Quick answer: To book a US visa appointment in India you (1) complete the online DS-160 application, (2) create a profile on the official US visa appointment website and pay the MRV fee (US$185 for most visitor, student and exchange visas; US$205 for petition-based H, L, O, P, Q and R visas), and (3) schedule your biometrics (VAC) slot and your visa interview at the US Embassy in New Delhi or the US Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata. Most applicants now need an in-person interview, can reschedule only twice without paying again, and must apply in their country of nationality or residence. Use only the links published on travel.state.gov and the US Embassy India visa page.
Last updated: October 2026. Visa rules, fees and wait times change often, so we flag every item you should double-check on the official website.
US Visa Appointment in India: Quick Answer and Key Facts (2026)
If you searched for appointment for US visa, US India visa appointment or how to schedule a US visa appointment, this guide gives you the complete picture in one place: the exact order of steps, the official website and login, fees, US visa appointment wait times, how to find earlier US visa slots, emergency and expedited requests, rescheduling rules, documents, and interview tips.
| Topic | What you need to know (verify on the official site) |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | The US Embassy New Delhi or the US Consulates General in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata |
| First step | Fill the online DS-160 and keep the confirmation page with the barcode |
| Visa fee (MRV) | US$185 (B1/B2, F, M, J and most other categories); US$205 (H, L, O, P, Q, R); US$315 (E); US$265 (K) – paid in Indian rupees at the current rate |
| Appointments needed | Biometrics at a Visa Application Center (VAC) and a consular interview (the VAC visit usually comes first) |
| Interview waiver (“dropbox”) | Now limited to a few groups – most first-time and renewal applicants must attend an in-person interview |
| Free reschedules | Up to two; after that you must pay the MRV fee again |
| Where you may apply | In your country of nationality or residence |
| Fee validity | One year from the payment date – book and attend within that window |
| Wait times | Vary by city and visa type – check the official Global Visa Wait Times tool before you choose a location |
What Is a US Visa Appointment and Who Needs One?
A US visa appointment is a fixed date and time when you visit a US visa processing office and then the US Embassy or Consulate for your US visa interview appointment. A consular officer decides whether to issue the visa after reviewing your DS-160, your documents and your answers. Almost every non-immigrant applicant needs one, including:
- B1/B2 visitor visa (business, tourism, family visits – the US B2 visa appointment and US visitor visa appointment are the same process)
- F-1 and M-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visas
- H-1B, H-4, L-1, L-2, O-1 and other work-related visas (the H1B visa appointment for stamping)
- E, K, C and other non-immigrant categories
A US travel visa appointment is not the same as a passport appointment (that is the Indian Passport Seva system) and not the same as a green-card (immigrant visa) process, which follows the monthly Visa Bulletin.
What Changed Recently? US Visa Appointment News (2025–2026)
Searches for US visa appointment news, US visa appointment paused and US visa appointment pause have jumped over the last year, so here is a plain-English summary of the changes that most affect Indian applicants. Re-check each one before you apply, because policy can change at short notice.
- Interview waiver narrowed (September 2025): the State Department ended interview waivers for most non-immigrant applicants. Only a few groups (such as very young children, older applicants and certain diplomatic categories) can still skip the interview. The official age bands are listed on travel.state.gov.
- Apply in your country of nationality or residence (September 2025): non-immigrant applicants are expected to schedule at the US Embassy or Consulate in the country where they live or hold citizenship. “Third-country” appointments are no longer the easy workaround they once were.
- Online-presence (social media) review: F, M and J applicants were asked from June 2025 to set social media profiles to public, and the same review was extended to H-1B and H-4 applicants from December 2025. Some H-1B/H-4 interviews in India were moved to later dates while this was introduced.
- Temporary pauses are category-specific: in May–June 2025, for example, new student-visa interview scheduling was briefly paused and then resumed. If you see headlines about a pause, check which category and which countries it covers, and read the notice on travel.state.gov.
- New fees: the 2025 US budget law created a US$250 “visa integrity fee” for most non-immigrant visas. Check the official fees page to see whether, and from when, it applies to your category. It is separate from the MRV application fee.
