GUIDANCE SHEET FOR APPLICANTS INTENDING TO WORK IN THE USA

Visa Classes: H, L and O

ON THE DAY OF INTERVIEW:

Please be at the Visa Hall entrance, not more than 15 minutes before your appointed time.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE INTERVIEW:

1. Passport, visa fee receipt issued by HDFC bank and interview appointment letter.

2. Original signed visa application forms DS-156 and DS-157 with a recent photograph affixed on form DS-156. Photograph must be as per the specifications given.

3. Demand draft for Issuance Fee for Rs.2, 300/- favouring “US Embassy, New Delhi” or “American Consulate General, Chennai or Kolkata” as applicable. DDs drawn on co-operative banks are not accepted.

4. For applicant applying with a blanket petition, a demand draft for Rs 23,000/- favouring “US Embassy, New Delhi” or “American Consulate General, Chennai or Kolkata” as applicable. DDs drawn on co-operative banks are not accepted.

Foreign Nationals requires to carry a Demand draft for the applicable issuance fee. To check issuance fee, log on to www.travel.state.gov/visa/reciprocity/index

Note: Mention your Name and Passport number on the reverse side of the demand draft.

5. The original Notice of Action (Form I-797).

6. If Form I-797 is a blanket petition, copy of Form I-797 and original Form I-129 as well as an original letter from employer that describes your proposed duties.

7. Original letters verifying your employment history and specific work skills.

8. Original degree certificates along with mark sheets.

9. Relevant diplomas or certificates, e.g. computer certification.

Spouse / Dependent Children

1. Passport, visa fee receipt issued by HDFC bank and interview appointment letter.

2. Original signed visa application forms DS-156 and DS-157 with a recent photograph affixed on form DS-156. Photograph must be as per the specifications given.

3. Demand draft for Issuance Fee for Rs.2, 300/- favouring “US Embassy, New Delhi” or “American Consulate General, Chennai or Kolkata” as applicable. DDs drawn on co-operative banks are not accepted.

Foreign Nationals requires to carry a Demand draft for the applicable issuance fee. To check issuance fee, log on to www.travel.state.gov/visa/reciprocity/index

Note: Mention your Name and Passport number on the reverse side of the demand draft.

4. The original Notice of Action Form I-797 of the Principal Applicant. 

5. If Form I-797 is a blanket petition, copy of Form I-797 and original Form I-129 as well as an original letter from employer that describes your proposed duties.

6. Photocopy of the Principal Applicant’s valid visa (if applying separately).

7. Original Marriage Certificate (for spouse) along with your entire wedding photo album.

8. Original Birth Certificate for child.

UPDATED INFORMATION

The information is subject to change without notice. Please check the VFS website at www.vfs-usa.co.in for latest information before your interview date.

You can also email at info@vfs-usa.co.in, call toll-free at 18004 25 0025 from an MTNL or BSNL using the PIN number printed on your Appointment Letter, or call against prevailing tariff at Northern India excluding Punjab 011 42220000,Punjab 0181 5041444,Western India 022 56547600,Southern India 044 42316767,Eastern India - 033 2288 2480.

If you are residing outside India, kindly contact us on 044 42316767.

SECURITY MEASURES:

The following are not permitted inside the visa sections:

1. All battery operated or electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, digital diaries, digital watches, pagers, cameras, audio/video cassettes, compact discs, MP3's, floppies, laptops, palmtops or portable music players.

2. All ladies hand bags/purses. Only a small ladies pouch in hand will be permitted.

3. All bags such as travel bags, back packs, briefcases, suitcases, leather, jute or cloth bags and zip folders. Only a plastic bag containing your application-related papers will be permitted.

4. Any food item.

5. Sealed envelopes or packages.

6. Cigarettes / cigars / match boxes / lighters.

7. Any sharp objects such as scissors, pen knives or nail files.

8. Weapons or explosive material of any kind.

The list provided above is not finite. Other items may be prohibited based on security staff discretion. Due to security concerns, the Consulate does not permit interested parties such as friends, relatives or business contacts to accompany nonimmigrant visa applicants to their interviews. However, interpreters are allowed to accompany hearing-impaired applicants.

IF YOU ARE GRANTED A VISA:

1. Ordinarily the passport will return within 72 hours from the interview date. Delivery time lines depend on place of residence.

2. You can check passport delivery status by logging on to www.vfs-usa.co.in or by sending an SMS message “VISA US (passport number)” to 7333. 

3.RUSH Service: you have the option to collect your passport across the counter in the city where your interview was held. Passports may be collected between 1400-1600 on the day the visa section hands over your passport to VFS. This service is available at a supplement of Rs 56/- per passport, paid at the time of collecting the passport. You will need to show the original fee receipt issued by HDFC Bank and the interview appointment letter. Passports not collected across the counter the same evening will automatically be dispatched by courier.