DS-160.
• A passport valid for travel to the United States with validity date of 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.
• A receipt showing payment of your US$160 non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee paid in local currency. This web page has more information about paying this fee. If a visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, depending on your nationality. The Department of State’s website can help you find out if you must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is.
• In addition to these items, you must present an interview appointment letter confirming that you booked an appointment through this service. You may also bring whatever supporting documents you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.

How to Apply

Step 1: Pay the visa application fee:

• Note: 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. Visa application fees are non- refundable.
• In order to ensure the proper amount is paid and activated a timely manner, please first create a profile HERE and choose the Schedule Appointment option. On the payment confirmation screen you will be presented with payment options and further details of how to initiate payment. Please note it can take up to 2 business days from time of payment for your receipt to be activated.
  • National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT):
  • You may pay your Machine Readable Visa (MRV) Fee using the popular and convenient NEFT payment system.
  • If your bank supports NEFT Payments, you may pay your nonimmigrant visa application fee with a NEFT transfer directly from your bank account. Over 87,000 bank branches are enabled to make NEFT payments. You may also make your NEFT payment through online banking or mobile banking meaning you do not have to visit your nearest bank branch. Be aware that your bank may apply charges to your account for NEFT transactions.
  • After logging into your profile and while on the payment confirmation screen, you will receive a unique account number to which you will send the NEFT payment. Please make only one payment per unique account number as there are the payment is non-refundable.
  • IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU KEEP THE UNIQUE ACCOUNT NUMBER THAT YOU ACTUALLY USE TO MAKE YOUR NEFT PAYMENT. You must have this number as proof of payment in order to schedule your visa interview appointment. It is the applicant’s responsibility to save this number. If not, you may not be able to schedule an interview with your payment.
  • Payment by Mobile Phone (IMPS):
  • Applicants with a mobile phone can pay their MRV Fee via their phone using the IMPs system, however, the applicant must be preregistered with their bank to complete payment via their mobile phone and be in possession of a valid MPIN.
  • Payment of Visa fees shall be in Indian Rupees (INR) and must be the exact amount as listed on the payment confirmation screen available after logging into your profile
  • Applicants can initiate an IMPS payment via SMS to their bank or via the m-banking facility provided by their financial institution.
  • Applicants must enter the correct Beneficiary Mobile Number, Beneficiary MMID number and correct amounts.
  • Please note, many banks operate a payment limit of INR 5,000/- per transaction. To see a list of daily limits employed by India banks, please click here :
  • Once the payment has been verified, you will receive a SMS containing the 12 digit IMPS reference number. Applicants must then enter the IMPS reference number after logging into their profile . Once verified, the applicant will be able to proceed to the appointment scheduling stage.
  • It is important to pay the correct fee as paying the incorrect amount will cause delays in scheduling your appointment.
  • Applicants who pay via the IMPS system during regular business hours (9AM – 5PM) will be able to schedule their appointment within 3 hours. Applicants who make their payment after 6PM will be able to schedule their appointment after 9AM the next business day.
  • Cash – Over the Counter (AXIS Bank / Citibank):
  • You can pay your nonimmigrant visa application fee in cash at any of the designated AXIS or Citibank branches. Before going to the bank, you must print and carry the applicable U.S. visa fee collection slip available after logging into your profile . Take the completed fee collection slip to the bank when you pay your fee. After receiving your payment, the bank will give you a receipt. Values are shown in (USD); however the Fee payable is in Indian Rupees (INR) at the current Consular Exchange rate.
  • Locations:
    • To view Citibank locations
    • To view Axis bank locations
    • Cash – Over the Counter at DRUK Bank:
  • You can pay your nonimmigrant visa application fee in cash at any of 4 DRUK Bank branch. Before going to the bank, you must print and carry the applicable U.S. visa fee collection slip available after logging into your profile Take the completed fee collection slip to the bank when you pay your fee. Be sure that you pay the exact amount indicated on the deposit slip. After receiving your payment, the bank will give you a receipt. Values are shown in U.S. dollars (USD); however the Fee payable is in Bhutan Ngultrums (BT
  • If you cannot open or view the fee payment slip, please download and install the latest version of Adobe Reader from the Adobe website . There is no fee to download or use Adobe Reader.
  • You can pay the MRV Fee at any of the following DRUK Bank locations.
    • To view Druk bank locations
      
      

Restrictions:

Your visa application fee is non-refundable and you cannot transfer it to another person. You will receive a receipt after paying the application fee. This receipt is valid for one year from the date of payment and allows you to schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You must schedule your interview while the receipt is valid, which means your interview must be booked within one year of paying your fee. If you do not schedule an interview within a year of payment then your receipt will expire, you will not be able to schedule an interview, and you must pay the fee again and begin the process ane

Step 2:

• The Form DS-160 is online here.
• You can find information and an FAQ about the DS-160 here.

Step 3:

•  Schedule your appointment on this web page. You will need pieces of information in order to schedule your appointment:
           Your passport number.
           The date you paid your fee.
           The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.

 Step 4:

• Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview. You must bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, your DS-160 confirmation page, one photograph taken within the last six months, your current and all old passports, and the original visa fee payment receipt. Applications without all of these items will not be accepted.

Offsite Collection Services:

After completing the online application, most applicants will be required to have an appointment at an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) prior to their appointment at the Consular Sections. Biometric information including fingerprints and digital photographs will be collected at the OFC.

Applicants for U.S. visas are required to appear in person twice. One, for an appointment at the OFC and TWO, for the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Applicant must schedule the OFC appointment at least one day before the interview appointment date. You can schedule both appointments, either online using this website or through the call center.

Supporting Documents

You will need to bring:

• A passport valid for travel to the United States with validity date of 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 DS-160 confirmation page.
• Your appointment confirmation page.
• OFC Operation Hours:
  • Monday to Friday – 0800 to 1700 hrs.
  • Sunday – 1300 to 1800 hrs.
• OFC Locations
  • Mumbai: Trade Center, Gr. Floor, G Block, Bandrakurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai – 400041
  • Chennai: No 3, Cenotaph Road, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600018
  • Hyderabad: 502, Gowra Grand, S. P. Road, Begumpet, Secunderabad – 500003
  • Kolkata: Jasmine Tower, 31, Shakespeare Sarani (1st Floor), Kolkata – 700017
  • Delhi: S – 1 American Plaza, (Hotel Eros Managed by Hilton), International Trade Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi – 110019
    
    

Photograph Requirements across all cases:

The photograph should measure 50 mm X 50 mm, should not be more than 6 months old, should be taken against a white or off-white background and with the head centred in the frame. The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure between 25 mm to 35 mm with the eye level between 28 mm and 35 mm from the bottom of the photo. The following are the photograph requirements:

• The photo must be a full face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• The applicant should not look down or to either side, and the face should cover about 50 percent of the photo area.
• Side or angled views are NOT acceptable.
• The photo should be in colour, and must have only a white or off-white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• In general, the applicant’s head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed.
• Head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant’s face.
• Sunglasses or other wear that detracts from the face are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons, for example, an eye patch.
• A photo of an applicant wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable.
• Photos of military, airline, or other personnel wearing hats are not acceptable.
• A photo of an applicant wearing tribal, national costume, or other headgear not religious in nature is not acceptable.
• A photo of a minor child must contain no one else. If the child needs to be supported, the means of support should not be in the camera’s frame.
• Group photos are NOT acceptable. As a separate visa is issued to each qualified applicant, a photo of each applicant is required.
• Digital photos must meet all the requirements and be reproduced without any dot patterns or pixels being visible.
• Digitally scanned photos and photocopied photos are NOT acceptable. Only original photos are acceptable.
• Digitally altered or retouched photos are NOT acceptable. The applicant’s appearance and the background of the picture must not be altered.

