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Everything You Need to Know About US Visa Appointment

Last Update: 20-08-2024

United States Visa Appointment

Table of Contents


  1. Introduction
  2. How to Get a Faster US Visa Appointment?
  3. Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a US Expedited Appointments
  4. Steps to Apply for a US Expedited Appointment
  5. Documents Required for a US Visa Appointment
  6. How to Schedule a US Visa Appointment in India?
  7. US Visa Appointment Wait Times (Average)
  8. How to Reschedule an American Visa Appointment?
  9. FAQs

Introduction

Booking a  visa appointment for US can be a complex process especially when you are from India and looking to travel to the United States. Whether it's for tourism, business or education, understanding how to manage US visa scheduling and get an American visa appointment is key. This guide will walk you through the steps to book a United State visa appointment, with special emphasis on US visa appointment in India.


From finding the earliest US embassy appointment dates to managing US travel visa appointments, this guide will make the process simple and less intimidating. For applicants in India, getting a US India visa appointment involves several key steps, each crucial to getting approved to enter the United States. By the end of this guide, you will have all the information you need to schedule a US visa appointment in India and meet all the requirements and timelines.

How to Get a Faster US Visa Appointment?

Apply for a Fast-Track USA Visa Appointment Through Teleport

To secure a faster US visa appointment, you can opt for the Fast Track appointment service offered through Teleport, which aims to schedule your appointment within 30 days. Visit our website, navigate to the Fasttrack appointment section, and click on "Start Application" to begin the process. 

Apply for a Expedited US Visa Appointment through Government Channel

Applicants may use an online appointment system to request an expedited appointment. Please ensure that you already have a confirmed interview date before submitting your request. If your request for an expedited appointment is approved, you will receive instructions via email. 

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Teleport’s Expert Tip

We advise against cancelling your current appointment until you have received a confirmation of your expedited request approval. If you haven’t received a response yet, your application is still under review.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a US Expedited Appointments

Before applying for an expedited visa appointment, ensure you have the necessary documentary evidence to prove the urgency. Misrepresenting the reasons for urgent travel during your visa interview can negatively impact your visa application. You must pay the visa fees for a regular appointment before requesting an expedited one.


Medical Needs


If you need to travel for urgent medical care or to accompany someone for treatment, you must provide:

  • A letter from your doctor in India explaining the medical condition and the need for treatment in the United States.
  • A letter from the U.S. physician or hospital confirming their readiness to treat the case, including the estimated cost of treatment.
  • Evidence of how you will cover the treatment expenses.

Funeral/Death


For attending a funeral or arranging repatriation of an immediate family member (parent, sibling, child) in the U.S., you need:

  • A letter from the funeral director with their contact details, the deceased’s information, and the funeral date.
  • Proof that the deceased is your immediate relative.

Urgent Business Travel

For urgent business matters that could not have been anticipated, provide:

  • A letter of invitation from the U.S. company, explaining the urgency of the visit and the significant loss that either the U.S. or local company will face if the appointment is delayed.

Or

  • Documentation of a necessary training program in the U.S. lasting three months or less, with letters from both the local employer and the U.S. company detailing the training and the potential loss of opportunity if the expedited appointment is not granted.

Students or Exchange Visitors


If you need to start or resume a valid study program in the U.S. within 60 days and cannot secure a regular visa appointment, you may request an expedited appointment. Note that student visa slots are primarily available in June-July and November-December. Emergency appointments for students are considered only in exceptional cases and are not available to those who have been refused a student visa in the past year.


Required Documentation:

  • Original Form I-20 or DS-2019 with a program start date within 60 days.

Steps to Apply for a US Expedited Appointment

  1. Fill Out Your Visa Application: Complete the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application form.
  2. Set Up Your Profile: Go to the website's homepage and click “Login” at the top right corner. Choose "Sign up now", enter a new username and an email address, and follow the steps to verify your email and set up security questions.
  3. Pay and Schedule: Pay the visa application fee. Schedule the first available appointment. If an earlier visa interview appointment date is required, fill out the Expedited Request Form and specify the urgency of your travel.
  4. Await Confirmation: After submitting your request for an expedited date, wait for an email response. If approved, you’ll be instructed to schedule your expedited appointment online. If denied, you will also be notified by email. Make sure to check your spam or junk folder if you do not see the email.
  5. Attend Your Visa Interview: Bring your appointment letter, DS-160 confirmation page, a recent photo, and all current and old passports to the embassy or consulate on your scheduled date. Ensure all documents are complete to avoid delays.

By carefully following these steps and preparing your application thoroughly, you’ll be better positioned for a successful expedited appointment request.

Note

Please be aware that expedited appointment availability is limited. Due to a high volume of requests, the US embassies might not be able to accommodate all travellers before their intended departure dates, even if their travel is time-sensitive.

Documents Required for a US Visa Appointment

To schedule your non-immigrant visa application appointment, please have the following information and documents ready:


  • Valid Passport
  • Visa Fee Receipt
  • DS-160 Confirmation Page
  • Email Address
  • Specific Documents for Visa Type

How to Schedule a US Visa Appointment In India?

Scheduling your US visa appointment is a crucial step in your application process. Here's how to ensure a smooth scheduling and attending experience:

Scheduling Your Appointment

  • Appointment Requirements: Applicants are required to appear in person for two appointments: one at the Visa Application Center (VAC) and the visa interview at the U.S. Consulate in India.
  • Online Scheduling: You can schedule both your VAC and interview appointments online via Embassy and consulate websites. For additional help, you may contact the call centre.
  • Timing: Schedule your VAC appointment at least one day before your interview at the Embassy or Consulate.

US Visa Centres in India

CityAddress

Chennai

Good Shepherd, No 82, Kodambakkam High Road, Chennai 600034

Hyderabad

Lower Concourse, Hitec City Metro Station, L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited - HITEC City

Kolkata

Jasmine Tower, 31, Shakespeare Sarani (1st Floor), Kolkata – 700017

Mumbai

Parinee Crescenzo, 101, 1st Floor, A Wing, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai - 400051

New Delhi

Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Concourse Level, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi – 110001

Note

Applicants under 14 or over 80 years of age from the date of submission may be eligible for an Interview Waiver, allowing them to submit visa requests without appearing for an interview

US Visa Appointment Waiting Times (Average)

Visa TypeLocationUS Visa Appointment Average Wait Time

B1/B2

New Delhi

150 Calendar Days

Chennai

512 Calendar Days

Kolkata

137 Calendar Days

Hyderabad

275 Calendar Days

Mumbai

499 Calendar Days

How to Reschedule an American Visa Appointment?

To reschedule a US visa appointment, it's essential to be aware of the limitations and consequences involved to avoid unnecessary penalties or loss of your fee payment. Here’s how you can manage rescheduling your appointment effectively:

  1. Log In to Your Profile: Access your profile on the US visa appointment website where you originally scheduled your appointment.
  2. Choose Reschedule Option: Navigate to the appointment section and select the option to reschedule your appointment.
  3. Select New Date: Pick a new appointment date from the available slots. Ensure this new date suits your schedule to avoid further rescheduling.
  4. Confirm Changes: Confirm your new appointment date. Ensure all details are correct before finalising.

Important Note

If you fail to appear at your Visa Application Center (VAC) or Consular appointment without rescheduling in advance, you will be marked as a "no-show." To avoid the no-show status, you must reschedule your appointment before 4:30 p.m. local time, two business days prior to your scheduled appointment.

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Teleport’s Expert Tip

To increase your chances of securing your preferred interview date and time, it's advisable to proceed with US visa appointment booking early. We encourage non-immigrant visa applicants to apply at least three months prior to their planned travel date. This helps in reducing the wait time for processing.

Conclusion

Booking a US visa appointment is a crucial step for Indian applicants to travel to the United States. This guide has covered the steps and tips to schedule a US India visa appointment, from finding the earliest US embassy appointment dates to the actual visa interview. Whether its a US travel visa appointment or any other American visa appointment, the key is to be prepared and follow the US visa appointment system instructions.


If you are looking to get an appointment for a US visa in India, stay updated with the latest information and changes in the process and make sure all documents are in order. By following this step by step approach in this guide, you can increase your chances of a positive outcome and get ready for your US travels. Remember the effort and attention you put in scheduling your US visa appointment will make a big difference in your visa process.

FAQs

How do I schedule a visa appointment for the US?

