Visa Information
Visa Types
Important Note: Surrender and Renunciation of Indian Citizenship applies only to applicants of Indian Origin who were previously Indian passport holders & is the first step to complete before applying for Indian Visa. If you have not yet renounced your Indian Citizenship, then you must apply for Renunciation before applying for the Visa the details of which are available at https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-for-renunciation
Select the visa type that is right for you to see important information on visa fees, documents required, forms, photo specifications and processing times.
Emergency Service
-
Overview
With effect from 27 December 2023 (12:01 AM Eastern Standard Time), the outsourcing service provider – VFS Global – will start accepting all visa applications, including Emergency Entry Visa applications strictly as per the emergency criteria set out on this page. The applicants can now obtain regular Entry Visas through VFS Global without submission of any emergency documentation or reasons for travel to India subject to other eligibility conditions.
The Emergency Visa service is only for US passport holders of Indian origin and their family members required to visit India due to a genuine family emergency, such as critical illness or death of a family member. Documentary evidence will need to be provided.
The non-emergency visa applicants can apply for a regular Visa through VFS Global, without submission of any emergency documentation or reason for travel to India, subject to eligibility conditions. Processing of such applications will be as per normal procedures.
Emergency Service has an additional fee that the Embassy/Consulates charges to expedite the visa application process. Applicants have to apply for:
- ‘Emergency - Entry Visa’ for 6 months Single/Multiple Entry
Note:
- Emergency Visa will be granted subject to submission of complete documentation and the Embassy/Consulate may ask for additional documentation in certain cases.
- Applicants are advised not to make any travel plans before issuance of visa.
- Emergency Visa will be issued for a maximum of six month’s duration. The duration of Visa granted by the Embassy will be at the sole discretion of the Embassy/Consulates.
- The Embassy/Consulate will have the final authority for grant of emergency visa subject to eligibility & VFS Global and none of its staff has any role in the decision-making process.
-
- Genuine family emergency such as critical illness or death of a family member with documentary evidence
- Wedding of self
-
- Attending wedding of family and friends
- Religious purposes
- Family Reunion
- Tourism purpose
-
VFS India Consular Application Centre or The Embassy of India / Consulate General of India
Weekdays
Applicants requiring Emergency Visa on weekdays has to visit in-person to their respective VFS Centre as per jurisdiction with Visa application form and documents as listed in checklist.
From Monday – Friday: Between 9 AM to 4 PM
How to Contact by Email:
- Ensure you meet all the emergency Visa eligibility criteria before writing to us.
- You must fill the form on Govt. Portal and get Application ID – 6 months Entry Visa https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html
- Do share your state of residence, Application ID and don’t forget to attach the proof of emergency while writing to us – vfs_visanyc@vfsglobal.com
Weekends and Holidays (By Phone Call Only)
The contact details of VFS Global are as under:
Timing: Between 9 AM to 4 PM
Atlanta Chicago Houston New York San Francisco Washington DC 929-866-2770 929-866-2770 929-866-2770 929-866-2770 929-866-2770 929-866-2770
IMPORTANT NOTE: EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER WILL BE ACTIVE DURING HOLIDAY’S AND WEEKEND ONLY. PHONE NUMBER WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AFTER 4 PM ON WEEKENDS / HOLIDAYS.
Applicants may contact the Emergency phone number of the Embassy of India/Consulate of India in the USA as per their Consular Jurisdiction (weekends/holidays only).
Atlanta Chicago Houston New York San Francisco Washington DC 404-910-7919 312-753-8530 713-626-2149 917-818-7066 418-483-6629 202-258-8819
Applications sent via courier to VFS India application centers will only be received on working days. In cases of critical emergency on a weekend/HOLIDAY, please get in touch with Embassy of India / Consulate of India or VFS to submit your application in person.
-
Fees
If submitted to VFS India Consular Application Centre
Fees In USD Entry Visa Fee $100.0 Emergency Fee (WEEKDAYS, WEEKEND & HOLIDAYS) $100.0 ICWF $3.0 VFS Service Fee $15.9 TOTAL FEES $218.90
Note
-
If you would like to use VFS courier service for return of your PASSPORT, you will need to add USD 18 as courier charges to the total amount mentioned above i.e. USD 218.90 for emergency services applied on Weekend and Embassy/Consulate Holiday. Hence total amount payable will be USD 236.90 for emergency services applied on Weekend and Embassy/Consulate Holiday.
Fees to be paid via Money order /Banker check in the favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc. Personal checks are not accepted
If you prefer to use your own courier service, please submit a prepaid courier label and envelope with your application. If you choose this option, then your total amount payable will be USD 218.90
Documents Required
-
-
Processing Times
The processing time takes up to 24 working hours once the application reaches the Embassy/Consulate, but in some exceptional cases, it may take additional time.
Business Visa
-
Overview
Please refer to the directions provided in the checklist as available in the documents required tab
-
Visa Fees
If you would like to use VFS courier service for return of your applicant, you will need add USD 18 to the total payment to be paid while making your payment.
Fees to be paid via Money order /Cashier check in the favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc.
Documents Required
Annexure - B – Parental consent Form
Annexure - C for Pakistan Nationals Atlanta Chicago Houston New York San Francisco Washington DC Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C -
Processing Times
The processing time is 15 calendar days once the application reaches the Embassy/Consulate, but in some exceptional cases it may take up to 30 to 60 days as well.