Non-Immigrant Visa: Tourist:

At the time of the visa interview, applicants will be asked to electronically scan the four fingers and a thumb of each hand. Applicants who are required to be fingerprinted, and who have a cut or blister or other temporary skin injury on their index fingers may not be issued a visa until their finger heals before they can be fingerprinted. The scanned fingerprint data collected at the time of interview will be compared with fingerprint scans at the US port of entry to prevent the misuse of US visas by impostors and by those wanted for more serious offences. Please remember, however, that all visa applicants, regardless of their age or visa category, will require an interview.

• A passport valid for at least six months from the desired date of entry. The validity of the visa issued will in no case extend the validity of the passport.
• One passport-size photograph (see specifications above).
• A Completed and signed Visa Application Form online: DS-160.
• Birth certificate and, if applicable, parents’ valid visas (for children’s applications).
• A printout of an Appointment confirmation.
• If your are employed, carry a letter from employer detailing your position, salary, how long you have been employed with the company; the period of authorized vacation; and the purpose of your U.S. trip.
• Income Tax Returns for the last three (3) years.
• Itemised Bank statements and other documents to show the assets of the Applicant (if any) is needed.
• If the Applicant is in Government Service or with the Armed Forces, a No Objection Letter or Certificate and sanctioned Leave Letter is needed.
• Dependents joining their spouse on-board ship need to carry their original marriage certificate and entire wedding photo album along with the spouse’s visa copy.
• In the event of having a Sponsor the following documents are required of him/ her:
• It is also helpful to carry evidence of how the trip will be financed along with letters of deputation, invitation or sponsorship.
• An Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) from the Sponsor.
• Bank statements.
• Employment Letter.
• Copies of the Passport (along with the visa pages) of the Relative in the United States.
• Documents to show the Sponsor’s legal status in the United States.
• For parents visiting a child resident in the U.S.:

If child is an Indian citizen.

• Childs’s original birth certificate.
• Photocopy of all pages of child’s passport.
• Where the U.S. visa of child has expired, photocopy of the renewed petition required.
• Where child is a legal permanent resident in USA, photocopy of the green card (front and back) is required.
• The US Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) inspector at the port of entry decides your length of stay in the United States.

Important notes:

• You are strongly recommended to keep photocopies of your passport’s data pages and of the US visa. A US non-immigrant visa is a valuable document. Inform the US Embassy/Consulate from where your visa was issued immediately if you have lost your passport. You would need to obtain a new non-immigrant visa. At the time of your interview please present the Police First Incident Report (FIR) from the Police precinct where the passport was lost in India or overseas as well as a photocopy of the lost Passport and valid US visa, if possibl
• If you have been denied a US non-immigrant visa under Section 214(b), you may schedule a new appointment. You must demonstrate a significant change in your circumstances or present compelling new evidence to an adjudicating Consular Officer at a subsequent interview in order to be granted a visa. There is no limitation on the number of times you may apply for a non-immigrant visa.

The application fees are listed below and apply to one visa application. The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190. K visas cost US$265 and the fee amount for E visas is US$205. The tables below are a more comprehensive list of visa types and fee amounts.

Visa Fee is Non-refundable and payable whether a visa is issued or not.

There is NO separate Service Charge for VFS in process of USA Visa.

Consular Exchange Rate: 68.00 INR = 1 USD

Expiration Date: 08/06/2017

Business:

At the time of the visa interview, applicants will be asked to electronically scan the four fingers and a thumb of each hand. Applicants who are required to be fingerprinted, and who have a cut or blister or other temporary skin injury on their index fingers may not be issued a visa until their finger heals before they can be fingerprinted. The scanned fingerprint data collected at the time of interview will be compared with fingerprint scans at the US port of entry to prevent the misuse of US visas by impostors and by those wanted for more serious offences. Please remember, however, that all visa applicants, regardless of their age or visa category, will require an interview.

• A passport valid for at least six months from the desired date of entry. The validity of the visa issued will in no case extend the validity of the passport.
• One passport-size photograph (see specifications above).
• A Completed and signed Visa Application Form online: DS-160.
• A Covering letter from the company.
• An Appointment Letter.
• An Invitation Letter from the US Counterpart/ Company.
• Exchanges of Correspondence with U.S. Purchasers, Suppliers or Contacts.
• Bank transaction statements detailing all deposits and withdrawals for the last 6 months. The Personal and Company accounts need to be submitted, along with evidence of authority to draw on the Company Accounts.
• Any copies of recent advertising brochures or publications.
• Incorporation documents and business license(s).
• Recent contracts, Bills of Lading and other documentary evidence of recent imports and exports of purchases.
• A printout of an Appointment confirmation.
• Income Tax Returns for the last two (2) years.
• Itemised Bank statements and other documents to show the assets of the Applicant (if any) is needed.
• The US Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) inspector at the port of entry decides your length of stay in the United States.

Important notes:

• You are strongly recommended to keep photocopies of your passport’s data pages and of the US visa. A US non-immigrant visa is a valuable document. Inform the US Embassy/Consulate from where your visa was issued immediately if you have lost your passport. You would need to obtain a new non-immigrant visa. At the time of your interview please present the Police First Incident Report (FIR) from the Police precinct where the passport was lost in India or overseas as well as a photocopy of the lost Passport and valid US visa, if p
• If you have been denied a US non-immigrant visa under Section 214(b), you may schedule a new appointment. You must demonstrate a significant change in your circumstances or present compelling new evidence to an adjudicating Consular Officer at a subsequent interview in order to be granted a visa. There is no limitation on the number of times you may apply for a non-immigrant visa.

The application fees are listed below and apply to one visa application. The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190. K visas cost US$265 and the fee amount for E visas is US$205. The tables below are a more comprehensive list of visa types and fee amounts.

Visa Fee is Non-refundable and payable whether a visa is issued or not.

There is NO separate Service Charge for VFS in process of USA Visa.

Consular Exchange Rate: 68.00 INR = 1 USD

Expiration Date: 08/06/2017

Student

Academic studies (F visa):

At the time of the visa interview, applicants will be asked to electronically scan the four fingers and a thumb of each hand. Applicants who are required to be fingerprinted, and who have a cut or blister or other temporary skin injury on their index fingers may not be issued a visa until their finger heals before they can be fingerprinted. The scanned fingerprint data collected at the time of interview will be compared with fingerprint scans at the US port of entry to prevent the misuse of US visas by impostors and by those wanted for more serious offences. Please remember, however, that all visa applicants, regardless of their age or visa category, will require an interview.

