German visa FAQ

FAQs

Q:1- Can I submit my application in advance ?
YES, you can submit your application in advance. For applying to the Consulate General Republic of Germany in Chennai one month prior to the date of travel.

Q:2- I am an Indian citizen and have a US (or Canada) visa (or resident permit). Do I need an airport transit visa when traveling through Frankfurt ?
NO, you don't need an airport transit visa if you hold a confirmed return ticket to your final destination.

Q:3- On my way to US, UK , etc… I wish to spend a day or two in Germany. Do I need a visa ?
YES , you need an ordinary transit visa (valid up to 5 days)

Q:4- Can a visa be extended in Germany ?
NO .

Q:5- Can I get my visa directly at Frankfurt airport ?
You must get it before you leave India.

Q:6- Can I send my application by post or through courier ?
NO . In case you don't wish to come in person, please have your application submitted through a listed travel agent. You will be called for an interview if necessary.

Q:7 - Can I receive my passport by courier ?
YES , you can receive your passport by courier. At the time of submitting your application you can avail of the courier facility by filling up the 'Courier Request Form'. Your passport can be couriered to an address convenient to you, mentioned in the Form. This facility comes to you at an additional charge of Rs.170/- per application.

Q:8- I am an Indian citizen living abroad. Do I have to apply in India ?
NO , It is mandatory to apply in the country of your residence (work or studies).

Q:9- My visa got refused with no explanation. Can you let me know why ?
According to the Germany law, the reasons for refusal are confidential and cannot be disclosed.

Q:10- I am going to UK and intend to visit your country. Can I make the hotel booking from UK only ?
You must provide a hotel booking at the time of submission.

Q:11 - If my sponsorship letter has expired, can I still submit my application?
NO , expired sponsorship letters are not accepted. Please also note that sponsorship letters which are older than 6 months will also not to be accepted.

Q:12 - I am a British overseas citizen. Do I require a visa?
YES

Q:13 - If I am traveling to the US via Germany on an open ticket / Buddy pass, what kind of visa will I require ?
As your travel dates are not confirmed you will have to apply for an ordinary transit or short stay visa.

Q:14 - We are a family of three. How many applications do I submit ?
One application per person has to be submitted. Each application must be supported by all required documents.

Q:15. How much does it cost to apply for a Germany visa, and are there any other charges applicable?
The visa fee depends on the category of visa applied yfor. Click here to view the visa fee list. The fee for processing your visa fee is Rs 510 (inclusive of all taxes). We also courier passports to your address after assessment. If you would like your passport couriered, the charge for this is Rs 170 (inclusive of all taxes). The courier service is optional and not compulsory.

Q:16.What should I do after submitting the visa application?
You can check the status of the application the next day after submitting your application

Q:17.How do I check the status of the application?
Helpline:
You can call the helpline after 3.00 pm the next day or between 8 and 4 pm the second day to check the status of your application. The helpline numbers is 044 - 24333226

In person:
If you have submitted your application in Chennai you can check your status after 5.00 pm the next day.

Q:18.What could the status be?
Once a Visa Officer has assessed your application, s/he will make the decision to either issue or refuse your visa; or invite you for an interview

Q:19. What will happen if my name appears on the list?
You should come to the VFS Office where you submitted your visa application, to collect an interview letter.

Q:20. Where will my interview be held?
At the The Consulate General Federal Republic of Germany in Chennai. The letter will inform you the date & time.

Q:21. What do I need to carry for the interview?
The interview letter & any original documents which you did not submit at the time of submission.

