Getting ready for a trip to the United States? The US Visa Application Center is a crucial part of the process. In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about the VAC and its significance in your journey to the USA. You’ll find information on appointment scheduling, biometrics, visa interviews, and much more. Stay tuned for a hassle-free experience.
US visa application center
To understand the U.S. visa process and gather vital information for visa applicants, it’s crucial to explore the US Visa Application Center (VAC). The U.S. typically mandates that foreign nationals obtain a visa before entering the country, which is then affixed in their passport.
While some foreign visitors may qualify for visa-free travel based on specific criteria, visa applicants usually must personally attend both the VAC and U.S. Embassy interviews, unless they meet certain exceptions. You can schedule appointments for these interviews via online platforms or the call center. Now, let’s go into the essential documents required for obtaining a visa.
Documents required at US visa application center
At the US visa application center VAC, you must show the following documents:
- A passport that is valid for travel to the United States and has at least six months left on its current expiration date (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions).
- If you are applying for a visa on behalf of multiple individuals, each applicant must submit their own application.
- Your DS-160 acknowledgement page
- Your confirmation page for the appointment.
When preparing for your actual visa interview, make sure to have the following documents with you:
- A valid passport (the same as used for the application).
- Visa application fee payment receipt number.
- DS-160 confirmation page.
- Confirmation page from Form DS-260 Application for an Immigrant Visa.
- Original birth certificate and a photocopy.
- Other supporting documents based on your visa category.
- A US letter of invitation (if applicable).
- Proof of the event you’re attending (e.g., fully paid tickets).
- For graduation visits, a letter from your school or university.
- Documentation of previous US travel or visa copies if applicable.
- Evidence of strong ties to your home country (e.g., job contract, lease, property deed).
- A letter explaining your purpose of visit.
- Proof of no criminal record.
- Proof of employment (e.g., pay slips).
- Educational proof for students (e.g., report cards or registration).
- Your email address.
Remember that additional documents may be required depending on the type of US visa you are applying for. Be well-prepared for your appointment.
After this, we have come to the next step. It is the procedure to get a visa.
US Visa Application from India
How to apply at US visa application center VAC?
To get US visa application center VAC you just need to follow the steps that are listed below:
Step 1: Choose Your Visa Type
- Start by reading about the Common Nonimmigrant Visas to determine which visa category suits your needs.
Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Form
- Fill out the DS-160 Form, making sure every detail is accurate. Note that changes can’t be made once you submit the form. Seek assistance from an immigration attorney or translator if needed.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
- After completing the DS-160 and setting up your online profile, you’ll need to pay the application fee. Payment is made in the local currency (Dominican pesos) at the current exchange rate. Honesty and completeness in your application are crucial as they determine your appointment requirements.
- Most applicants need two appointments: one at the Visa Application Center (VAC) and one at the Embassy. Start by scheduling your Embassy appointment, followed by the VAC appointment (at least one day before your Embassy interview).
Step 4: Prepare for Your VAC Appointment
- On the day of your VAC appointment, make sure to have:
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States.
- DS-160 confirmation page.
- A compliant photograph if the applicant is under 8 years old and can’t attend the interview.
Step 5: Attend the U.S. Embassy Interview
- After your VAC appointment, proceed to the U.S. Embassy for your interview. Arrive at least 15 minutes early and bring:
- Appointment confirmation document.
- DS-160 confirmation document.
- Current passport with barcode and any prior passports.
- Supporting documents for your visa application.
How to schedule your US visa biometrics appointment in India?
- Create an Online Portal Password.
- Fill out the Non-Immigrant Visa Application (DS-160).
- Complete all the required application fields.
- Make the payment.
- Check your dashboard to confirm if a biometrics appointment is necessary.
- Once the “Schedule a Biometrics Appointment” tab appears, click on it to set your appointment.
To schedule a US visa appointment in India, you should start your US visa application online by completing the Non-Immigrant visa application (DS-160). After applying your application and paying the visa fee:
- Return to the Online Portal.
- Log in with your previous credentials.
- If you haven’t scheduled your appointment yet, choose “Schedule an appointment.”
- Provide the required information during the application process, and double-check your details.
- At the end of the appointment scheduling, you can either email the appointment confirmation to yourself or print it.
- Save this document as you’ll need it for your appointment in India.
Now, let’s discuss the processing time for your visa.
Processing time at US visa Application Center
The typical processing time for US visa application center VAC applications that are approved at a visa interview is 5 working days. For delivery, at least an additional 2 to 3 working days should be given.
If the “Interview Waiver Program” applies to you, you may send in your application by courier without appearing for a meeting. On average, it takes 21 working days to complete a visa after the Embassy receives your application. You should allow an additional two to three working days for the delivery of your passport.
US VAC location in India
Here are the U.S. Embassy and Consulate locations in India:
- Delhi: U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110001
- Mumbai: U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay), C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400051
- Chennai: U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras), 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006
- Kolkata: U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta), 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071
- Secunderabad: U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad, Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003
FAQ’S
While I am in the US, my visa will expire. Is that problematic in any way?
No, it's not problematic. Your authorized period of stay is indicated on your admission stamp or Form I-94, known as an Arrival/Departure Record. If the immigration officer at the port of entry granted you permission to stay for a specific duration, even if your visa expires while you're in the country, you can legally remain for the approved period. It's crucial to keep this record in your passport, as it serves as the official documentation of your stay authorization in the United States.
My request for a visa was denied. Why can't I get a refund of my money?
Your payment was an application fee, which is required for processing your application. This fee applies to all visa applicants and is non-refundable, whether or not you are granted a visa. Even if your application is denied under Section 214(b), if you decide to reapply for a visa, you will still need to pay the visa application processing fee, whether at the same embassy or a different one. For a detailed list of US visa fees, please visit the Visa Services Fees page.
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