This applies to people seeking to study or conduct research at an accredited U.S. college or University. The following is an indication of the documents required.

• All the documents required for any non-immigrant visa.
• An I-20 Form.
• A Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status, obtained from the U.S. College, School or University.
• Both pages of the new, bar coded SEVIS form. The form must be signed by the traveler and a School Official.
• Mark sheets, Transcripts and Certificates from all previous institutions attended.
• Certificate of scores from U.S. standardized tests such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT (wherever applicable).
• Any financial documentation provided should be in support of this. This applies to all student visa applicants. They might include:
• Original Income Tax Returns for the past 3 years (specifically Form 16).
  • Original Bank records for the past 3 years, and / or fixed deposit statement of Parent or Sponsor.
  • If the Applicant receives a scholarship, it is noted on the I-20 and favourably considered by the Visa Officer.
  • The US Consulate discourages Applicants from bringing property deeds or certified copies of financial documents.
  • If the Applicant is financially supported by an Individual in the U.S, the notarized From I-134 (Affidavit of support) along with the Sponsors Income Tax Returns and Bank Statements for the past 3 years is recommended.
• Proof that funds are immediately available to cover the First Year’s costs, evidence that funds for tuition fees will be available for all subsequent years.
• Any financial documentation provided should be in support of the above conditions. This applies to all Applicants.

Academic studies as an Exchange Visitor (J visa/ J-1 visa):

• This is for participation in exchange visitor programs in the United States. The “J” visa is the primary visa for educational and cultural exchange programs.
• J-1 visas are for International Exchange visitors to the United States. These visitors may be Academics, Scientists, Businesspeople or Students visiting the U.S. under the sponsorship of, or funded by, Individual Universities, Private Companies, the U.S. Government, or their own Government. J-2 visas are for dependents of J-1 visas.
• The Organizations sponsoring an Exchange Visitor must be approved for program acceptance by the Department of State. The approval grants the Organization the authority to issue Form DS-2019 to prospective J-1 Applicants. The approval does not assure you of a visa, and does not imply U.S. government endorsement of the program or sponsor.

Applicants for Exchange Visitor (J-1) visas should include with their application:

• All the documents required for any non-immigrant visa.
• All pages of the Form DS-2019 duly completed and signed (in original-no copies will be accepted).
• Transcripts and Diplomas from previous Institutions attended.
• Financial evidence proving the availability of sufficient funds to cover the tuition and living expenses during the period of Study.
• Any financial documentation provided should be in support of this. This applies to all student visa applicants. They might include:
  • Original Income Tax Returns for the past 3 years (specifically Form 16).
  • Original Bank records for the past 3 years, and / or fixed deposit statement of Parent or Sponsor.
  • If the Applicant receives a scholarship, it is noted on the I-20 and favourably considered by the Visa Officer.
  • The US Consulate discourages Applicants from bringing property deeds or certified copies of financial documents.
  • If the Applicant is financially supported by an Individual in the U.S, the notarized From I-134 (Affidavit of support) along with the Sponsors Income Tax Returns and Bank Statements for the past 3 years is recommended.
• If the Exchange-Visit is being funded out of personal funds, original Bankbooks and the like are the clearest evidence of adequate funds.
• If the Applicant is being funded by an Organization (either in India or America), a Letter from that Organization explaining the nature of the funding will help to process the case on a speedy basis.

Non-Academic or Vocational Studies (M Visa):

• This applies to students seeking to study or train at a non-academic institution in the U.S.
• The M visa can be issued to International Students who are going to the US to pursue a full-time course of study at an established Vocational School or other Non-Academic School that has been approved by the USCIS. Schools that may be approved for attendance by M-1 Students include:
• A Community College or Junior College that provides vocational or technical training and which awards recognised Associate Degrees, a Vocational High School, a School that provides Vocational or Non-Academic training other than language training.

Acquiring M-1 status and duration:

• The procedures for obtaining M-1 status parallel those for the F-1 student visa.
• The M-1 student must have been admitted into an Authorised School, and the designated School Official (DSO) must have issued the I-20 in the US.
• Potential M-1 students will not be able to enrol in the School’s programmes, if they were initially admitted in B-1 or B-2 status.
• Unlike the F-1 who is granted duration of status for his/her studies, a person who is admitted or changed to M-1 status is granted a ‘date certain’ for the period of study set forth on Form I-20MN (plus 30 days) or one year, which ever is less. The M-1 grace period is only half the time of the 60-day F-1 grade period.
• The M-1 student must be enrolled for a full course of study. For community or junior college M-1 students, this means 12 credit hours so long as that is deemed full-time by the institution.
• For post-secondary vocational students, this generally means at least 18 hours of classroom instruction per week or, if predominantly a shop or laboratory-based curriculum, at least 22 clock hours per week of instruction.
• An M-1 student who has been compelled to interrupt or reduce a course of study may be granted an extension of stay. However, the cumulative time of extensions that can be granted to an M-1 student is limited to a period of three years from the M-1’s initial start date, plus 30 days. If the M-1 cannot complete his/her programme during this extended time, no further extensions will be granted.
• The areas generally covered under M-1 include commercial pilot training, fashion designing, gem and jewellery related training etc.

Visas to Attend Flight Training School in the US:

• The procedures for obtaining an M visa to attend US flight schools have changed. All applicants for M visas for US flight training will be required to submit the following additional documents:
• Reason for the training; Current Employer and Applicant’s position; Name of and relationship of the Sponsor paying for the training; Most recent flight certifications and ratings; Information on what kind of aircraft the training is for (Document must be signed by a school official in the US).

Extension of Stay, Transfers, Change of Status and Employment:

• The M-1 and any M-2 Spouse or Children (below 21) must apply for an extension of stay annually with Form I-539, (filing fee USD 200) submitted to a USCIS service centre having jurisdiction over the school the M-1 Student was last authorised to attend.
• The application must be accompanied by an endorsement from the DS on the Student’s SEVIS Form I-20 and the Student’s and his/her Dependants’ I-94 arrival/departure forms.
• One rather inflexible area of the regulations notes that transfers of schools are not permitted after the M-1 has been in status for 6 months unless the M-1 is not able to remain at the original school for reasons beyond the M-1’s control. No change in educational objective (such as change in major or degree program) is allowed.
• An M-1 follows similar procedures as the F-1 with respect to transferring schools, except the M-1 must also submit form I-539, the new I-20 and I-94 to the appropriate USCIS service centre for approval.
• Although M visa holders may generally apply for a change of status, an M-1 is prohibited from changing to H status if the M-1’s qualification for H status is based on credentials gained as an M-1. Also, an M-1 may not request a change of status to F-1 (although an M-2 can change to F-1 status).
• Non-immigrant students in the M-1 classification are not permitted to engage in any employment except for post-completion practical training. An M-1 may apply to the USCIS on Form I-765 (filing fee $180) no more than 90 days before graduation for practical training in a proposed position that is related to the course of study. The DSO must endorse the M-1’s SEVIS I-20MN and certify that it is his/her information and belief that the comparable employment is unavailable in the Student’s country of foreign r
• The application must demonstrate that the training can be completed within the time that may be allowed. The M-1 may be granted one month of training for every four months of study, not to exceed six months in total. An employment authorisation document (EAD) will be issued if the training is approved.

