Non Immigrant Visas

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.

NOTE: 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.

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

3. Print the barcode at the end of the application on a laser printer. Do not use an inkjet printer. Verify that the barcode is clear and readable. If your barcode is not clearly readable, your application will be delayed.

4. Pay the visa application fee at an approved HDFC bank.  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) passport size photograph 50mm X 50mm (2" x 2") with a white background.
• The DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
• The HDFC visa application fee receipts (not required for work visa applicants who submit receipts in advance)
• VFS appointment letter
• Document requirements for H and L applicants.
•  Other petition-based visa applicants should bring copies of the I-797, I-129 and other petition-related documents
• F, M students must bring the SEVIS receipt and I-20. 
• 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: infoushyderabad@vfshelpline.com

NONIMMIGRANT VISAS

Visa Applicants Planning to Engage in Technology-Related Business or Study While in the United States:

If you are involved in technical or scientific fields, your visa application may require administrative processing of approximately four to eight weeks. If you think this requirement will affect you, apply for your visa as early as possible, prepare for your visa interview well in advance and bring to your visa interview the following documents:

  Invitation:  An invitation letter from the sponsoring organization in the U.S.  For graduate students, workers and exchange visitors, this letter should include your supervisor or advisor and details about your work.

  Resume:  A detailed resume/CV, including your professional and academic background, and a list of all your publications.

  Itinerary:  An itinerary of all locations you will visit in the U.S, including contact names, organizations, addresses, and telephone numbers.

  Equipment:  A complete description of any equipment you plan to purchase or examine, including the equipment's use and users.

  Export License:  An export license issued by the U.S. Government for the equipment you plan to purchase.

  Research:  A complete and detailed description of your current and past research, and any research you intend to conduct in the U.S, including a description of the practical applications of your research or study.

  Purpose:  A detailed statement of the purpose of your visit to the U.S.
 
  Funding:  Information on who is funding your trip.
 
  Travelers:  A list of all the travelers who will accompany you, including family members and colleagues.

  Position:  Your current job title and a full description of your work.
 
Further Instructions & Information:

• All documentation must be in English
• You should be ready to answer specific questions during the visa interview about your research plans in the U.S.
• If you do not bring complete information to your visa interview, for example, an invitation letter,  your resume and research summary, you may have your application delayed even further, or may be refused a visa and be required to apply again.
• Processing of your application cannot begin until you have provided all the documentation requested at the time of the interview.