Q:22. General information
a) Visa fees, once paid, are non refundable.

b) You can obtain further information, and download visa application forms from www.chennai.diplo.de www.vfs-germany.co.in

c) For any further assistance, please call the VFS helpline between 0800 - 1600 hrs
Chennai- 044 24333226

d) You can also email at info@vfs-germany.co.in

German visa Photo Specifications

click here

German visa Forms

Download Forms

1. Schengen Visa Application Form

Download Schengen Visa Form

Step by Step procedure to fill the online Schengen Visa Application form ( Visa Extern Manual) online via internet - Download here

Click here to fill in an online Schengen Visa Application form - http://visa.diplo.de

2. Application form for German Residence Permit

Click here

3. Declaration on True & Complete information

Click here

4. Declaration on Travel Health Insurance

Click here

Schedule an Appointment

All applicants would have to visit the VFS application centres in their respective locations in South India to schedule an appointment at the Consulate.

German visa fee

Visa Fees

The Visa Fee for the applicable visa type is listed in the table below. The fee mentioned is applicable per applicant.

Short term: Adult 3400INR no charge for below 6 years
Long term ; Adult 1700 INR children: 900INR,no charge for below 6 years

VFS Service charge:
Applicants applying in the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Chennai shall be levied a service charge of Rs. 510/- ( inclusive of service tax & education cess) payable in cash.

Please Note:

The applicable visa fee in Indian Rupees is as per the current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
The visa fee is non-refundable.
There is an optional courier facility available at Rs.170/- (Inclusive of Service Tax) per application.
Alternate option for payment of visa fees available at the centers at a service charge of Rs.56 (inclusive of service tax) per applicant.
The visa fee for applicants applying to the German Visa Application centres in South India is payable by a Bank Draft in favour of the "Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Chennai" and has to be drawn on any of the following banks as per the German Consulate website or an alternate option for payment of visa fees available at the centers at a service charge of Rs.56 (inclusive of service tax) per applicant.

1. ABN AMRO Bank
2. Indian Bank
3. Canara Bank
4. Deutsche Bank
Exemption of Visa Fee for a child is only applicable in the case of Short Term category, if the child's age is less than 6 years.

German visa- How to apply - south india

How to apply?

Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Chennai

VFS application centres : Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad & Cochin
(the centres will be open from the 15th of Nov 2006 onwards)

All applicants applying for Schengen ( Tourist, Business, Transit etc) & all Long term visa’s are advised to visit the VFS German application centres in their respective locations to submit their application & also to schedule an interview.

Applicants can now also fill in their Schengen visa application form ( Type A, B & C) on the “Visa Extern” online via the internet.

Step by Step procedure/guidelines to fill the online Schengen Visa Application form ( Visa Extern Manual) - Click here

Click here to fill in an online Schengen Visa Application form - http://visa.diplo.de

All first time travelers are requested to visit the respective VFS application centres to schedule their interviews, as they are obliged to submit their visa applications in person at the German Consulate General in Chennai. Frequent travelers may present their applications through a representative at the VFS application centres or can submit their application through registered travel agents.

Please note that the German Consulate in Chennai issues visas only for residents in its territory of operation - Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry.

If you are travelling to Germany for business, studies, research or other reasons please read the information sheets for each category carefully. Applications with complete documentation can only be processed by the German Consulate.

Applicants residing in the Consulate`s area of jurisdiction may obtain National as well as Schengen Visas at the German Consulate in Chennai if their main destination is Germany. Applications for Schengen Visas will also be accepted if the main destination is Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway or Sweden.

Please note: National long term Visas for Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway or Sweden have to be applied for at the respective Embassy in New Delhi.

How to Apply for a Non-immigrant US Visa

Applying online

Step 1: All non immigrant visa applicants except "Officials travelling on government business" and "Officials of international organisation travelling for official purpose" must pay the Application Fee and VFS Service Charge at a designated branch of HDFC Bank before applying for a visa.

Step 2: Once you paid your fee click to see Here for further procedure. You will need to use the barcode number from your HDFC Bank Fee Receipt in order to schedule an appointment.

Step 3: Report to the US Embassy or consulate where your appointment for a visa interview is scheduled. You will need to bring the printed Appointment Letter, the Visa Application Forms, one recent photograph, the original HDFC Bank Fee Receipt with its two barcode stickers. Applications without an original HDFC Bank Receipt or with an incorrect photograph will NOT be accepted.
Procedure to schedule an online interview at the Mumbai Consulate

Counter Service
Applicants can seek information at any US visa application centre located in 11 cities across India. Applicants scheduled at the Mumbai Consulate (only) must submit their visa application packs across-the-counter at the US Visa Application centres located in West India after scheduling their online interview appointment.