Mandatory Documents for M-1 visa:

• Photocopies of the first page, address page and last page of the current passport.
• One passport-size photograph (see specifications above).
• Original DS-160, Non-Immigrant visa application form.
• Original DS-160, Supplemental Non-Immigrant visa application form.
• Original Form DS-160.
• Copy of Form I-20, approved and signed by the university authority.
• Proof of payment of SEVIS fee receipt I-901, if applicable.

Supporting Documents for M-1 visa:

• The Original passport.
• Letter of appointment for the Interview.
• SEVIS generated Form I-20 in original, approved and signed by the University authority.
• Proof of payment of SEVIS fee receipt I-901, if applicable.
• Original Degree Certificates along with Mark Sheets.
• Original Bachelor Degree Transcripts or High School Diploma along with Mark Sheets from previous Institutions attended.
• Evidence of Financial Resources.
• Proof of liquid assets sufficient to pay for the entire first year of Education and living expenses as well as proof of readily available funds to cover the remaining year(s) of studies.
• Any financial documentation provided should be in support of this. This applies to all student visa applicants. They might include:
  • Original Income Tax Returns for the past 3 years (specifically Form 16).
  • Original Bank records for the past 3 years, and / or fixed deposit statement of Parent or Sponsor.
  • If the Applicant receives a scholarship, it is noted on the I-20 and favorably considered by the Visa Officer.
  • The US Consulate discourages Applicants from bringing property deeds or certified copies of financial documents.
  • If the Applicant is financially supported by an Individual in the U.S, the notarized From I-134 (Affidavit of support) along with the Sponsors Income Tax Returns and Bank Statements for the past 3 years is recommended.

Effective November 20, 2010, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India will begin collecting an additional fee of $2,000 for certain H-1B petitions and $2,250 for certain L-1A and L-1B petitions that fall under the provisions of Public Law 111-230. These additional fees apply to petitioners with more than 50 employees in the United States and with more than 50 percent of those employees in H-1B or L (including L-1A, L-1B, and L-2) status.

The application fees are listed below and apply to one visa application. The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190. K visas cost US$265 and the fee amount for E visas is US$205. The tables below are a more comprehensive list of visa types and fee amounts.

Visa Fee is Non-refundable and payable whether a visa is issued or not.

There is NO separate Service Charge for VFS in process of USA Visa.

Consular Exchange Rate: 68.00 INR = 1 USD

Expiration Date: 08/06/2017

Temporary Work Visa:

Temporary Work Visas H1-B, L-1: There are several categories of temporary worker visas some of which are listed below.

At the time of the visa interview, applicants will be asked to electronically scan the four fingers and a thumb of each hand. Applicants who are required to be fingerprinted, and who have a cut or blister or other temporary skin injury on their index fingers may not be issued a visa until their finger heals before they can be fingerprinted. The scanned fingerprint data collected at the time of interview will be compared with fingerprint scans at the US port of entry to prevent the misuse of US visas by impostors and by those wanted for more serious offences. Please remember, however, that all visa applicants, regardless of their age or visa category, will require an interview.

All applicants for such visas must have a petition approved by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service (BCIS) before applying for the visa. Petitions cannot be filed with the Embassy; they must be filed in the U.S.

Categories of Work Visas:

• H-1B: Persons in a Specialty Occupation.
• H-2B: Temporary or Seasonal Non-agricultural Workers.
• H-3: Trainees other than Medical or Academic. It also applies to Practical Training in the education of Handicapped Children.
• H-4: Dependants of H visa Holders.
• L-1: Intra-Company Transferees.
• L-2: Dependants of L-1 visa Holders.
• O-1/ O-2: Visas for Persons of Extraordinary Ability.
• P-3: Artists or Entertainers in a Culturally Unique Program.

Requirements for a H-1B or L-1 visa are:

• All the documents required for any non-immigrant visa.
• Notice of Approval I-797 (in original).
• The complete petition submitted by the prospective Employer including the Labor Condition Application (LCA – not applicable to L-1 applicants) and the I-129.
• The originals of University Diplomas, Mark Sheets and any other relevant Certificates. (Secondary School Information is not required).
• Letters of Work Experience from your previous Employers.
• One set of photocopy of all the above documents.
• A Letter from the Petitioning Employer confirming the Employer’s intent to hire the Applicant.
• L visa Applicants must provide a Letter from their Employer stating the length of association with the Company.
• Pay stubs from the current or most recent place of Employment.
• First time Applicants are also requested to bring the following items:
  • Names and current phone numbers of the Personnel Managers at the Applicant’s present and past Jobs.
  • Photographs of the inside and outside of the current or the most recent Employer’s place of business.
  • Names and contact information of two co-workers from the current or most recent place of Employment.
  • Names and contact information of two co-workers from past Jobs.
  • A complete resume and Cover Letter describing current job duties in detail.
  • Personal bank records for the last six months.
  • Information of the company in the US: Photographs of the inside and outside of the Company’s Offices, prospectus, brochures, and Annual Report.
• The Embassy will not accept documents received directly from the company by mail or fax. All documents should be brought by the traveler to the interview. The Embassy will not make this information available to anyone and will destroy the documents after review.
• An H-1B visa holder, after changing H-1B Employers in accordance with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) procedures for making such a change, may continue to use his or her original H-1B visa for entry into the United States. Upon applying for entry, the visa holder must present the new Form I-797A, Notice of Action evidencing the approval of the change of Employer in addition to the visa.

Dependent Visas: H-4, L-2

Applicants for the related dependent visas, H-4 and L-2 visas, should submit:

• All the required documents for any Non-Immigrant visa.
• The Marriage Registration Certificate and the original Birth Certificate for each Child.
• Wedding Invitation and Wedding Ceremony photos.
• All 36 pages of the Principal Applicant’s passport (if not applying with the Principal Applicant).
• A Letter from the Spouse’s Employer confirming continued Employment.
• Copy of the Principal Applicant’s I797, I129 and LCA.
• Copy of the Principal Applicant’s Work Experience Letters.
• Copy of the Principal Applicant’s Letter of Offer from the US Company.
• Pay stubs from Principal Applicant’s current place of Work and Income Tax Return.
• The Embassy will not accept documents received directly from the Company by mail or fax.
• All documents should be brought by the traveler to the interview. The Embassy will not make this information available to anyone and will destroy the documents after review.

Effective November 20, 2010, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India will begin collecting an additional fee of $2,000 for certain H-1B petitions and $2,250 for certain L-1A and L-1B petitions that fall under the provisions of Public Law 111-230. These additional fees apply to petitioners with more than 50 employees in the United States and with more than 50 percent of those employees in H-1B or L (including L-1A, L-1B, and L-2) status.

