NonImmigrant Visas

Example of a DS-160 Form and the barcode to print out.

Visitors to the United States require nonimmigrant visas.  Before applying,  know which type of visa suits your purpose of travel.  If you plan to permanently relocate to the United States, please visit Immigrant Visas.

Visa Inquires to VFS

VFS handles all telephone and email queries through their new multi-language call center and takes calls from 8:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5pm, Monday through Friday, excluding U.S. Embassy holidays.  Please direct all your telephone and email queries to VFS directly at infousdelhi@vfshelpline.com or +91-120-6611411 if calling internationally, and 0120- 6611411 for all callers within India.

Do You Qualify for an Interview Waiver?

How to Apply

1. You need a photograph that meets the specifications. Scan and save the photo.  You will upload it into the DS-160.  Basic digital photo requirements:
   • A .jpg file between 600x600 and 1200x1200 pixels
   • Less than 240kbs
   • Not digitally altered
2. Complete Form DS-160 online here.  Save often to avoid data loss. Answer all of the questions as thoroughly as possible before submitting. Incomplete forms may not be accepted. 
   
   
   • DS-160 FAQs
   • DS-160 Issues
3. Print the barcode at the end of the application on a laser printer.
4. Pay the visa application fee at an approved HDFC bank (PDF 28 KB).  You must wait one business day before using the receipt to make your appointment.
5. Make your appointment through the VFS website. You cannot make an appointment without your DS-160 barcode number and HDFC fee receipt.  Please do not arrive for your interview more than 15 minutes before the time on your letter.

 Carry with You to the Interview:

• Your valid passport and previously issued passports
• One recent (within the past six months) photograph 50mm X 50mm (2" x 2") with a white background.
• The DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
• The HDFC visa application fee receipts
• VFS appointment letter
• H, L, and other petition-based visa applicants must bring copies of the I-797, I-129 and other petition-related documents
• F, M students must bring the SEVIS receipt and I-120. 
• J exchange visitors must bring the SEVIS receipt and DS-2019.
• Science and technology applicants may require additional processing.  Bring supporting documents to minimize the processing time.

Delivery or Pick Up

Issued visas can be picked up at VFS or couriered to you at no extra charge.  Delivery can take up to seven business days but is normally much faster. Information on courier service, tracking passports or submitting documents is available on the VFS website.

Questions?

Email: infouskolkata@vfshelpline.com

Interview Waiver Program

Interview Waiver Pilot Program

• Under a new initiative, in select circumstances, qualified foreign visitors who were interviewed and thoroughly screened in conjunction with a prior visa application may be eligible to renew their visas without undergoing another interview.
• This pilot program permits consular officers to waive interviews for qualified nonimmigrant applicants worldwide who are renewing their B1/B2 visa within 48 months of the expiration of their previously held visa, and within the same classification as the previous visa.
• Our embassies and consulates have been instructed to begin implementing this pilot program immediately.
• This pilot does not entitle any applicant to a waiver of personal appearance.  Consular officers will retain the authority to interview any applicant who they determine requires a personal appearance.

Apply For a U.S. Visa