Important: We recommend that you check the appointment availability before making travel arrangements or paying the visa application and service fees.

Documents

Valid passport copy. You are recommended to have passport valid for travel for at least six months beyond your date of entry into the U.S.

One photograph as per specification

Original signed form DS-156

Original Form DS-157 only if you are 15 to 55 years of age

Original form DS-158 only if you are applying for F,M or J visa.

Original, valid HDFC Bank visa fee receipt.

Note:

If the applicant is under 14 years of age, the forms DS-156 / DS-158 must be signed by one of the parents.

In addition to the above the following visa class applicants must submit the below listed documents:

H / L/ O / P applicants

• Copy of Notice of action (Form I-797).
• In case of Blanket L visa applicants, a copy of the Form I-129 in addition to the Form I-797.

F / M / J applicants

• Copy of Form I-20 or DS-2019 as applicable.
• Proof of payment of SEVIS Fee Receipt I-901, if applicable
• Dependant applicants must submit a photocopy of the principal applicant's visa

C1D / D applicants

• Original letter from employer.
• Dependants joining spouse / father on board ship must submit a photocopy of the principal applicant's visa

BEP applicants

• Original letter from the authorized signatory of the company stating purpose and duration of travel in addition to the above-mentioned documents required for the specific visa class.

Supporting documents required at the time of the interview appointment at the American Consulate General, Mumbai

A. Travel for Business, Tourism or Family Visit – visa class B1/B2

1. Passport and interview appointment letter.
   
2. Original, valid HDFC bank visa fee receipt (pink copy).
   
3. Original Birth Certificate for children below 14 years of age.
   
4. If you are visiting a relative, carry photocopies of the relative’s proof of status e.g. Green Card, naturalization certificate, valid visa etc.
   
5. Business travelers need to produce proof that the Company will finance the trip. If the company is new or unknown it is helpful to carry tax records of the firm for the last 3 years.
   
6. It is also helpful to carry evidence of how the trip will be financed along with letters of deputation, invitation or sponsorship.
   
7. A tourist may show evidence of financial resources through bank statements and tax returns for the past 3 years.
   
8. Dependents joining their spouse on-board ship need to carry their original marriage certificate and entire wedding photo album along with the spouse’s visa copy.
   
9. For parents visiting a child resident in the US:
   If child is an Indian citizen.
   a. Childs’s original birth certificate.
   b. Photocopy of all pages of child’s passport.
   c. Where the US visa of child has expired, photocopy of the renewed petition required.
   d. Where child is a legal permanent resident in USA, photocopy of the green card
   (front and back) is required.
   If child is a U.S. citizen.
   a. Photocopy of bio-data page of US passport or photocopy of Naturalization Certificate.
   
   

B. To work in the USA – visa classes H , Land O Principal Applicant

1. Passport and interview appointment letter.
   
2. Original, valid HDFC bank visa fee receipt (pink copy).
   
3. For L1 applicants, applying with Blanket petition, a demand draft of Rs. 20000/- favoring “American Consulate General, Mumbai”. DDs drawn on co-operative banks are not accepted.
   Note: Mention your Name and Passport number on the reverse side of the demand draft. Kindly ensure the demand draft is valid for at least 15 days after the Interview date.
   
4. The original Notice of Action (Form I-797).
   
5. Form I-129 (if Form I-797 is a blanket permit, copy of Form I-797 and I-129), and letter from employer that describes your proposed duties.
   
