VisaPro.com - Consulates

U.S. Embassy Consular Exchange Rate adjusted in India

VFS has announced that effective Monday, May 21, 2012, all United States Consular Sections in India will adjust the consular exchange rate from INR 54 to the dollar to INR 56 to the dollar. This rate of change is effective for all rupee-denominated costs of applying for visas and passports, including the nonimmigrant visa application fee paid at HDFC bank branches prior to the scheduling of visa appointments.

The new application fee for nonimmigrant visas is INR 8960 (equivalent to USD $160 for non-petition based visa categories) and INR 10640 (equivalent to USD $190 for petition based visa categories like H-1, L-1 etc.).

VFS has also announced that receipts issued by HDFC Bank prior to May 21, 2012 and are still not more than a year old, will be honored. Applicants are therefore advised to check the website of respective consulates to ascertain the exact fee payable, before paying the application fee at the appropriate HDFC bank branches

U.S. Embassy Consular Exchange Rate adjusted in India

VFS has announced that effective Monday 23, 2012, all United States Consular Sections in India will adjust the consular exchange rate from INR 51 to the dollar to INR 54 to the dollar. This rate of change is effective for all rupee-denominated costs of applying for visas and passports, including the nonimmigrant visa application fee paid at HDFC bank branches prior to the scheduling of visa appointments.

The new application fee for nonimmigrant visas is INR 8640 (equivalent to USD $160 for non-petition based visa categories like B-1, F-1 etc.) and INR 10260 (equivalent to USD $190 for petition based visa categories like H-1, L-1 etc.).

VFS has also announced that receipts issued by HDFC Bank prior to April 23, 2012 and are still not more than a year old, will be honored. Applicants are therefore advised to check the website of respective consulates to ascertain the exact fee payable, before paying the application fee at the appropriate HDFC bank branches.

DOS announces change in Visa Processing fees

The Department of State (DOS) has announced that effective April 13, 2012, it will adjust visa processing fees. While the fees for most nonimmigrant visa applications and Border Crossing Cards will increase, the fee for E visas (for treaty-traders and treaty-investors) and K visas (for fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens) will decrease. All immigrant visa processing fees will also decrease. The changes in fee will be as below:

Nonimmigrant Visas

Type of Visa	Previous Fee	New Fee
Tourist, Business, Transit, Crew Member, Student, Exchange Visitor, and Journalist visas	$140	$160
Petition-Based visas (H, L, O, P, Q, and R)	$150	$190
Treaty Investor and Trader visas (E)	$390	$270
Fiancé(e) visas (K)	$350	$240
Border Crossing Cards (age 15 and older)	$140	$160
Border Crossing Cards (under age 15)	$14	$15

Immigrant Visas

Type of Visa	Previous Fee	New Fee
Immediate Relative and Family Preference Applications	$330	$230
Employment-Based Applications	$720	$405
Other Immigrant Visa Applications	$305	$220
Diversity Visa Program Fee	$440	$330
Determining Returning Resident Status	$380	$275

U.S. Visa Interview Waiver Program: Eligibility to Participate Expands to India

U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has announced expansion of the Interview Waiver Pilot Program, under which in select circumstances, certain qualified applicants who were interviewed and thoroughly screened in conjunction with a prior visa application may be eligible to renew their visas without undergoing another interview. Under the expanded program, applicants who are applying for a B1/B2 and whose prior B1/B2 visa expired within the last 48 months or is still valid; and applicants who are applying for a C1/D, J2, L2, or H4 visa and whose prior visa in the same category expired within the last 12 months or is still valid, are eligible to apply for a new visa without an interview. However, in order to be eligible:

the applicant must have a previous U.S. visa in the same class as the visa class for which he or she wishes to renew;
the applicant’s previous visa must have been issued in India;
the applicant must be applying in the consular district where he or she wants his or her passport delivered;
the applicant must have no refusals for a visa in any category after his or her most recent visa issuance.

The Embassy has also clarified that the program does not entitle any applicant to a waiver of personal appearance, and consular officers retain the authority to interview any applicant who they determine requires a personal appearance. Further, if the prior visa was issued before January 1, 2008, the applicant may be required to submit fingerprints at a consular section.

