USA Booking Embassy Appointments
What Is the Purpose of the US Visa Appointment?

Knowing more about the US visa appointment in India would allow you to respond to interview queries more effectively. The primary objective of the interview is to ensure that the US embassy understands the purpose of your visit and that you will return to India following your stay in the United States.

You must build strong relationships with India, such that you have reasons to return to India and will not apply for permanent status in the United States. To demonstrate that you will not settle in the United States, you must produce particular documents such as proof of job, study, and renting agreement, among others.

Your visa application will be denied if the interviewer feels that you will make the United States your permanent residence and will not return. This requires you to apply for a new US visa.

 

Can Indians obtain US visas without undergoing an interview?

Applicants for an immigrant visa from India must attend an interview. Indian citizens are required to make two separate visa appointments in India; the first is for biometrics and the second is for the visa interview.

In certain circumstances, it is possible to obtain a US visa without attending an in-person interview at the US Consulate in India. By calling the US Embassy Visa Application Center (VAC), the National Visa Center (NVC), or selecting an option on the internet portal, you can cancel your US visa appointment. In addition, Indian citizens who renew their US visa within 48 months of its expiration are eligible for an exemption from the US visa interview.

 

Who May Receive An Exemption From the US Visa Interview Requirement?

The US Visa Interview Waiver does not typically apply to all Indian applicants for US visas.In addition to submitting an application for a specific visa, applicants must also complete the requirements to have their visa interview waived. The applicant’s age and country of origin are also important considerations. Let us examine the conditions for a waiver of the US visa interview:

• You are a national or citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country requesting a visiting visa.
• You must submit an A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-4 visa application.
• You are under 14 years of age or older than 79 years of age.
• You are submitting a visa renewal application for the same classification as a Border Crossing Card, B-1/B-2, C-1/D, F, J, M, or O visa.
• Citizens of the majority of nations are not excluded from the US visa interview requirement for nonimmigrant visas.
• A citizen or native of a Visa Waiver Program country is unable to obtain an exemption from the US visa interview for all visa types.
• When applying for a student/exchange visa or any nonimmigrant visa, an interview is mandatory.
• Applicants for E-3, T, U, H-1, and L-1 visas cannot obtain an exemption from the US visa interview appointment requirement and must schedule an interview appointment.

To get your visa interview appointment waived, you must notify the NVC or the US Embassy VAC.

 

How Do I Schedule an Appointment for a US Visa in India?

Indian citizens must fill out the [Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application or DS-160](https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/) in order to arrange an appointment for a US visa. Next, you must complete your online application form and complete the essential processes, including uploading the relevant travel documents and paying the visa application fees.

After completing, reviewing, and submitting your application, you can create an account on the CGI Federal portal to pay your US tourist visa application fee. You must then return to the CGI Federal webpage to schedule your visa interview. Here you are able to select the closest state or city for your interview.

At the conclusion of arranging your US visa appointment – India, you will be given the choice to email or print your US visa appointment confirmation. You MUST keep this document in a secure location, since you will need it when you attend your US visa appointment – India.

If biometrics can be collected on the date of your US visa appointment, you do not need to schedule two separate sessions. However, US biometrics are typically completed prior to the actual US visa interview session. Both appointments can be scheduled online through the Official US Department of State CGI Federal Visa Appointment Service.

For immigrant visas, the US visa application procedure might be more complicated and need additional processes. Visa interview scheduling will be determined by the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will schedule your biometrics and fingerprints for your US visa appointment – India. However, it is essential that you verify this criteria in the nation from which you are applying, as it may vary.

 

Appointment for a Medical Exam in Order to Obtain a US Visa

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services encourages every candidate to have a medical examination with a licenced doctor in the country where they will attend their interview. By “authorised physician,” we refer to a physician who has been approved by the U.S. embassy in your nation. If you perform your medical examination with a different physician, the consular will not accept it.

 

What will occur during the physical examination?

The medical exam includes a review of your medical history. Medical history, physical exam (including at least the eyes, ears, nose, and throat, extremities, heart, lungs, belly, lymph nodes, skin, and external genitalia), chest X-ray, and blood testing.

 

What Is US Visa for OFC Appointment?

OFC stands for Offsite Facilitation Center, and you must schedule an appointment at an OFC to give biometric information such as your photo and fingerprints. Your OFC appointment must be arranged before your actual US visa interview appointment. This guarantees that the visa appointment time is reduced and the process is streamlined.

 

Applying For A Visa At The OFC?

You cannot submit a visa application at the OFC. Only an OFC appointment for your biometric and picture interview can be requested. You must apply for the visa at one of the Visa Application Centers or at an embassy or consulate of the United States.

 

What Occurs During the OFC Appointment?

You must arrive early for your OFC appointment, since you will only be permitted to enter the centre 30 minutes before your OFC appointment. Once you are allowed inside, you will be given a token to stand in line, and once inside the office, your documents will be verified and your DS-16 confirmation form will be stamped. When it is your turn, you will be led to one of the empty counters. Here, you will provide your identification and have your biometrics captured. Once you have completed your OFC appointment, you will go to your US visa appointment in India.

 

Where Can I Find OFC Offices in India?

There are OFC appointment centres in cities including Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata. When scheduling an OFC appointment online, you will be able to choose the location.

 

Is the US Visa Interview Conducted During the OFC Appointment?

The US visa interview is not conducted during the OFC appointment. You must schedule two separate appointments for the biometric interview and the visa interview. At the OFC appointment, only your fingerprints and photograph will be collected. This photograph will appear on your US visa if it is granted.

 

How To Schedule A Biometrics Appointment For A US Visa In India?

In India, applicants for US visas are required to make an appointment for biometrics. Consequently, if the visa category for which you filed includes biometrics and you neglected to schedule an appointment, your visa application may be denied.

A biometric is a person’s bodily traits that are used to authenticate their identity and compare against other database records. In many instances, it is vital since it aids the US government in ensuring the legitimacy of overseas visitors’ travel while preserving the integrity and security of the borders. A biometric may consist of the applicant’s fingerprints, iris scan, and digital image.

After making an online visa payment, applicants in India must schedule a US visa appointment – India for biometrics with the receipt number. For the majority of nonimmigrant visas in India, biometrics may be collected prior to the visa appointment date. In addition, candidates under the age of 14 and above the age of 79 are not required to provide fingerprints. As stated above, not all visas require a biometric appointment.

After making payment, you will be called to determine your eligibility for a biometric appointment. If you are not contacted or do not qualify for a biometric appointment, you are need to book an appointment for a US visa – India.

After completing all fields and creating a password on the online portal, you will be able to view your eligibility for the biometric on the dashboard. Once the “Schedule a Biometrics Appointment” tab is open, you must click it in order to schedule an appointment.

 

For your biometric appointment, you must bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, your DS-160 confirmation page, a photograph taken within the past six months, and your current passport. In addition, if you are renewing your visa, you must bring your previous US visa-containing passport. If you do not carry these items, you may not have your visa approved or your biometrics acknowledged.

 

Note that candidates for visa categories A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, C-3, and NATO are not required to submit fingerprints.

 

What Supporting Documents Are Required for an Indian US Visa Appointment?

After scheduling an appointment for a US visa and undergoing a biometric and medical screening, you must prepare for your visa interview. It is imperative that you come to the visa interview well-prepared and with all the relevant documents.

Note that the documents listed below are the fundamental texts.

Depending on the type of visa you requested, the required supporting documents may vary. Different supporting documentation may be required for each visa application; check with the US embassy in your country for details. It would be great to bring all the documents you believe can aid your visa application process to the visa interview.

You must bring the following documents with you to your US visa appointment:

• A valid passport (same as used for the application).
• The number associated with the payment receipt for the visa application fee.
• The confirmation page for DS-160.
• Page of confirmation from the Form DS-260
• Email address for the Immigrant Visa Application
• Your original birth certificate and a copy of the document.
• Additional supporting documentation dependent on the visa category for which you apply.
• US invitation letter, if applicable.
• Proof of the event you are attending, such as paid-in-full tickets
• If you desire to attend a commencement ceremony, a letter from the school or institution is required.
• If you have previously visited the United States, you may give verification of your earlier visit or copies of your visas.
• You can submit evidence of your strong connection to and intend to return to your home country, such as a work contract, lease, or property deed.
• A note stating the reason of your visit can be useful.
• A criminal record proving that you have never been convicted of a crime is required.
• Proof of employment, such as pay stubs, is required.
• Students’ evidence of schooling, such as report cards or registration cards.
• Your email address.

You might need to provide additional documents depending on the type of US visa you are applying for.

 

What’s India’s US visa appointment wait time?

Each year, India sends the United States hundreds of thousands of visa requests. The websites of US Embassies and Consulates list wait times. Time estimates do not guarantee appointment availability.

Visa processing in India is contingent on the number of applications and the available workforce.  Indians should schedule their US visa interviews as soon as possible.  Booking in advance at a VAC in India assures you get the date and time you desire.

The website indicates that the processing time for an Indian visa is three days. It depends on the type of visa, the case, and the conditions. Nonimmigrant visa applicants in India must book their appointments three months in advance.

Remember that visa processing time does not include the time required to get passports or return them via courier. Applicants must wait at least 180 days following an interview or submission of documents, unless an emergency exists.

 

When should I arrive for my interview at the visa application centre?

It is recommended that you arrive no more than fifteen minutes prior to the interview. You are not need to arrive at the VAC one hour early. You should have water and a meal prior to your interview. It is also common to feel nervous throughout the interview, and the interviewer would be aware of this.

 

What Should I Wear to My US Visa Interview?

You are not need to dress very formally for your US visa appointment. You can choose semi-formal attire that is both comfortable and suitable for making an outstanding first impression. However, it is always appropriate to wear a formal dress, shirt, tie, and jacket.

 

What happens during the US Visa Interview?

• You will be exposed to a full-body scan and then directed to have your fingerprints scanned upon entering the premises.
• The consular officer will subsequently direct you to the interview room.
• Here, you can anticipate being questioned about the purpose of your visit.
• Remember that all consulate personnel anticipate that you are an immigrant-in-waiting.
• Therefore, the best response would be to convince the consular officer that you have significant ties to your home country and that you intend to return.

 

How Can I Reschedule My Interview for a US Visa?

Due to wait periods and availability, rescheduling US visa appointments in India might be challenging. It is however possible to reschedule the US visa appointment. Indian citizens must reschedule their US visa appointment at least three business days before their scheduled appointment.

You can reschedule an appointment for a nonimmigrant visa by phoning the VAC or by modifying the date and time online. To reschedule, you must present a valid reason for the United States Embassy to consider. You can reschedule an appointment for an immigrant US visa by providing the NVC with your case or application number. You will also need to explain why you desire to postpone the interview and suggest an alternative time and date. You must know that rescheduling will result in a later appointment. Therefore, the visa approval process will take significantly longer.

However, Indian individuals can only reschedule US visa interviews in India twice, except the initial interview appointment, in order to satisfy the needs of other candidates. After the initial interview, the applicant may reschedule the interview twice. Additionally, the applicant can only reschedule a new date 90 days after the second attempt to reschedule.

You are now prepared for your US visa interview.

Good luck!

Happy Traveling!