- H-1B employer payment: a September 2025 proclamation introduced a US$100,000 payment for certain new H-1B petitions. That affects the employer’s petition, not the way you book your appointment – confirm the details with your employer or immigration attorney.
US Visa Appointment Process in India: Step-by-Step
This is the full US visa application and appointment scheduling sequence for a first-time B1/B2 applicant. Student, work and exchange visas follow the same flow with extra documents (listed later).
Step 1: Choose the correct visa type
Your visa category decides the fee, the documents and the appointment queue. Visiting for tourism, family or short business trips is B1/B2. Studying is F-1 (academic) or M-1 (vocational). Exchange programmes are J-1. Working for a US employer is usually H-1B (spouse and children H-4) or L-1. Picking the wrong category is one of the most common reasons for refusals and wasted fees.
Step 2: Complete the DS-160 online application
The DS-160 is the online non-immigrant visa application on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). Fill it in English, answer every question truthfully, and save your Application ID often – the form times out. When you submit, print or save the confirmation page with the barcode; you will need it for scheduling and on interview day. A mistake in your name, passport number or date of birth can force you to refile.
Step 3: Prepare a compliant photo
The US visa photo requirements are strict: a recent colour photo (taken within the last six months), plain white or off-white background, face fully visible, neutral expression, no glasses, JPEG format, between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels and under 240 KB. If the DS-160 upload fails, bring a printed 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) photo that meets the same rules.
Step 4: Create your profile on the official appointment website
Go to the US visa appointment website for India that is linked from the US Embassy India page, register with your email, passport details and DS-160 confirmation number, and verify your email. Keep your login credentials safe – searches such as US visa login, US visa appointment login, ustraveldocs login and usvisascheduling.com login are among the most common, and phishing sites copy these pages (see the safety section below).
Step 5: Pay the MRV (visa application) fee
Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee for your category through the options shown in your profile. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, and it is valid for one year from payment. Save the receipt – its number is required to schedule.
Step 6: Schedule your biometrics (VAC) and interview appointments
Now you schedule your US visa appointment: choose the consulate (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata) and your VAC location and date, then the interview date. If no dates are visible, it usually means the earliest slots are fully booked – see the section on cancellation slots and emergency appointments. Download and save your appointment confirmation letter; it is your entry ticket.
Step 7: Attend the VAC biometrics appointment
At the Visa Application Center you will give fingerprints and a photograph, and staff will check your passport, DS-160 confirmation and appointment letter. Applicants with an approved interview waiver complete only this step.
Step 8: Attend the visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate
Arrive on time with your original passport and documents (checklist below). The interview is short – often a few minutes – and the officer will ask about the purpose of your trip, your plans, your finances and your ties to India.
Step 9: Track your application and receive your passport
If approved, the officer keeps your passport for visa printing and it is returned by courier or collected at a pick-up point. If you receive a 221(g) slip, you must submit additional documents or wait for administrative processing. You can follow your US visa status on the CEAC status checker using your application ID.
Official US Visa Appointment Website, Login and Scam Warning
The US government has used several booking platforms over the years, which is why people search for ustraveldocs, ustraveldocs India, AIS US visa appointment, usvisascheduling.com and US visa scheduling portal. The platform and web address can differ by country and can change, so never rely on a search-engine ad or a forwarded link. Instead:
- Open in.usembassy.gov/visas or the country page on travel.state.gov and follow the link to the official US Department of State visa appointment service for your country.
- Check that the address is a genuine government or State Department contractor site and that it never asks you to pay by UPI, wire transfer or gift card to “reserve” an appointment.
- Remember: the visa fee is the same whether you book directly or not; nobody can sell you a guaranteed slot or a guaranteed visa.
Note that VFS Global is a well-known outsourcing company for many other countries’ visas (Schengen, UK, Canada and others). For a US visa, follow the instructions on the official US appointment site about where to give your biometrics.
US Visa Fees (MRV) and Other Costs You Should Plan For
| Visa category | Typical MRV fee (US$) |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 visitor, F, M, J, and most other non-petition visas | 185 |
| H, L, O, P, Q, R (petition-based work visas) | 205 |
| E (treaty trader / investor) | 315 |
| K (fiancé(e)) | 265 |
Other costs to check on the official fees page: the SEVIS I-901 fee for F, M and J applicants, any visa issuance (reciprocity) fee that applies to your nationality and category, the newly announced visa integrity fee, courier charges for passport return, and photo costs. If you miss your interview or use up your free reschedules, you pay the MRV fee again.