U.S. Visa Interview Waiver Program: Eligibility to Participate Expands in Russia

The U.S. Mission in Russia has announced an expansion of the current interview waiver program, under which, starting immediately, certain applicants who have previously been issued a visa that expired in the past 47 months will be eligible to renew their visa without an interview. Under the expanded program, applicants who are renewing a B1/B2 or C1/D visas that has expired within the last 47 months are eligible to apply for a new visa without an interview.

Currently, all applicants who are in possession of a visa that has expired in the last 11 months are eligible to apply for a renewal of their visa without an interview, and applicants who wish to renew any type of visas other than B1/B2 or C1/D as above, that has expired in the past 11 months, are still eligible to do so without an interview.

The Mission has however also clarified that the program does not entitle any applicant to a waiver of personal appearance, and consular officers retain the authority to interview any applicant who they determine requires a personal appearance.

U.S. Embassy in Lisbon not to process Immigrant Visa applications after March 1, 2012

DoS has announced that effective March 1, 2012, the U. S. Embassy in Lisbon and U.S. Consulate General in Ponta Delgada will no longer process immigrant visa (IV) or diversity visa (DV) applications. These offices will neither schedule nor conduct IV or DV interviews after March 1, 2012. All immigrant and diversity visa interviews and adjudications for residents of Portugal and France will take place at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France.

Embassy Lisbon and Consulate Ponta Delgada will continue to process all pending cases in which the interview has already taken place until May 30, 2012. After May 30, all pending immigrant and diversity visa cases will be transferred to Embassy Paris. Applicants whose cases are to be transferred to Paris will be notified by Embassy Lisbon or Consulate Ponta Delgada with more instructions.

The Lisbon Embassy has clarified that this change affects only the immigrant visa processing. The U.S. Embassy in Lisbon and the U.S. Consulate General in Ponta Delgada will continue to process nonimmigrant visas for business, tourism, education, and other purposes; and will continue to provide the full range of services to American citizens. Further, the Embassy in Paris will provide Portuguese-speaking staff to help with the visa interview.

Chennai Consulate not to process Immigrant Visa petitions

The U.S. Consulate in Chennai has announced that it will no longer process Immigrant Visa petitions, as of January 1, 2012. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and U.S. Consulate in Mumbai will become the only acceptance centers in India for Immigrant Visas. This change, however, affects only the locations for processing of Immigrant Visas, and does not change the law or policy for visa processing.

Contact VisaPro if you have any queries or need help with your Immigrant Visa processing.

U.S. Embassy Consular Exchange Rate adjusted in India

All US visa applicants applying in India may take note that the US Embassy and Consulates in India have adjusted the consular exchange rate from Rs.52 to the dollar to Rs.54 to the dollar. This new exchange rate becomes effective on November 29, 2011, and is effective for all rupee-denominated costs of applying for visas and passports, including the nonimmigrant visa application fee paid at HDFC bank branches prior to the scheduling of visa appointments.

With this change, the new application fee for nonimmigrant visas has increased to Rs.7560 (equivalent to USD $140 for non-petition based visa categories) and to Rs.8100 (equivalent to USD $150 for petition based visa categories). However, receipts there were issued by HDFC Bank prior to November 29, 2011 and which are still not more than a year old, will be honored. Applicants are therefore advised to check the website of respective consulates to ascertain the exact fee payable, before paying the application fee at the appropriate HDFC bank branches.

U.S. Embassy Consular Exchange Rate adjusted in India

All US visa applicants applying in India may take note that the US Embassy and Consulates in India have adjusted the consular exchange rate from Rs.50 to the dollar to Rs.52 to the dollar. This new exchange rate, which became effective on November 16, 2011, is effective for all rupee-denominated costs of applying for visas and passports, including the nonimmigrant visa application fee paid at HDFC bank branches prior to the scheduling of visa appointments.

With this change, the new application fee for nonimmigrant visas has increased to Rs.7280 (equivalent to USD $140 for non-petition based visa categories) and to Rs.7800 (equivalent to USD $150 for petition based visa categories). However, receipts there were issued by HDFC Bank prior to November 16, 2011 and which are still not more than a year old, will be honored. Applicants are therefore advised to check the website of respective consulates to ascertain the exact fee payable, before paying the application fee at the appropriate HDFC bank branches.