To schedule a visa appointment for the US, you must first complete the DS-160 form online, pay the visa fee, and then visit the U.S. Department of State's website to book your appointment. Ensure that you have all required documents ready before you begin the scheduling process.

What are the current US embassy appointment dates availability?

The availability of US embassy appointment dates varies by location and visa type. To check the latest dates, log into your profile on the official visa appointment scheduling website after completing your DS-160 form. Availability updates in real time, reflecting any changes or cancellations.

Can I reschedule my United State visa appointment if necessary?

Yes, you can reschedule your United State visa appointment. Log into your visa appointment account, select the reschedule option, and choose a new date. Be aware that you can only reschedule a limited number of times without incurring extra costs.

How do I find the earliest US travel visa appointment?

To find the earliest US travel visa appointment, frequently check the appointment calendar on the U.S. visa appointment scheduling website. Cancellations and changes can open up earlier visa interview appointment dates, so it’s beneficial to check regularly.

What should I know about US visa scheduling for an appointment in India?

When considering US visa scheduling for an appointment in India, know that appointments are required for both the Visa Application Center (VAC) and the visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate. You should schedule these appointments online through the designated US visa appointment website for India.

How can I check for available US visa appointment dates in India?

To check for available US visa appointment dates in India, access your profile on the official US visa scheduling site. After paying the visa fee and filling out the DS-160 form, you can view and select from available dates for both your VAC and Embassy or Consulate appointments.

What is the process for booking a US India visa appointment?

To book a US India visa appointment, complete the DS-160 form online, pay the applicable visa fee, and then use the online appointment system to schedule your appointments. Ensure to book your VAC appointment at least one day before your embassy or consulate interview.

Will I receive a confirmation of my US visa appointment?

Yes, after scheduling your visa appointment, you will receive a confirmation by email. Make sure to print this confirmation as you will need to present it on the day of your appointment.

How can I change my appointment to a different location?

US visa appointments can be rescheduled to a different location by logging into your profile and selecting "Reschedule Appointment." Note that rescheduling options are limited. If you reach your limit, you’ll need to appear at the appointment or cancel and rebook, which requires a new fee.

How far in advance should I schedule my USA visa appointment?

It's advisable to arrange your US visa appointment at least three months in advance of your intended travel date. This allows sufficient time for the processing of your application and any additional administrative tasks.

What happens if I miss my US visa appointment?

If you miss your US visa appointment without notifying the consulate or embassy, you may be marked as a "no-show." You'll need to reschedule and may be subject to additional fees or limitations on rescheduling.

What should I do if I can't attend my scheduled US visa appointment?

If you can't make it to your appointment, it's important to reschedule or cancel it at least 48 hours before your Visa Centre appointment. Failing to appear without cancelling will block you from new US visa appointment booking for 120 days.

How long can I stay in the US with a tourist or business visa?

The duration of your stay in the US is determined by a Customs and Border Protection consular officer at your entry point, not by the visa validity itself. You can enter the US anytime during your visa’s validity up to its last day.

Do all visa applicants need to attend an interview at the US Consulate?

Most applicants are required to attend the appointment for a US visa. Exceptions include those applying for certain diplomatic or official visas, children under 14, and applicants over 80 years old. Some renewing applicants may qualify for an Interview Waiver.

What happens if I miss my VAC or Consular appointment?

If you miss your appointment and fail to cancel in advance, you will be marked as a "no-show," which restricts you from scheduling a new appointment for 90 days. Always cancel at least two business days prior by 4:30 p.m. local time to avoid this status.

Can I transfer an expedited appointment to a different location after approval?

Transferring an expedited appointment to a different post is not possible. If you need an expedited appointment at a different location, you must cancel your current appointment, schedule a new one, and submit another expedited request at the new location.

What is the US tourist Visa Validity?

Your US tourist visa or B-1/B-2 visa is usually valid for 10 years from the date of issuance and allows for a stay of 180 days or 6 months. It is a multiple-entry visa.


However, please note that the validity granted depends on various factors, including the consular officer's discretion, the purpose of the visit, and the applicant's circumstances. And even though a visa is valid for 10 years, the duration of stay allowed during each visit is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry and is conveyed via Form I-94. Typically, CBP officers grant entry for a period of up to six months on a tourist visa.

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