The application fees are listed below and apply to one visa application. The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190. K visas cost US$265 and the fee amount for E visas is US$205. The tables below are a more comprehensive list of visa types and fee amounts.

Visa Fee is Non-refundable and payable whether a visa is issued or not.

There is NO separate Service Charge for VFS in process of USA Visa.

Consular Exchange Rate: 68.00 INR = 1 USD

Expiration Date: 08/06/2017

American Embassy New Delhi – Business Executive Program (BEP)

The Business Executive Program (BEP) is designed to facilitate business travel in support of U.S. commerce abroad. The BEP enrolls major companies and permits their employees to obtain expedited processing on the day of the interview. All other visa-processing requirements remain the same. Companies must meet strictly established criteria in order to be enrolled, and must adhere to firm standards to stay in the program. Site visits are often critical to determining a company’s eligibility. A key aspect of the BEP program is to ensure that visa applications by legitimate foreign business travellers, especially those involved in trade, negotiations and other dealings with U.S. companies, receive full and timely at

Once a company application for the BEP is received, our BEP team will review it and make a decision on whether to enrol the company in the program. Among the criteria for enrolment, the company must have one hundred employees or more and be located in the New Delhi Consular District at the time of the application (this District includes the State of Delhi, the Union Territory of Chandigarh, and the States of Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal). For more information and the full set of criteria governing enrolment in the Business Executive Program, e-mail us at: bepindia@s

A and G Visas (Official Visas)

C Visas (Alien-in-transit)

C1/D (Alien crew member in-transit)

I Visas (Foreign Info Media)

O Visas for Persons of Extraordinary Ability

P Visas for Artists or Entertainers in a Culturally Unique Program

R Visas (Alien in Religious Operation).

Requisite Documents and Fees

Name: United States Of America

The visa section of the U.S. Embassy, New Delhi, U.S. Consulate General, Chennai, and U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai conduct nonimmigrant visa interviews, by appointment only, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday, except for holidays and closures. The Embassy and Consulates are closed to the public on the last Wednesday of every month.

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 able to visit the U.S. without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. All travelers coming to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) system prior to initiating travel to the United State

If you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (Note: Indian Nationals do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program) or are traveling to study, work, participate in an exchange program, or any other purpose that does not fall under a B visa purpose of travel, you will need a nonimmigrant visa.

Visas for Applicants under 14 and over 80

Overview: Non Immigrant Visa Interview Waivers for Applicants under 14 Years of Age and Over 80.

Please review this information for the requirements of nonimmigrant visa interview waiver for applicants under 14 years of age and over 80 applied at any U.S Consular office in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata).

Requirements:

Applicants under 14 years of age or over 80 years of age from the date of submission are not required to appear for a nonimmigrant visa interview at any Embassy/Consulate in India. Such applicants may submit their visa applications through the Interview Waiver Program. All other rules, requirements and fees for those under 14 years of age and over 80 years of age remain in effect.

Supporting Documents:

All applicants must include the following documents when submitting their applications:

• Applicant’s current and all old passports.
• A completed DS-160 application barcode.
• A visa fee receipt (with both copies) for the current visa application fee.
• For child below 14 years of age a valid visa copy of the same visa category of either of the parents.

Note: Parents having the appointment scheduled together with the child under 14 years of age should submit the required above documentsduring the time of their Interview at Embassy/Consulate. Visa issuance for those not appearing in person is not guaranteed. The Embassy /Consulate may in some cases, after reviewing an application, require the child to appear in person.

Application Items:

If you apply for a business / tourist visa, you must submit the following:

• A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 webpage for more information about the DS-160.
• A passport valid for travel to the United States with validity date of 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.
• A receipt showing payment of your US$160 non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee paid in local currency. This web page has more information about paying this fee. If a visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, depending on your nationality. The Department of State’s website can help you find out if you must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is.
• In addition to these items, you must present an interview appointment letter confirming that you booked an appointment through this service. You may also bring whatever supporting documents you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.

How to Apply

Step 1: Pay the visa application fee:

• Note: 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. Visa application fees are non- refundable.
• In order to ensure the proper amount is paid and activated a timely manner, please first create a profile HERE and choose the Schedule Appointment option. On the payment confirmation screen you will be presented with payment options and further details of how to initiate payment. Please note it can take up to 2 business days from time of payment for your receipt to be activated.
  • National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT):
  • You may pay your Machine Readable Visa (MRV) Fee using the popular and convenient NEFT payment system.
  • If your bank supports NEFT Payments, you may pay your nonimmigrant visa application fee with a NEFT transfer directly from your bank account. Over 87,000 bank branches are enabled to make NEFT payments. You may also make your NEFT payment through online banking or mobile banking meaning you do not have to visit your nearest bank branch. Be aware that your bank may apply charges to your account for NEFT transactions.
  • After logging into your profile and while on the payment confirmation screen, you will receive a unique account number to which you will send the NEFT payment. Please make only one payment per unique account number as there are the payment is non-refundable.
  • IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU KEEP THE UNIQUE ACCOUNT NUMBER THAT YOU ACTUALLY USE TO MAKE YOUR NEFT PAYMENT. You must have this number as proof of payment in order to schedule your visa interview appointment. It is the applicant’s responsibility to save this number. If not, you may not be able to schedule an interview with your payment.
  • Payment by Mobile Phone (IMPS):
  • Applicants with a mobile phone can pay their MRV Fee via their phone using the IMPs system, however, the applicant must be preregistered with their bank to complete payment via their mobile phone and be in possession of a valid MPIN.
  • Payment of Visa fees shall be in Indian Rupees (INR) and must be the exact amount as listed on the payment confirmation screen available after logging into your profile
  • Applicants can initiate an IMPS payment via SMS to their bank or via the m-banking facility provided by their financial institution.
  • Applicants must enter the correct Beneficiary Mobile Number, Beneficiary MMID number and correct amounts.
  • Please note, many banks operate a payment limit of INR 5,000/- per transaction. To see a list of daily limits employed by India banks, please click here :
  • Once the payment has been verified, you will receive a SMS containing the 12 digit IMPS reference number. Applicants must then enter the IMPS reference number after logging into their profile . Once verified, the applicant will be able to proceed to the appointment scheduling stage.
  • It is important to pay the correct fee as paying the incorrect amount will cause delays in scheduling your appointment.
  • Applicants who pay via the IMPS system during regular business hours (9AM – 5PM) will be able to schedule their appointment within 3 hours. Applicants who make their payment after 6PM will be able to schedule their appointment after 9AM the next business day.
  • Cash – Over the Counter (AXIS Bank / Citibank):
  • You can pay your nonimmigrant visa application fee in cash at any of the designated AXIS or Citibank branches. Before going to the bank, you must print and carry the applicable U.S. visa fee collection slip available after logging into your profile . Take the completed fee collection slip to the bank when you pay your fee. After receiving your payment, the bank will give you a receipt. Values are shown in (USD); however the Fee payable is in Indian Rupees (INR) at the current Consular Exchange rate.
  • Locations:
    • To view Citibank locations
    • To view Axis bank locations
    • Cash – Over the Counter at DRUK Bank:
  • You can pay your nonimmigrant visa application fee in cash at any of 4 DRUK Bank branch. Before going to the bank, you must print and carry the applicable U.S. visa fee collection slip available after logging into your profile Take the completed fee collection slip to the bank when you pay your fee. Be sure that you pay the exact amount indicated on the deposit slip. After receiving your payment, the bank will give you a receipt. Values are shown in U.S. dollars (USD); however the Fee payable is in Bhutan Ngultrums (BT
  • If you cannot open or view the fee payment slip, please download and install the latest version of Adobe Reader from the Adobe website . There is no fee to download or use Adobe Reader.
  • You can pay the MRV Fee at any of the following DRUK Bank locations.
    • To view Druk bank locations