Mumbai Consulate moving to a new facility in BKC

In a press release, the US Consulate, Mumbai, has informed that it will shift this month from Lincoln House in Breach Candy to its new facility in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). Along with the Consulate, the American Center in Churchgate, is also shifting to the new facility at BKC. The new consulate compound will house all United States Government offices in Mumbai, including the Department of State, the Foreign Commercial Service, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Foreign Agricultural Service, along with the Consul General’s residence. It is also learnt that the number of interview windows for services to visa applicants and U.S. citizens will increase significantly - from 13 to 44 - in the new facility.

The Consulate at Lincoln House will be closed from November 15, and will reopen on November 21 at the new BKC location. As a result, visa services will not be available between November 15, and November 21, 2011. The American Library at New Marine Lines near Churchgate has already closed and will reopen to the public shortly after consular operations begin at the new Consulate.

U.S. Embassy Consular Exchange Rate adjusted in India

All US visa applicants applying in India may take note that the US Embassy and Consulates in India have adjusted the consular exchange rate from Rs.47 to the dollar to Rs.50 to the dollar. This new exchange rate, which became effective on September 19, 2011, is effective for all rupee-denominated costs of applying for visas and passports, including the nonimmigrant visa application fee paid at HDFC bank branches prior to the scheduling of visa appointments.

With this change, the new application fee for nonimmigrant visas has increased to Rs.7000 (equivalent to USD $140 for non-petition based visa categories) and to Rs.7500 (equivalent to USD $150 for petition based visa categories). However, receipts there were issued by HDFC Bank prior to September 19, 2011 and which are still not more than a year old, will be honored. Applicants are therefore advised to check the website of respective consulates to ascertain the exact fee payable, before paying the application fee at the appropriate HDFC bank branches.

Embassies in Copenhagen and Oslo will no longer process Immigrant Visa or Diversity Visa applications after 10/01/2011

The Department of State (DOS) has announced that effective October 1, 2011, Embassies in Copenhagen and Oslo will no longer process immigrant visa (IV) or diversity visa (DV) applications. These Embassies will neither schedule nor conduct IV or DV interviews after October 1. As of October 1, 2011, all immigrant and diversity visa interviews and adjudications for residents of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden will take place at the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. Embassies in Copenhagen and Oslo will continue to process all cases currently underway until December 31, 2011, and after December 31, all pending immigrant and diversity visa cases will be transferred to the Embassy in Stockholm.

DOS has clarified that this change only affects immigrant visa processing, and Embassies in Oslo and Copenhagen will continue to process nonimmigrant visas, and will continue to provide the full range of services to American citizens. It is reported that this decision was taken considering the relatively low demand for immigrant visa services in Oslo and Copenhagen, and to make more efficient use of resources.

U.S. Consulate in Mumbai resumes H and L Visa Processing

The U.S. Consulate in Mumbai has announced the resumption of interviews in Mumbai for H and L visas. The Consulate has announced that it will open the appointment schedule on August 26, 2011, and the first interview appointments available are on September 6, 2011. All interviews will be conducted at the Lincoln House Consulate building, located at 78, Bhulabhai Desai Road, until further notice.

U.S. Consulate, Chennai reschedules Feb 2 appointments

The Chennai Consulate in India has moved all appointments on February 2, 2007 to February 6, 2007 or February 13, 2007. Applicants will be notified of the change in the appointment date by VFS. The time for the appointment will remain the same. To simplify the rescheduling, all L-1 and L-2 visa applicants have been rescheduled for February 6, 2007 and all other applicants have been rescheduled to February 13, 2007. Applicants who cannot attend on those dates may cancel their appointments and re-book the appointment.

Englishspeaking applicants can now apply at other consulates

Effective December 4, 2006, nonimmigrant visa applicants who speak fluent English can now apply for a nonimmigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy, New Delhi or the U.S. Consulates in Chennai or Mumbai. Applicants who wish to take advantage of this option should book their appointment online through VFS.

As a resident of India, you are required to select your current ‘State of Residence’ where you have been residing for the past six months or longer. Later at the time of scheduling your interview, you may see calendars offering dates at more than one post. Those who are fluent English speakers and have not been previously refused a visa, may select an interview date from any post shown. Incase you are not fluent in English or were previously denied a visa, you must select a date only from the post covering the area where you reside. Applicants who have been denied a visa can only seek to have the decision reviewed by reapplying at the post where the denial occurred.