US Visa Appointment Locations in India
You can choose the US Embassy in New Delhi or one of four Consulates General: Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata. Your VAC (biometrics) centre is booked separately and is usually in the same city or nearby. Pick the location with the best US visa appointment wait time that you can realistically travel to – wait times differ widely between posts, and you do not have to apply in the city where you live. Browse city guides: US visa appointments in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
US Visa Appointment Wait Times in India
US visa wait times, visa appointment wait times and US visa appointment wait times in India (also written US visa appointment India wait times or US visa appointment wait times India) are among the most searched topics, and for good reason: for first-time B1/B2 applicants the wait for an interview slot can run from several weeks to many months depending on the city and the season, while student (F, M, J) and some work categories are often prioritised. Waits also change month to month.
How to check the current figure properly:
- Open the official Global Visa Wait Times tool on travel.state.gov.
- Select India and then each city (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata) and your visa type (visitor, student/exchange, or work).
- Compare the posts and decide whether travelling to another city is worth the earlier date.
Treat these numbers as estimates, not promises – the system shows what the Embassy recently experienced, not what will be available when you log in.
How to Get an Earlier US Visa Appointment (Slots, Cancellations and Emergency Requests)
Check for cancellation slots regularly
Earlier US visa slots appear when other applicants cancel or reschedule, and they can show up at any time of day. Log in at different times and look at every consulate – a slot that disappears in minutes in Mumbai may stay open in Kolkata. Each time you move your appointment it counts toward your free-reschedule limit, so only move to a date that is clearly better. You can also watch our live US visa slot availability board (dates are indicative and show when each location was last checked).
Request an emergency or expedited appointment
A US visa emergency appointment (also called an expedited or emergency appointment for US visa) is considered for urgent, documented situations – for example a medical emergency, the death or critical illness of a close family member, urgent business travel, or a student whose programme starts very soon. In general you first hold a regular appointment, then submit an expedited request in your profile and upload proof. Approval is at the Embassy’s discretion, there is no guarantee, and the same request should not be repeated again and again.
Avoid “slot-selling” shortcuts
Unofficial sellers who promise a confirmed appointment for a payment, or who use bots to grab slots, can get your profile blocked and your fee wasted. A legitimate assistance service helps you prepare, monitor availability and understand the process – it cannot guarantee a slot or an approval.
How to Reschedule or Cancel a US Visa Appointment
To reschedule a US visa appointment, log in to your profile, open your appointment details and select the reschedule option. You can normally reschedule up to two times without paying a new fee; if you miss your appointment or need a third change, you must pay the MRV fee again. If you decide to cancel, remember that the fee is generally not refundable. US visa appointment cancellation and rescheduling both depend on the rules shown in your profile, so read the on-screen conditions before confirming.
Documents to Carry to Your US Visa Interview (Checklist)
Required for every applicant:
- Current passport (and old passports with previous US visas, if any)
- DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
- Appointment confirmation letter (VAC and interview)
- MRV fee payment receipt
- Photo (only if the upload failed)
Recommended supporting documents (B1/B2): proof of employment or business, recent bank statements and income-tax returns, proof of property or family ties, itinerary or invitation letter, and previous travel history. Carry originals plus a neat set of copies, but remember the officer mostly decides from your answers.
For F-1 students: Form I-20, SEVIS fee receipt, admission letter, financial proof and academic records. For H-1B/H-4/L: Form I-797 approval notice, employer letters, recent pay slips, and degree and experience documents. Many consulates do not allow phones, smartwatches, large bags or other electronics inside, so read the “items not permitted” list on your appointment letter.
Visa Interview Day: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Expect security checks, a queue by appointment time, document verification and then a short interview window. Be calm, honest and concise. Typical questions for a B2 visitor include: why are you travelling, how long will you stay, who is paying, what do you do for a living, and what ties will bring you back to India?
- Answer only what is asked, in clear short sentences, and never memorise scripted answers.
- Carry documents in the order you may need them, but let the officer ask for them.