       

Restrictions:

Your visa application fee is non-refundable and you cannot transfer it to another person. You will receive a receipt after paying the application fee. This receipt is valid for one year from the date of payment and allows you to schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You must schedule your interview while the receipt is valid, which means your interview must be booked within one year of paying your fee. If you do not schedule an interview within a year of payment then your receipt will expire, you will not be able to schedule an interview, and you must pay the fee again and begin the process ane

Step 2:

• The Form DS-160 is online here.
• You can find information and an FAQ about the DS-160 here.

Step 3:

•  Schedule your appointment on this web page. You will need pieces of information in order to schedule your appointment:
           Your passport number.
           The date you paid your fee.
           The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.

 Step 4:

• Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview. You must bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, your DS-160 confirmation page, one photograph taken within the last six months, your current and all old passports, and the original visa fee payment receipt. Applications without all of these items will not be accepted.

Offsite Collection Services:

After completing the online application, most applicants will be required to have an appointment at an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) prior to their appointment at the Consular Sections. Biometric information including fingerprints and digital photographs will be collected at the OFC.

Applicants for U.S. visas are required to appear in person twice. One, for an appointment at the OFC and TWO, for the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Applicant must schedule the OFC appointment at least one day before the interview appointment date. You can schedule both appointments, either online using this website or through the call center.

Supporting Documents

You will need to bring:

• A passport valid for travel to the United States with validity date of 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 DS-160 confirmation page.
• Your appointment confirmation page.
• OFC Operation Hours:
  • Monday to Friday – 0800 to 1700 hrs.
  • Sunday – 1300 to 1800 hrs.
• OFC Locations
  • Mumbai: Trade Center, Gr. Floor, G Block, Bandrakurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai – 400041
  • Chennai: No 3, Cenotaph Road, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600018
  • Hyderabad: 502, Gowra Grand, S. P. Road, Begumpet, Secunderabad – 500003
  • Kolkata: Jasmine Tower, 31, Shakespeare Sarani (1st Floor), Kolkata – 700017
  • Delhi: S – 1 American Plaza, (Hotel Eros Managed by Hilton), International Trade Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi – 110019

Photograph Requirements across all cases:

The photograph should measure 50 mm X 50 mm, should not be more than 6 months old, should be taken against a white or off-white background and with the head centred in the frame. The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure between 25 mm to 35 mm with the eye level between 28 mm and 35 mm from the bottom of the photo. The following are the photograph requirements:

• The photo must be a full face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• The applicant should not look down or to either side, and the face should cover about 50 percent of the photo area.
• Side or angled views are NOT acceptable.
• The photo should be in colour, and must have only a white or off-white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• In general, the applicant’s head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed.
• Head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant’s face.
• Sunglasses or other wear that detracts from the face are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons, for example, an eye patch.
• A photo of an applicant wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable.
• Photos of military, airline, or other personnel wearing hats are not acceptable.
• A photo of an applicant wearing tribal, national costume, or other headgear not religious in nature is not acceptable.
• A photo of a minor child must contain no one else. If the child needs to be supported, the means of support should not be in the camera’s frame.
• Group photos are NOT acceptable. As a separate visa is issued to each qualified applicant, a photo of each applicant is required.
• Digital photos must meet all the requirements and be reproduced without any dot patterns or pixels being visible.
• Digitally scanned photos and photocopied photos are NOT acceptable. Only original photos are acceptable.
• Digitally altered or retouched photos are NOT acceptable. The applicant’s appearance and the background of the picture must not be altered.

Non-Immigrant Visa: Tourist:

At the time of the visa interview, applicants will be asked to electronically scan the four fingers and a thumb of each hand. Applicants who are required to be fingerprinted, and who have a cut or blister or other temporary skin injury on their index fingers may not be issued a visa until their finger heals before they can be fingerprinted. The scanned fingerprint data collected at the time of interview will be compared with fingerprint scans at the US port of entry to prevent the misuse of US visas by impostors and by those wanted for more serious offences. Please remember, however, that all visa applicants, regardless of their age or visa category, will require an interview.

• A passport valid for at least six months from the desired date of entry. The validity of the visa issued will in no case extend the validity of the passport.
• One passport-size photograph (see specifications above).
• A Completed and signed Visa Application Form online: DS-160.
• Birth certificate and, if applicable, parents’ valid visas (for children’s applications).
• A printout of an Appointment confirmation.
• If your are employed, carry a letter from employer detailing your position, salary, how long you have been employed with the company; the period of authorized vacation; and the purpose of your U.S. trip.
• Income Tax Returns for the last three (3) years.
• Itemised Bank statements and other documents to show the assets of the Applicant (if any) is needed.
• If the Applicant is in Government Service or with the Armed Forces, a No Objection Letter or Certificate and sanctioned Leave Letter is needed.
• Dependents joining their spouse on-board ship need to carry their original marriage certificate and entire wedding photo album along with the spouse’s visa copy.
• In the event of having a Sponsor the following documents are required of him/ her:
• It is also helpful to carry evidence of how the trip will be financed along with letters of deputation, invitation or sponsorship.
• An Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) from the Sponsor.
• Bank statements.
• Employment Letter.
• Copies of the Passport (along with the visa pages) of the Relative in the United States.
• Documents to show the Sponsor’s legal status in the United States.
• For parents visiting a child resident in the U.S.:

If child is an Indian citizen.

• Childs’s original birth certificate.
• Photocopy of all pages of child’s passport.
• Where the U.S. visa of child has expired, photocopy of the renewed petition required.
• Where child is a legal permanent resident in USA, photocopy of the green card (front and back) is required.
• The US Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) inspector at the port of entry decides your length of stay in the United States.

Important notes:

• You are strongly recommended to keep photocopies of your passport’s data pages and of the US visa. A US non-immigrant visa is a valuable document. Inform the US Embassy/Consulate from where your visa was issued immediately if you have lost your passport. You would need to obtain a new non-immigrant visa. At the time of your interview please present the Police First Incident Report (FIR) from the Police precinct where the passport was lost in India or overseas as well as a photocopy of the lost Passport and valid US visa, if possibl
• If you have been denied a US non-immigrant visa under Section 214(b), you may schedule a new appointment. You must demonstrate a significant change in your circumstances or present compelling new evidence to an adjudicating Consular Officer at a subsequent interview in order to be granted a visa. There is no limitation on the number of times you may apply for a non-immigrant visa.

