Depending on the purpose of your visit, a particular type of US visa will be granted to you. The number of days taken to process the visa and receive an interview date depends upon your consulate. Normally consulates process visas between seven to ten working days, but processing time may vary for different individuals depending on special requirements and individual circumstances. Keeping all lines of communications open from the applicant’s end is a must.
Following is a step by step guide to the application procedure;
Step 1 : Photograph
A digital colored photograph meeting certain criteria; maximum dimensions 1200×1200 pixels and minimum dimensions 600 pixels x 600 pixels in JPEG format, is required for the visa application form.
Step 2: Application Form
Complete the DS-160 form online with all accurate information. When it has been done successfully, a bar code of 10 digits will be provided which is necessary for the visa interview.
An online profile needs to be created to pay the fees, schedule interview and so on. Check with your Visa Application Center (VAC) website, and follow the required instructions to create this profile. There might be specific links for different countries, where the application is being made from.
Don’t forget to get insurance.
It is recommended that you get travel insurance when traveling to USA, as medical expense (even for common flu) can run into hundreds of dollars! Here are some of the best insurance for US visitors.
Step 3: Payment of the Visa Fees
There are 3 ways to pay the fee (non-refundable);
1. Online payment via NEFT
2. Via cash at any Citibank or Axis bank branches anywhere in India
3. Mobile Phone Payment via IMPS System
Step 4: Appointments for Visa Interviews
You will first have to schedule an appointment with VAC for your fingerprints and digital photo to be taken. This has to be done at least a day before your interview at the US Embassy or consulate.
The next interview will be at the US Embassy or Consulate, with a US visa officer.
It is important to find out which US consulate in India you need to apply to. The US consulates are present in all major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
Step 5: Gather the Documents Required for Visa Interviews
The entire biometric process takes approximately 10 minutes. Biometric information like fingerprints and digital photograph is taken here.
Documents to be carried are:
– current and old (if any) passport
– confirmation page for appointment
– DS-160 form confirmation page
After that, it will be time for the consulate interview. Following documents are required to be carried for the US Consulate interview :
– old (if any) and new passport
– photograph
– the DS-160 page with the barcode number for appointment
-visa appointment letter
– documents to support the kind of visa you have applied for
Step 6: Prepare for Visa Interview
Prepare for questions that will be asked by the consular officer in the interview. Remember to give clear and concise answers regarding the purpose of your visit and other information like travel itinerary and financial capabilities.
Step 7: Issue of Visa
If the visa gets approved, it will be sent over to the passport collection center, which has been specified by the applicant, via courier. You will have to collect it from there.