- Never submit false or forged documents – it can lead to a permanent ban.
- If refused under Section 214(b) (not enough ties), you may reapply when your situation has meaningfully changed.
H-1B, H-4, Student and Renewal Appointments: Special Cases
H-1B and H-4 visa appointment in India
For the H1B visa appointment India (also searched as US H1B visa appointment), you need an approved petition (Form I-797), a completed DS-160 and the correct MRV fee. Applicants should follow the latest online-presence guidance and expect that interview dates may be rescheduled by the Embassy. Check your inbox and profile regularly for notices, and confirm travel plans with your employer before you book flights.
F-1 and J-1 student appointments
Students generally get priority and may book early, but the visa can only be used to enter the US within 30 days of the programme start date. Pay the SEVIS fee, make sure your social media settings follow the current instructions, and carry your I-20 or DS-2019.
Renewals and interview waivers
The old “dropbox” route for renewals is now limited to a small set of applicants. Do not assume you qualify: the scheduling system will tell you whether you are eligible, and officers can still call any applicant for an interview.
Applying from Other Countries: Canada, Mexico, China, Jamaica and Beyond
Many readers search for US visa appointment Canada, US visa appointment Mexico, US visa appointment China or US visa appointment Jamaica. The principle is the same everywhere: complete the DS-160, create a profile on the official site listed by the US Embassy in your country, pay the fee in local currency, and book in the country where you live or hold citizenship. Each country has its own wait times and booking portal, so use that country’s embassy page rather than an Indian guide for fees and slots.
After the Interview: 221(g), US Visa Status and Passport Delivery
Possible outcomes are approval, refusal, or 221(g) (administrative processing or a request for more documents). Use the CEAC status tracker with your application ID to see updates, and respond promptly to any document request. Once approved, your passport is usually returned within a few working days to a couple of weeks depending on location and processing.
Common Mix-Ups: Passport Appointment, Visa Bulletin and VFS Global
- Passport appointment: booked on the Indian Passport Seva portal for renewing or applying for an Indian passport. It is separate from a US visa appointment.
- Visa Bulletin: a monthly State Department chart of immigrant-visa (green card) priority dates. It does not control non-immigrant appointment dates.
- VFS Global: a visa-outsourcing company for many other countries; follow the official US appointment site for biometrics instructions.
US Visa Appointment Searches Explained: Which Phrase Means What?
People describe the same process in many different ways. Here is how the most common search phrases map to the steps in this guide, so you land on the right answer quickly.
| If you searched for… | It means… | Go to |
|---|---|---|
| US visa appointment India, US India visa appointment, India US visa appointment, US visa India appointment, US appointment visa India, US visa India, US visa appointment in India | Booking a non-immigrant US visa interview in India | Step-by-step process above |
| US embassy appointment, US embassy visa appointment, visa appointment US embassy, US embassy India visa appointment, US embassy visa appointment India | Your interview at the US Embassy in New Delhi | Locations section |
| US consulate visa appointment, US consulate India visa appointment | Your interview at a US Consulate General (Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata) | Locations section |
| Schedule visa appointment, schedule visa appointment US, schedule US visa appointment, US visa schedule appointment, US visa appointment schedule, US visa scheduling appointment, US visa appointment scheduling, how to schedule US visa appointment | Choosing your VAC and interview dates in the official system | Steps 4 to 6 |
| Book US visa appointment, u.s. visa appointment, USA visa appointment | The same booking flow: DS-160, fee, then dates | Steps 2 to 6 |
| US visa interview appointment India, visa interview appointment | The consular interview date itself | Step 8 and interview section |
| US visa reschedule appointment | Changing a booked date (two free changes) | Reschedule section |
| US visa appointment India wait times, US visa appointment wait times India | How many weeks or months until the next available interview slot | Wait times section |
| Emergency appointment US visa, US visa expedited appointment | An urgent, documented request for an earlier date | Earlier appointment section |
| US H1B visa appointment India, H1B visa appointment India | Visa stamping appointment for H-1B and H-4 | Special cases section |
| usvisascheduling.com, usvisascheduling com login, usvisascheduling login | The login page of one of the official scheduling platforms (which country uses which platform can change) | Official website section |
| Canada US visa appointment, US visa Canada appointment | Booking while living in Canada | Other countries section |
| US visa bulletin | The monthly green-card priority-date chart, not an appointment tool | Common mix-ups section |
Quick Answers to the Most-Searched US Visa Appointment Questions
- How do I book a US visa appointment in India? Complete DS-160, create a profile on the official site, pay the MRV fee and schedule VAC and interview slots.