The application fees are listed below and apply to one visa application. The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190. K visas cost US$265 and the fee amount for E visas is US$205. The tables below are a more comprehensive list of visa types and fee amounts.

Visa Fee is Non-refundable and payable whether a visa is issued or not.

There is NO separate Service Charge for VFS in process of USA Visa.

Consular Exchange Rate: 68.00 INR = 1 USD

Expiration Date: 08/06/2017

Business:

At the time of the visa interview, applicants will be asked to electronically scan the four fingers and a thumb of each hand. Applicants who are required to be fingerprinted, and who have a cut or blister or other temporary skin injury on their index fingers may not be issued a visa until their finger heals before they can be fingerprinted. The scanned fingerprint data collected at the time of interview will be compared with fingerprint scans at the US port of entry to prevent the misuse of US visas by impostors and by those wanted for more serious offences. Please remember, however, that all visa applicants, regardless of their age or visa category, will require an interview.

• A passport valid for at least six months from the desired date of entry. The validity of the visa issued will in no case extend the validity of the passport.
• One passport-size photograph (see specifications above).
• A Completed and signed Visa Application Form online: DS-160.
• A Covering letter from the company.
• An Appointment Letter.
• An Invitation Letter from the US Counterpart/ Company.
• Exchanges of Correspondence with U.S. Purchasers, Suppliers or Contacts.
• Bank transaction statements detailing all deposits and withdrawals for the last 6 months. The Personal and Company accounts need to be submitted, along with evidence of authority to draw on the Company Accounts.
• Any copies of recent advertising brochures or publications.
• Incorporation documents and business license(s).
• Recent contracts, Bills of Lading and other documentary evidence of recent imports and exports of purchases.
• A printout of an Appointment confirmation.
• Income Tax Returns for the last two (2) years.
• Itemised Bank statements and other documents to show the assets of the Applicant (if any) is needed.
• The US Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) inspector at the port of entry decides your length of stay in the United States.

Important notes:

• You are strongly recommended to keep photocopies of your passport’s data pages and of the US visa. A US non-immigrant visa is a valuable document. Inform the US Embassy/Consulate from where your visa was issued immediately if you have lost your passport. You would need to obtain a new non-immigrant visa. At the time of your interview please present the Police First Incident Report (FIR) from the Police precinct where the passport was lost in India or overseas as well as a photocopy of the lost Passport and valid US visa, if p
• If you have been denied a US non-immigrant visa under Section 214(b), you may schedule a new appointment. You must demonstrate a significant change in your circumstances or present compelling new evidence to an adjudicating Consular Officer at a subsequent interview in order to be granted a visa. There is no limitation on the number of times you may apply for a non-immigrant visa.

The application fees are listed below and apply to one visa application. The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190. K visas cost US$265 and the fee amount for E visas is US$205. The tables below are a more comprehensive list of visa types and fee amounts.

Visa Fee is Non-refundable and payable whether a visa is issued or not.

There is NO separate Service Charge for VFS in process of USA Visa.

Consular Exchange Rate: 68.00 INR = 1 USD

Expiration Date: 08/06/2017

Student

Academic studies (F visa):

At the time of the visa interview, applicants will be asked to electronically scan the four fingers and a thumb of each hand. Applicants who are required to be fingerprinted, and who have a cut or blister or other temporary skin injury on their index fingers may not be issued a visa until their finger heals before they can be fingerprinted. The scanned fingerprint data collected at the time of interview will be compared with fingerprint scans at the US port of entry to prevent the misuse of US visas by impostors and by those wanted for more serious offences. Please remember, however, that all visa applicants, regardless of their age or visa category, will require an interview.

This applies to people seeking to study or conduct research at an accredited U.S. college or University. The following is an indication of the documents required.

• All the documents required for any non-immigrant visa.
• An I-20 Form.
• A Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status, obtained from the U.S. College, School or University.
• Both pages of the new, bar coded SEVIS form. The form must be signed by the traveler and a School Official.
• Mark sheets, Transcripts and Certificates from all previous institutions attended.
• Certificate of scores from U.S. standardized tests such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT (wherever applicable).
• Any financial documentation provided should be in support of this. This applies to all student visa applicants. They might include:
• Original Income Tax Returns for the past 3 years (specifically Form 16).
  • Original Bank records for the past 3 years, and / or fixed deposit statement of Parent or Sponsor.
  • If the Applicant receives a scholarship, it is noted on the I-20 and favourably considered by the Visa Officer.
  • The US Consulate discourages Applicants from bringing property deeds or certified copies of financial documents.
  • If the Applicant is financially supported by an Individual in the U.S, the notarized From I-134 (Affidavit of support) along with the Sponsors Income Tax Returns and Bank Statements for the past 3 years is recommended.
• Proof that funds are immediately available to cover the First Year’s costs, evidence that funds for tuition fees will be available for all subsequent years.
• Any financial documentation provided should be in support of the above conditions. This applies to all Applicants.

Academic studies as an Exchange Visitor (J visa/ J-1 visa):

• This is for participation in exchange visitor programs in the United States. The “J” visa is the primary visa for educational and cultural exchange programs.
• J-1 visas are for International Exchange visitors to the United States. These visitors may be Academics, Scientists, Businesspeople or Students visiting the U.S. under the sponsorship of, or funded by, Individual Universities, Private Companies, the U.S. Government, or their own Government. J-2 visas are for dependents of J-1 visas.
• The Organizations sponsoring an Exchange Visitor must be approved for program acceptance by the Department of State. The approval grants the Organization the authority to issue Form DS-2019 to prospective J-1 Applicants. The approval does not assure you of a visa, and does not imply U.S. government endorsement of the program or sponsor.

   

Applicants for Exchange Visitor (J-1) visas should include with their application:

• All the documents required for any non-immigrant visa.
• All pages of the Form DS-2019 duly completed and signed (in original-no copies will be accepted).
• Transcripts and Diplomas from previous Institutions attended.
• Financial evidence proving the availability of sufficient funds to cover the tuition and living expenses during the period of Study.
• Any financial documentation provided should be in support of this. This applies to all student visa applicants. They might include:
  • Original Income Tax Returns for the past 3 years (specifically Form 16).
  • Original Bank records for the past 3 years, and / or fixed deposit statement of Parent or Sponsor.
  • If the Applicant receives a scholarship, it is noted on the I-20 and favourably considered by the Visa Officer.
  • The US Consulate discourages Applicants from bringing property deeds or certified copies of financial documents.
  • If the Applicant is financially supported by an Individual in the U.S, the notarized From I-134 (Affidavit of support) along with the Sponsors Income Tax Returns and Bank Statements for the past 3 years is recommended.
• If the Exchange-Visit is being funded out of personal funds, original Bankbooks and the like are the clearest evidence of adequate funds.
• If the Applicant is being funded by an Organization (either in India or America), a Letter from that Organization explaining the nature of the funding will help to process the case on a speedy basis.