6. Letters verifying your employment history and specific work skills.
   
7. Original degree certificates along with mark sheets.
   
8. Relevant diplomas or certificates, e.g. computer certification
   

Spouse / Dependent Children

1. Passport and interview appointment letter.
   
2. Original, valid HDFC bank visa fee receipt (pink copy).
   
3. The original Notice of Action Form I-797 of the Principal Applicant.
   
4. I-129 (if Form I-797 is a blanket permit, copy of Form I-797 and I-129) of the Principal Applicant, and letter from employer that describes the relationship with the Principal Applicant and the purpose of travel.
   
5. Photocopy of the Principal Applicant’s valid visa (if applying separately).
   
6. Original Marriage Certificate (for spouse) along with your entire wedding photo album.
   
7. Original Birth certificate (for each child).

C. Students – visa class F and M Principal Applicant

1. Passport and interview appointment letter.
   
2. Original, valid HDFC bank visa fee receipt (pink copy).
   
3. SEVIS generated Form I-20 in original, approved and signed by the University authority.
   
4. Proof of payment of SEVIS Fee Receipt I-901, if applicable.
   
5. Evidence of financial resources: proof of liquid assets sufficient to pay for the entire first year of education and living expenses as well as proof of readily available funds to cover the remaining year(s) of studies.
   
6. Original degree certificates along with mark sheets.
   
7. Original Bachelor degree transcripts or high school diploma along with mark sheets from previous institutions attended.
   
8. Relevant test scores, e.g. TOEFL and SAT, GRE, GMAT or LSAT.
   

Spouse / Dependent Children

1. Passport and interview appointment letter.
   
2. Original, valid HDFC bank visa fee receipt (pink copy).
   
3. Individual Form I-20 in original approved and signed by the University authority.
   
4. A copy of the Form I-20 of the Principal Applicant.
   
5. Photocopy of the Principal Applicant’s valid visa (if applying separately).
   
6. Original Marriage Certificate (for spouse) along with your entire wedding photo album.
   
7. Original Birth certificate (for each child).
   
8. Additional financial resources to support the dependants.
   
   

D. Exchange Visitor – visa class J
Principal Applicant

1. Passport and interview appointment letter.
   
2. Original, valid HDFC bank visa fee receipt (pink copy).
   
3. SEVIS generated Form DS-2019 in original, approved and signed by the University authority.
   
4. Proof of payment of SEVIS Fee Receipt I-901, if applicable.
   
5. Evidence of financial resources.
   
6. If you are being funded by an Organization (Indian or American), a letter from the organization explaining what funding will be provided.
   
7. Original Bachelor degree transcripts or high school diploma along with mark sheets from previous institutions attended.
   IMPORTANT: If you are applying for a J-visa under a US Government (G)programme, you are exempted from all fees. Further, you will need to apply directly at the US Embassy or Consulate.

Spouse / Dependent Children

1. Passport and interview appointment letter.
   
2. Original, valid HDFC bank visa fee receipt (pink copy).
   
3. Individual Form DS-2019 in original approved and signed by the University authority.
   
4. A copy of the Form DS-2019 of the Principal Applicant.
   
5. Photocopy of the principal applicant’s valid visa (if applying separately).
   
6. Original Marriage certificate (for spouse) along with your entire wedding photo album.
   
7. Original Birth certificate (for each child).
   
8. Additional financial resources to support the dependents.
   
   

E. Ship Crew (C1/D), Airline Crew (D)

Principal Applicant
1. Passport and interview appointment letter.
   
2. Original, valid HDFC bank visa fee receipt (pink copy).
   
3. Specifically for Ship Crew: original letter issued by shipping company stating the purpose of travel, itinerary, local agent’s name and address in the US; and CDC card.
   
4. Specifically for Airline Crew: original letter from airline

Spouse / Dependent child of Ship Crew

1. Spouse / Dependant child of Ship crew may refer to required documentation for Travel for Business, Tourist or Family visit –visa class B1B2.