- What is the US visa appointment fee? Typically US$185 for B1/B2, F, M and J visas and US$205 for H, L, O, P, Q and R visas, in rupees.
- Where is the US visa appointment website? Use the link on in.usembassy.gov or travel.state.gov, not search ads.
- How long is the wait? It depends on city and visa type; check the official Global Visa Wait Times tool.
- Can I get an earlier slot? Watch for cancellations, choose another consulate, or request an expedited appointment with proof of urgency.
- Is the US visa appointment paused? Pauses affect specific categories for limited periods; read the latest notice on travel.state.gov.
- How many times can I reschedule? Twice for free; after that you pay the fee again.
US Visa Appointment FAQs
How do I schedule a US visa appointment from India?
Fill the DS-160, create a profile on the official appointment website for India, pay the MRV fee and schedule your VAC and interview dates. Save your confirmation letter.
What is the official website for a US visa appointment?
Use the link published on the US Embassy India visa page or travel.state.gov. Platform names such as ustraveldocs, AIS or usvisascheduling.com vary by country, so avoid unofficial links.
How much is the US visa appointment fee?
The MRV fee is typically US$185 for B1/B2, F, M and J visas and US$205 for H, L, O, P, Q and R visas. It is paid in Indian rupees at the prevailing rate and is valid for one year.
How long are US visa appointment wait times in India?
Wait times differ by city and visa type and change monthly. Use the official Global Visa Wait Times tool and compare New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
Can I get an emergency or expedited US visa appointment?
Possibly, if you have an urgent, documented reason such as a medical emergency, a family death, urgent business or an imminent student start date. Submit the request in your profile with proof; approval is not guaranteed.
How do I reschedule my US visa appointment?
Log in, open your appointment and choose reschedule. You can usually reschedule twice for free; further changes or a missed appointment require a new MRV fee.
Is the interview waiver (dropbox) still available?
Only for a few groups since September 2025. Most applicants, including many renewals, must attend an in-person interview. The scheduling system shows whether you are eligible.
Do I need the DS-160 before booking an appointment?
Yes. You need the DS-160 confirmation number to create your profile and schedule your appointment.
Can I book a US visa appointment in another country?
Non-immigrant applicants are expected to apply in their country of nationality or residence. Booking elsewhere is no longer a reliable option.
How do I find cancellation slots and earlier US visa slots?
Check your profile at different times of day, look at every consulate, and avoid unofficial slot sellers. Each reschedule counts toward your free limit.
What documents should I take to the interview?
Your passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter, fee receipt and supporting documents for your visa type, such as financial proof, I-20 for students or I-797 for H-1B.
What is the H-1B visa appointment process in India?
You need an approved I-797, a DS-160 and the MRV fee, then you book VAC and interview slots and follow the latest online-presence instructions. Interview dates can be moved, so check your profile often.
What happens if I miss my US visa appointment?
Your fee may be forfeited and you may have to pay again to book a new appointment, so reschedule in advance instead of skipping it.
How can I check my US visa status?
Use the CEAC status checker with your DS-160 application ID or case number, and follow instructions if you receive a 221(g) request.
Official Sources and Useful Links
- US Department of State – US Visas
- US Embassy & Consulates in India – Visas
- DS-160 online application (CEAC)
- Global Visa Wait Times
- Visa fees
- Photo requirements
Need Help With Your US Visa Appointment?
Booking can feel stressful when slots are scarce. Early Visa Slots is an independent assistance service: we explain the process, help you prepare your DS-160 and documents, and monitor availability so you can act quickly. We cannot guarantee a slot or a visa decision. See the live slot availability board, read our US visa appointment guide, or contact our team for help.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal advice. Early Visa Slots is not affiliated with the US government, any embassy or consulate. Always confirm fees, rules and wait times on the official US government websites before you act.