Consular Notice

Due to the recent fall in the value of the rupee against other currencies, including the U.S. dollar, effective Monday, November 02, 2009 the United States consular sections in India will adjust the consular exchange rate from Rs. 50 to the dollar to Rs. 48 to the dollar, thereby reducing all rupee-denominated costs of applying for visas and passports at the US Embassy and Consulates General.

Since, November 08,2006, nonimmigrant visa applicants are not charged issuance fees except applicants from countries other than India based on their country reciprocity table.

Effective November 02, 2009 the $131.00 nonimmigrant visa application fee, paid at HDFC branch banks prior to the scheduling of visa appointments, will cost Rs.6,288.00 This does not include HDFC or VFS fees. Applicants for Blanket L1 visas should submit a demand draft in the amount of Rs. 24,000.00 to cover the $500.00 processing fee. Please note that only bank drafts for the exact amount required on the day an application is submitted may be accepted at the Embassy and at our Consulates in Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

Effective November 1, all applicants must fill out their applications online to improve accuracy and speed processing at the time of interview. Visa applicants should also present unmounted, square passport-style, full-face color photos with a white background. The photos should be no more than six months old and should measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the photo to the top of the head.

The Nov  02 adjustment in exchange rate will reduce the rupee price of all consular transactions, including services for American citizens. U.S. passport applications for children under 16 will increase to Rs. 4,080 and adult passport renewal applications will cost Rs. 3,600, while first time adult passport applicants will pay Rs. 4,800. A single notary seal will cost Rs. 1,440  and notarial of additional pages will cost Rs. 960, consular report of birth will cost Rs. 3,120.

Further information on U.S. visa and consular services is available on the consulate website http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov/