How To Apply for Non-Immigrant US Visa from India

Steps to apply for Non-Immigrant US Visa from India

Step 1: Pay the Application Fee and VFS Service Charge at designated branch of a HDFC Bank before applying for a U.S. Visa. Please refer to the VFS website: www.vfs-usa.co.in for the list of designated branches of HDFC Bank and for the payment procedure.

IMPORTANT:
Please present a photocopy of the 1st page of the applicant’s passport when effecting payment of the above fees at a designated branch of the HDFC Bank.

Step 2: 48 hours (2 business days) after paying the fee login to the VFS Website: www.vfs-usa.co.in and click on the “Apply for a Nonimmigrant Visa” to schedule an appointment. You will need to use the barcode number from your HDFC Bank Fee Receipt in order to login.

Step 3: You will be required to complete Application Forms DS-156 and DS-157 (and DS-158, if applicable) online and print out the same.

Step 4: Print out your appointment letter.

Step 5: Report at the U.S. Consulate on the day and time of your scheduled visa interview.

Step 6: At the conclusion of your interview, if you are issued a visa, your passport will be returned to you via VFS.

Applicants can seek additional information/assistance at any U.S. Visa Application Centre located in 12 cities across India. Please login to the VFS Website: www.vfs-usa.co.in to locate a convenient U.S. Visa Application Centre.

Source: Kolkata US Consulate

US Non-Immigrant Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) and Service Charge

Prior to confirming a visa interview appointment online, you need to pay the following fees and obtain a Visa Fee Receipt from HDFC Bank.

When going to HDFC Bank, please carry with you a photocopy of the 1st page of the applicant’s passport.

Please note: If you are an Indian citizen resident in the US, to obtain a Visa Fee Receipt from HDFC Bank, please fax a copy of your passport’s data page to the person in India assisting you. That person will have to submit the fax to HDFC Bank in order to get a fee receipt issued.

US Visa Application Fees & Service Charge Payable at HDFC Bank per Passport

1. Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee): US $131 payable in INR equivalent at consular exchange rate. Visa Application Fee at current exchange rate (Rs. 40/-) is Rs. 5240/-.

This fee is payable in cash or by DD/HDFC Bank cheque favouring “US Embassy - Visa Fees”. DDs issued by cooperative banks are not accepted.

*As of February 1, 2008, all applicants who paid their application fees in 2007 for $100 should bring a nonrefundable demand draft for the fee difference of $31 (Rs. 1240/-). The Rs. 1240/- demand draft should be made payable to “U.S. Embassy New Delhi”, “U.S. Consulate Mumbai”, “U.S. Consulate Chennai”, or “U.S. Consulate Kolkata”.

2. Service Charge: Rs.322/- which includes VFS’ service charge Rs310/- & Bank service charge Rs12/- (inclusive of Service Tax @ 12% and Education Cess Tax @0.36%)

This fee is payable in cash or by DD/HDFC Bank cheque favouring “HDFC Bank a/c VFS”. DDs issued by cooperative banks are not accepted.

- source
Note: The fees is correct at the time of publication. Please refer to the linked website for current details.

HDBC Bank Branches and payment instructions

* In the case of the applicant(s) themselves making the payment the same can be made through Demand Draft / HDFC Bank Cheque / Cash at all the branches mentioned in the list below in Black.
* In case of Travel Agents / Bulk Applicants / Bearers payments can be made only at the designated counters which are marked in RED below. These payments can be made only in Demand Drafts / HDFC Bank Cheques. Cash will not be accepted for this category.
* For any clarifications you can write to HDFC Bank Ltd. at VisaFees@hdfcbank.com.

Click here for list of HDFC branches and instructions.

Documentation for US Non-Immigrant Visa

Nonimmigrant visa applicants are required to present sufficient documentation to demonstrate their economic and social ties to India. U.S. law presumes that anyone who applies for a nonimmigrant visa intends to remain in the USA permanently. If you are not able to overcome this assumption of U.S. law, then you will not be eligible to receive a visa.

It is important to note that the burden of proof is on the visa applicant. It is your responsibility to prove that you can pay for the trip and that you have social and economic ties to India that are strong enough to bring you back promptly. Documents that show your social and economic ties to India, the purpose of the trip, and arrangements to cover the cost of the trip will help you to prove your eligibility for a visa. It is not possible to specify the exact form such evidence should take since each applicant’s circumstances are different.

- Kolkata US Consulate

US Non-Immigrant Visa Interview Tips

“You must keep in mind that the interview will evaluate your credibility as well as the documentation you present.” - Kolkata US Consulate

Kolkata US Consulate & Visa Office

Office of Consular Affairs
Consulate General of the United States of America,
5/1, Ho Chi Minh Sarani,
Calcutta - 700 071,
West Bengal,India.
Telephone: (00-91-33)-3984-2400
Facsimile: (00-91-33)-2282 2335/3865
Email: consular_calcutta@state.gov

Nonimmigrant Visa(NIV)and Immigrant Visa (IV)
Office of Consular Affairs,
Consulate General of the United States of America,
5/1, Ho Chi Minh Sarani,
Calcutta - 700 071,
West Bengal,India.
Telephone:(00-91-33)-3984-2400
Facsimile:(00-91-33)-2282 2335/3865
Email: consular_calcutta@state.gov

PS. You should call your nearest US Consulate at their given times if you have any doubts or questions. My personal experience has always been pleasant with them.