F. Religious Worker (R)

Principal Applicant 1. Passport and interview appointment letter. 2. Original, valid HDFC bank visa fee receipt (pink copy). 3. Applicants must prove that they are working as a minister of religion, or in a religious vocation or occupation, for a bona-fide, non-profit religious organization or denomination that is exempt from taxation. 4. Proof that you have been a member of the religious organization for at least two years prior to your application. 5. A contract from the employer in the US as well as in India and proof, such as bank statements, that the employer is able to support the applicant above the poverty line. 6. Recommendation letters to further support the case of the religious worker. 7. IRS-supplied proof of the tax-exempt status of the religious organization in the US. 8. Evidence that you are qualified for the work designated in the US. 9. Documents showing arrangements for financial support.
Spouse / Dependent child of Religious Worker 1. Passport and interview appointment letter. 2. Original, valid HDFC bank visa fee receipt (pink copy). 3. Original Marriage certificate (for spouse) along with your entire wedding photo album. 4. Photocopy of Religious Worker’s visa (if applying separately) 5. Evidence of financial support for the entire family. 6. Copy of the contract between the employer and the Religious Worker in the US 7. Original Birth certificate (for each child).

G. Performers/ Artists/ Entertainers: visa class (P)
Principal Applicant 1. Passport and interview appointment letter. 2. Original, valid HDFC bank visa fee receipt (pink copy). 3. The original entertainment petition or Notice of Action I-797 approved by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS). 4. Evidence in the form of newspaper articles and photographs of earlier performance outside India.
Spouse / Dependent Children 1. Passport and interview appointment letter. 2. Original, valid HDFC bank visa fee receipt (pink copy). 3. The original Notice of Action Form I-797 of the Principal Applicant. 4. Photocopy of the Principal Applicant’s valid visa (if applying separately). 5. Original Marriage Certificate (for spouse) along with your entire wedding photo album. 6. Original Birth certificate (for each child).

H. Other Visa Categories:
Principal Applicant 1. Passport and interview appointment letter. 2. Original, valid HDFC bank visa fee receipt (pink copy). 3. All the documents should be original supporting your application for the specific visa class
Spouse / Dependent Children 1. Passport and interview appointment letter. 2. Original, valid HDFC bank visa fee receipt (pink copy). 3. Photocopy of the Principal Applicant’s valid visa (if applying separately). 4. Original Marriage Certificate (for spouse) along with your entire wedding photo album. 5. Original Birth certificate (for each child).

Application center

NORTHERN INDIA

New Delhi Jalandhar Chandigarh International Trade Tower, S-2 Level, Nehru Place, New Delhi - 110019. Location Map Ratan Tower, 2nd floor, Namdeo Chowk, Circuit House Road, Jalandhar - 144001. Location Map SCO-186-187, Sector 8C , Madhya Marg, Chandigarh - 160009. Location Map

Application Centre counter timing: - 0800-1300 hours & 1400-1500 hour

For General Information email us at infodelhi@vfs-usa.co.in or call on our regional helpline number at New Delhi 011-42220000 and Jalandhar 0181-5041444

Our agents respond to phone calls between 0800-1300 & 1330-1700 Monday through Friday excluding all-India holidays observed by the US missions.

SOUTHERN INDIA

Chennai Bangalore Hyderabad Kochi No.14, New No.4, Sadasivam Street, Gopalapuram, Chennai-600086. No 30, Scotts Annexe, Infantry Road, Bangalore-560001. 1-4-313, second floor Chiran Fort Club Lane Opposite HUDA office Begumpeth Hyderabad – 5000016 3C, South Point Hinton, Chittoor Road, Near Kasba Police Station, Kacheripady, Ernakulam - 682018 . Location Map

Application Centre counter timing: - 0800-1300 hours & 1400-1500 hour

For General Information email us at info@vfs-usa.co.in or Call our regional helpline number at Chennai 044-42316767

Our agents respond to phone calls between 0800-1300 & 1330-1700 Monday through Friday excluding all-India holidays observed by the US missions

WESTERN INDIA

Mumbai Ahmedabad Pune Tirupati Apartments, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Opp. Mahalakshmi Temple, Mumbai - 400026. Location Map Gujarat Chambers Building, Shri Ambika Mills, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad - 380009 . Location Map 106, Sohrab Hall 1st Floor, Sassoon Road, Behind Pune Station Junction, Pune - 411001 . Location Map

Application Centre counter timing: - 0800-1300 hours & 1400-1500 hour

For General Information email us at infomumbai@vfs-usa.co.in or Call our regional helpline number at Mumbai 022 - 66547600

Our agents respond to phone calls between 0800-1300 & 1330-1700 Monday through Friday excluding all-India holidays observed by the US missions

EASTERN INDIA

Kolkata Om Towers, 4th floor, 32 Chowringhee Road Next to Park Street Metro, Kolkatta - 700 071 Location Map

Application Centre counter timing: - 0800-1300 hours & 1400-1500 hour

For General Information email us at infokolkata@vfs-usa.co.in or Call our regional helpline number at Kolkata 033-22882480

Our agents respond to phone calls between 0800-1300 & 1330-1700 Monday through Friday excluding all-India holidays observed by the US missions

Procedure to schedule an online interview at the Mumbai Consulate

Procedure to schedule an online interview at the Mumbai Consulate
Step 1: Pay the Application Fee and VFS’ Service Charge at a designated branch of HDFC Bank before applying for a US Visa.

Step 2: Return to this site and click on the Apply for a Non Immigrant visa link once the fees are paid. You will need to use the barcode number from your HDFC Bank Fee Receipt in order to schedule an appointment.
Step 3: Download and print your Appointment Letter, the Visa Application Forms along with the checklist of documents which have to be submitted to VFS prior to the interview.
Step 4: You are then required to submit your forms with one recent photograph and Documents as per the checklist to any of the application centres in Mumbai, Pune or Ahmedabad.
Please note: If you are submitting your forms to our application centre in Mumbai you must
Step 5: Report to the US Consulate, Mumbai where your appointment for a visa interview is scheduled. You will need to bring your interview appointment letter and all original supporting documents.
Step 6: If you are issued a visa, your passport will be returned to you via courier. Optionally, you may collect it across the counter. Please click on “Return of Passport” link on our home page for further information. submit at least 3 working days in advance. E.g.: If your interview is scheduled for a Friday, you must submit your documents latest by the preceding Tuesday, provided all days in between are working days. If you are submitting your forms to our application centres in Ahmedabad or Pune, you must do so at least 4 working days in advance. E.g.: If your interview is scheduled for Friday, you must submit your documents latest by the preceding Monday provided all days in between are working days. It is recommended that you forward your documents to us immediately after scheduling an interview.

Photo Specifications

Specifications of Photograph to be affixed on Visa form DS-156

Photo Requirements

Submit your visa application form with a photo that meets the requirements as described below. Please note that if you present a photo that does not meet the requirements your visa application will be considered incomplete.

General

• The photo of each visa applicant must be an unmounted full face photo, as explained below
  
• The photo must have been taken within the last six months
  
• One (1) photo must be submitted stapled or glued to the application form

Photo Size

The photo of each visa applicant must measure:

• 2 by 2 inches (roughly 50 mm square) with the head centered in the frame
  
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure between 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) with the eye level between 1 1/8 inch to 1 3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the photo

Sample Photograph

Photo Appearance

• The photo must be a full face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly
  
• The applicant should not look down or to either side, and the face should cover about 50 percent of the photo area
  
• Side or angled views are NOT acceptable
  
• The photo may be in color or black and white, but must have only a white or off-white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted
  
• In general, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
  
• Head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face
  
• Sunglasses or other wear that detracts from the face are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons, for example, an eye patch
  
• A photo of an applicant wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable
  
• Photos of military, airline, or other personnel wearing hats are not acceptable.
  