   

Non-Academic or Vocational Studies (M Visa):

• This applies to students seeking to study or train at a non-academic institution in the U.S.
• The M visa can be issued to International Students who are going to the US to pursue a full-time course of study at an established Vocational School or other Non-Academic School that has been approved by the USCIS. Schools that may be approved for attendance by M-1 Students include:
• A Community College or Junior College that provides vocational or technical training and which awards recognised Associate Degrees, a Vocational High School, a School that provides Vocational or Non-Academic training other than language training.

   

Acquiring M-1 status and duration:

• The procedures for obtaining M-1 status parallel those for the F-1 student visa.
• The M-1 student must have been admitted into an Authorised School, and the designated School Official (DSO) must have issued the I-20 in the US.
• Potential M-1 students will not be able to enrol in the School’s programmes, if they were initially admitted in B-1 or B-2 status.
• Unlike the F-1 who is granted duration of status for his/her studies, a person who is admitted or changed to M-1 status is granted a ‘date certain’ for the period of study set forth on Form I-20MN (plus 30 days) or one year, which ever is less. The M-1 grace period is only half the time of the 60-day F-1 grade period.
• The M-1 student must be enrolled for a full course of study. For community or junior college M-1 students, this means 12 credit hours so long as that is deemed full-time by the institution.
• For post-secondary vocational students, this generally means at least 18 hours of classroom instruction per week or, if predominantly a shop or laboratory-based curriculum, at least 22 clock hours per week of instruction.
• An M-1 student who has been compelled to interrupt or reduce a course of study may be granted an extension of stay. However, the cumulative time of extensions that can be granted to an M-1 student is limited to a period of three years from the M-1’s initial start date, plus 30 days. If the M-1 cannot complete his/her programme during this extended time, no further extensions will be granted.
• The areas generally covered under M-1 include commercial pilot training, fashion designing, gem and jewellery related training etc.

   

Visas to Attend Flight Training School in the US:

• The procedures for obtaining an M visa to attend US flight schools have changed. All applicants for M visas for US flight training will be required to submit the following additional documents:
• Reason for the training; Current Employer and Applicant’s position; Name of and relationship of the Sponsor paying for the training; Most recent flight certifications and ratings; Information on what kind of aircraft the training is for (Document must be signed by a school official in the US).

   

Extension of Stay, Transfers, Change of Status and Employment:

• The M-1 and any M-2 Spouse or Children (below 21) must apply for an extension of stay annually with Form I-539, (filing fee USD 200) submitted to a USCIS service centre having jurisdiction over the school the M-1 Student was last authorised to attend.
• The application must be accompanied by an endorsement from the DS on the Student’s SEVIS Form I-20 and the Student’s and his/her Dependants’ I-94 arrival/departure forms.
• One rather inflexible area of the regulations notes that transfers of schools are not permitted after the M-1 has been in status for 6 months unless the M-1 is not able to remain at the original school for reasons beyond the M-1’s control. No change in educational objective (such as change in major or degree program) is allowed.
• An M-1 follows similar procedures as the F-1 with respect to transferring schools, except the M-1 must also submit form I-539, the new I-20 and I-94 to the appropriate USCIS service centre for approval.
• Although M visa holders may generally apply for a change of status, an M-1 is prohibited from changing to H status if the M-1’s qualification for H status is based on credentials gained as an M-1. Also, an M-1 may not request a change of status to F-1 (although an M-2 can change to F-1 status).
• Non-immigrant students in the M-1 classification are not permitted to engage in any employment except for post-completion practical training. An M-1 may apply to the USCIS on Form I-765 (filing fee $180) no more than 90 days before graduation for practical training in a proposed position that is related to the course of study. The DSO must endorse the M-1’s SEVIS I-20MN and certify that it is his/her information and belief that the comparable employment is unavailable in the Student’s country of foreign r
• The application must demonstrate that the training can be completed within the time that may be allowed. The M-1 may be granted one month of training for every four months of study, not to exceed six months in total. An employment authorisation document (EAD) will be issued if the training is approved.

   

Mandatory Documents for M-1 visa:

• Photocopies of the first page, address page and last page of the current passport.
• One passport-size photograph (see specifications above).
• Original DS-160, Non-Immigrant visa application form.
• Original DS-160, Supplemental Non-Immigrant visa application form.
• Original Form DS-160.
• Copy of Form I-20, approved and signed by the university authority.
• Proof of payment of SEVIS fee receipt I-901, if applicable.

   

Supporting Documents for M-1 visa:

• The Original passport.
• Letter of appointment for the Interview.
• SEVIS generated Form I-20 in original, approved and signed by the University authority.
• Proof of payment of SEVIS fee receipt I-901, if applicable.
• Original Degree Certificates along with Mark Sheets.
• Original Bachelor Degree Transcripts or High School Diploma along with Mark Sheets from previous Institutions attended.
• Evidence of Financial Resources.
• Proof of liquid assets sufficient to pay for the entire first year of Education and living expenses as well as proof of readily available funds to cover the remaining year(s) of studies.
• Any financial documentation provided should be in support of this. This applies to all student visa applicants. They might include:
  • Original Income Tax Returns for the past 3 years (specifically Form 16).
  • Original Bank records for the past 3 years, and / or fixed deposit statement of Parent or Sponsor.
  • If the Applicant receives a scholarship, it is noted on the I-20 and favorably considered by the Visa Officer.
  • The US Consulate discourages Applicants from bringing property deeds or certified copies of financial documents.
  • If the Applicant is financially supported by an Individual in the U.S, the notarized From I-134 (Affidavit of support) along with the Sponsors Income Tax Returns and Bank Statements for the past 3 years is recommended.

Effective November 20, 2010, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India will begin collecting an additional fee of $2,000 for certain H-1B petitions and $2,250 for certain L-1A and L-1B petitions that fall under the provisions of Public Law 111-230. These additional fees apply to petitioners with more than 50 employees in the United States and with more than 50 percent of those employees in H-1B or L (including L-1A, L-1B, and L-2) status.

The application fees are listed below and apply to one visa application. The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190. K visas cost US$265 and the fee amount for E visas is US$205. The tables below are a more comprehensive list of visa types and fee amounts.

Visa Fee is Non-refundable and payable whether a visa is issued or not.

There is NO separate Service Charge for VFS in process of USA Visa.

Consular Exchange Rate: 68.00 INR = 1 USD

Expiration Date: 08/06/2017

Temporary Work Visa:

Temporary Work Visas H1-B, L-1: There are several categories of temporary worker visas some of which are listed below.

At the time of the visa interview, applicants will be asked to electronically scan the four fingers and a thumb of each hand. Applicants who are required to be fingerprinted, and who have a cut or blister or other temporary skin injury on their index fingers may not be issued a visa until their finger heals before they can be fingerprinted. The scanned fingerprint data collected at the time of interview will be compared with fingerprint scans at the US port of entry to prevent the misuse of US visas by impostors and by those wanted for more serious offences. Please remember, however, that all visa applicants, regardless of their age or visa category, will require an interview.

All applicants for such visas must have a petition approved by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service (BCIS) before applying for the visa. Petitions cannot be filed with the Embassy; they must be filed in the U.S.

Categories of Work Visas: