Visa Application Updates | U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India
/images/remitanalyst-news/11-26-2023/visa-application-updates-us-embassy-consulates-india.jpg)
Service Platform Migration Notice:
The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India announce the migration of our customer service center to a new platform. Visa applicants should now address their inquiries to support-india@usvisascheduling.com.
Student Visa Application Passport Requirement Update:
To enhance the security of the visa appointment system, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India will implement a policy change effective November 27, 2023. All F, M, and J student visa applicants are required to use their personal passport information when creating a profile and scheduling their visa appointment.
Profiles or appointments created with incorrect passport numbers will lead to non-acceptance at Visa Application Centers (VAC). Such appointments will be canceled, and the associated visa fee forfeited.
Applicants with incorrect passport information must establish a new profile with the correct data or update an existing profile to proceed with their appointment. A new visa fee receipt will be necessary if the previous receipt is linked to a profile with inaccurate passport details.
Those with a renewed or newly issued passport following the loss or theft of the original should provide a photocopy or other proof of the former passport number to maintain their appointment eligibility.
DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Guidance:
Applicants are reminded to submit a correctly completed DS-160 online visa application form when booking a visa appointment. It is imperative that the DS-160 contains accurate and complete information matching the individual attending the interview.
If changes have been made to a DS-160 form, applicants with appointments booked before November 15, 2023, should bring the corrected DS-160 confirmation page to their appointment. Those with appointments on or after this date must provide both the original and updated confirmation pages. If unable to do so, they are required to cancel and reschedule the appointment with the revised DS-160 application number.
For detailed information, please refer to the DS-160 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Interview Waiver Program Enhancements:
The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India would like to inform applicants that certain individuals renewing visas within the same category and timeframe may be eligible for an interview waiver. Consular officers have discretion to waive the in-person interview for specific visa types, subject to eligibility criteria and prior visa history.
Applicants utilizing the interview waiver should anticipate a processing time of up to three weeks from passport submission at the VAC to when it is available for pickup or delivery, with no option to expedite during this period.
Further details are available on the State Department's announcement page.
Expedited Appointment Request Procedures:
Expedited appointment requests can be made through the official online appointment system. Applicants with a confirmed interview date may apply for an expedited appointment. Upon approval, instructions will be communicated via email. Do not cancel existing appointments unless an expedited request is confirmed.
Given the limited availability, not all expedited appointment requests may be fulfilled in time for planned travel dates. Applicants are advised to assess the appropriate visa type for their travel needs by consulting the U.S. Visa Categories Directory.