Valentine’s day gift for Indians, U.S. adjusts consular exchange rate

Effective Monday February 14, 2005, the United States consular sections in India will adjust the consular exchange rate from US$1 = Rs. 46 to US$1 = Rs. 44, reducing rupee denominated costs of applying for visas, passports, and other consular services at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General. The February 14 adjustment in exchange rate will lower the rupee price of all consular transactions, including services for American citizens.

The $100.00 visa application fee will require a bank or demand draft made out to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General where the person is applying. Applicants for visas that require an issuance fee should also submit a second draft made out to the Embassy or Consulate General. Applicants for student, exchange visitor, transit and crewman visas do not need to submit this second bank draft. Please note that only bank drafts for the exact amount required on the day an application is submitted may be accepted.

New Fees

Non-immigrant visa application processing fee: Rs. 4,400.00

Non-immigrant visa issuance fee: Rs. 2,200 (for B, H, I, L, N, O, P, Q, R, S, and T visa categories).

U.S. passport applications, children under 16: US$ 70 or Rs. 3,080.

U.S. passport applications, adult renewals: US$55 or Rs. 2420.

U.S. passport applications, adult lost/stolen/etc.: US$85 or Rs. 3740.

Notary seal: US$30 or Rs. 1,320.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General encourage all applicants to fill their applications out online to speed processing at the time of interview. Visa applicants should also be prepared with un-mounted, passport-style, full-face color photos with a white background. The pictures should be no more than six months old and should measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the photo to the top of the head, or a total area of 2 inch x 2 inch (5cm x 5cm).

Indian consulates may take longer to process certain B1 & F1 visas

The Indian embassy at New Delhi and the consulates at Chennai and Mumbai have posted a notification on their websites advising certain visa applicants planning to engage in high-tech related business or study to schedule their interviews much in advance. It mentions that a limited number of students, scholars and business persons involved in high-level scientific fields may need to have their visa application referred to the Department of State for additional processing before the Embassy may issue a visa.

Only the interviewing visa officer can make the determination whether an applicant’s file needs additional processing. In most cases, this process takes between four to six weeks, although it sometimes takes longer. Persons who think they may be affected by this requirement should apply as early as possible. Students planning advance studies in highly technical fields may need to ask TTS for an earlier appointment. In doing so the applicant should make clear that they feel there may be a need for additional processing necessitating an appointment at least six weeks before the day they are due to report to their school or research facility.

Applicants can help make this process faster by being prepared for their visa interviews. For example, graduate students and visiting scholars should bring a copy of their resume or curriculum vitae (CV); a list of their publications (if any); a summary of their past and future research; information on their advisor or sponsor in the United States, including a mailing address and telephone number (for example, a copy of his/her webpage); and a list of references. This information should be in English. Applicants should also be ready to answer specific questions about their research plans in the United States.

Checklist of required documents to bring for the interview:

156
DS-157
DS-158 (for students)
Current CV/Resume
Full list of all of your publications

Qualifications Questionnaire

In addition, the consulates request that the applicants complete a form and bring a printed copy to the interview. The embassy at New Delhi and the Mumbai consulate ask for the following information (For Chennai consulate questionnaire click here):

Name and Passport Number
Describe in detail your current field of research/work
Describe your current position
Provide dates and reasons for any past travel to the US
Provide a detailed statement of the purpose of your visit to the US
What organizations and individual facilities will you have access to in the US?
Describe in detail the real and potential applications of your work or research. Assume that you are describing your work to a qualified professional in your field
What work, if any, does your US sponsor do for the US Government? Is any of that work sensitive or classified? Will you be involved in the work?
Describe in detail what research or work you will perform in the US and explain how your trip to the United States will benefit or change your current research or work
Who is funding your trip?
Provide a list of three references of people who are familiar with your work or research. Please provide their names, professional title, and contact information
Provide your trip itinerary with contact information for where you will be staying in the US. If you are a student, please provide the contact information for the professors who will be overseeing your studies/research
List the names of all accompanying travelers, including both family members and colleagues

Applicants who do not bring complete information to the interview (e.g., their resume and their research summary, and completed form) may have their applications delayed even further, or may be refused a visa and asked to apply again.

As soon as the processing of the applicant’s visa is complete, the consulate will contact the applicant and explain how he/she can pick up his visa. The applicant does not need to make a new appointment and does not need to pay a new application fee.