• A photo of an applicant wearing tribal, national costume, or other headgear not religious in nature is not acceptable
  
• A photo of a minor child must contain no one else. If the child needs to be supported, the means of support should not be in the camera's frame
  
• Group photos are NOT acceptable. As a separate visa is issued to each qualified applicant, a photo of each applicant is required
  
• Digital photos must meet all the requirements and be reproduced without any dot patterns or pixels being visible
  
• Digitally scanned photos and photocopied photos are NOT acceptable. Only original photos are acceptable
  
• Digitally altered or retouched photos are NOT acceptable. The applicant's appearance and the background of the picture must not be altered

Attaching the Photo to the Application Form

• Staple or glue the one photo to the form in the designated space. If the photo is stapled, staples should be placed as far away as possible from the applicant's face
  
• Do not enclose photos in glassine or other types of envelopes. The photo must be stapled or glued properly to the form in the designated space

Consular Districts

Each visa section has a jurisdiction as noted below:

1. New Delhi: States of Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Bhutan.

US Embassy, New Delhi
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110 021
Tel: 011-2419-8000
FAX: 011-24198407
Email: nivnd@state.gov
Home page address: http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/

2. Chennai: States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and the Union Territories of Lakshadweep islands and Pondicherry.

American Consulate General, Chennai
No. 220 Anna Salai, Chennai 600006
Tel: 91-044-2857-4242
FAX: 91-044-2811-2027
Email: chennainiv@state.gov
Home page address: http://chennai.usconsulate.gov

3. Mumbai: States of Maharashtra, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Union Territories of Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

American Consulate General, Mumbai
Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai 400026
Tel: 91-022-2363-3611 to 3618
FAX: 91-022-2363-0350
Email: mumbainiv@state.gov
Home page address: http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov

4. Kolkata: States of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Orissa, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

American Consulate General, Kolkata
5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata 700071
Tel: 91-033-3984-2400
FAX: 91-033-2282-2335
Email: ConsularKolkata@state.gov
Home page address: http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov

If you are a resident of India, you are required to select your current ‘State of Residence’ where you have been residing for the past six months or longer. Later in the process, when you are scheduling your interview, you may see calendars offering dates at more than one post. If you are a fluent English speaker and have not been previously refused a visa, you may select an interview date from any post shown. If you are not fluent in English or were previously denied a visa, you must select a date only from the post covering the area where you reside. Applicants denied a visa can only seek to have the decision reviewed by reapplying at the post where the denial occurred.

Indian citizens resident in the USA on work permit and applying for a new visa to replace an expiring visa can request an appointment at any of the four visa sections.

How to pay your fees

Purchase a Visa Fee Receipt number from HDFC and then apply online.

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.
Fees payable prior to confirming a visa interview appointment:
1. Non-refundable Application Fee (MRV Fee): US$ 100 payable in INR at consular rate of exchange. MRV Fee at current exchange rate is Rs. 4,000/-
2. Non-refundable 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%)
3. The Visa Fee Receipt must be used to schedule an appointment within one year from date of issue.

Application 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 1^st 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.

The fees payable at HDFC Bank per passport are:

1.Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee): $100 in Indian Rupee equivalent at consular rate of exchange. Rupee amount at current rate of exchange (Rs. 40/-) is Rs 4,000/-

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.

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.

IMPORTANT: The fee receipt gets activated 2 working days from date of issue. Do not attempt to take an appointment till then.

The above fees are not refundable. You must appear for an Interview within 1 year (365 days) from the date you purchased your fee receipt from HDFC Bank. If you do not appear for an Interview within one year after the purchase of your fee receipt, it will no longer be valid. The receipt is deemed as utilized once the interview has taken place, and cannot be used to make a subsequent appointment.

For any clarifications you may write to HDFC Bank Ltd. at VisaFees@hdfcbank.com
Visa Issuance Fee:

Indian passport holders will no longer be required to submit an Issuance fee demand draft for $50 at the time of the visa interview. Holders of Indian Certificates of Identity or Bhutanese passports, continue not owe any reciprocity fee.

Other nationalities: please click here to determine the Issuance Fee amount payable.

VFS' Service Charge
This service charge covers on-line/off-line or phone-in information, assistance with making appointment and return by courier of passports with the new visas.