Tourist Visa
-
Visa Fees
If you would like to use VFS courier service for return of your applicant, you will need add USD 18 to the total payment to be paid while making your payment.
Fees to be paid via Money order /Cashier check in the favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc.
Documents Required
Document Checklist – 5 YEARS OR LESS
Annexure - B – Parental consent Form
Annexure - C for Pakistan Nationals Atlanta Chicago Houston New York San Francisco Washington DC Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C
Performa for Affidavit (For Pak-origin). This Proforma is mandatory to be submitted by all the Pakistan Origin applicants.
-
Processing Times
The processing time is 15 calendar days once the application reaches the Embassy/Consulate, but in some exceptional cases it may take up to 30 to 60 days as well.
Visit Visa
-
Overview
Please refer to the directions provided in the checklist as available in the documents required tab
-
Visa Fees
Documents Required
Annexure - B – Parental consent Form
Annexure - C for Pakistan Nationals Atlanta Chicago Houston New York San Francisco Washington DC Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C
-
Processing Times
The processing time is 15 calendar days once the application reaches the Embassy/Consulate, but in some exceptional cases it may take up to 30 to 60 days as well.
Ayush Visa/Ayush Attendent Visa
-
Overview
Please refer to the directions provided in the checklist as available in the documents required tab
-
Visa Fees
Documents Required
Annexure - B – Parental consent Form
Annexure - C for Pakistan Nationals Atlanta Chicago Houston New York San Francisco Washington DC Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C
-
Processing Times
The processing time is 15 calendar days once the application reaches the Embassy/Consulate, but in some exceptional cases it may take up to 30 to 60 days as well.
Entry Visa
-
Overview
Please refer to the directions provided in the checklist as available in the documents required tab.
Please note: The Embassy/ Consulate are currently offering Entry visas for 6 months / 1 year duration (s) only. You are therefore informed to fill the correct duration while filling up the Govt. Online form.
-
Visa Fees
If you would like to use VFS courier service for return of your applicant, you will need add USD 18 to the total payment to be paid while making your payment.
Fees to be paid via Money order /Cashier check in the favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc.
Documents Required
Annexure - B – Parental consent Form
Annexure - C for Pakistan Nationals Atlanta Chicago Houston New York San Francisco Washington DC Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C
-
Processing Times
The processing time is 15 calendar days once the application reaches the Embassy/Consulate, but in some exceptional cases it may take up to 30 to 60 days as well.
Employment Visa
-
Overview
Please refer to the directions provided in the checklist as available in the documents required tab
-
Visa Fees
If you would like to use VFS courier service for return of your applicant, you will need add USD 18 to the total payment to be paid while making your payment.
Fees to be paid via Money order /Cashier check in the favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc.
Documents Required
Annexure - B – Parental consent Form
Annexure - C for Pakistan Nationals Atlanta Chicago Houston New York San Francisco Washington DC Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C
-
Processing Times
The processing time is 15 calendar days once the application reaches the Embassy/Consulate, but in some exceptional cases it may take up to 30 to 60 days as well.
Student Visa
-
Overview
Please refer to the directions provided in the checklist as available in the documents required tab
Visa guidelines for Scholars proceeding to India on Fulbright Nehru Scholarships.
Please note that No Visa fees shall be charged for issuance of visas to Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship awardees and their dependents.Fulbright- Nehru Scholarship awardees and their official dependent should submit their visa applications directly at the Embassy in Washington DC or respective Indian Consulates in USA as per consular jurisdiction. Detailed guidelines are available at the website of the Embassy/ Consulate under Fulbright Scholarships. Please contact visa1.washington@mea.gov.in for further query
-
Visa Fees
If you would like to use VFS courier service for return of your applicant, you will need add USD 18 to the total payment to be paid while making your payment.
Fees to be paid via Money order /Cashier check in the favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc.
Documents Required
Annexure - B – Parental consent Form
Annexure - C for Pakistan Nationals Atlanta Chicago Houston New York San Francisco Washington DC Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C
-
Processing Times
The processing time is 15 calendar days once the application reaches the Embassy/Consulate, but in some exceptional cases it may take up to 30 to 60 days as well.
Conference Visa
-
Overview
Please refer to the directions provided in the checklist as available in the documents required tab
-
Visa Fees
If you would like to use VFS courier service for return of your applicant, you will need add USD 18 to the total payment to be paid while making your payment.
Fees to be paid via Money order /Cashier check in the favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc.
Documents Required
Annexure - B – Parental consent Form
Annexure - C for Pakistan Nationals Atlanta Chicago Houston New York San Francisco Washington DC Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C
-
Processing Times
The processing time is 15 calendar days once the application reaches the Embassy/Consulate, but in some exceptional cases it may take up to 30 to 60 days as well.
Journalist Visa
-
Overview
Please refer to the directions provided in the checklist as available in the documents required tab
-
Visa Fees
If you would like to use VFS courier service for return of your applicant, you will need add USD 18 to the total payment to be paid while making your payment.
Fees to be paid via Money order /Cashier check in the favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc.
Documents Required
Annexure - B – Parental consent Form
Annexure - C for Pakistan Nationals Atlanta Chicago Houston New York San Francisco Washington DC Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C
-
Processing Times
The processing time is 15 calendar days once the application reaches the Embassy/Consulate, but in some exceptional cases it may take up to 30 to 60 days as well.
Medical Visa / Medical Attendant Visa
-
Overview
Please refer to the directions provided in the checklist as available in the documents required tab
-
Visa Fees
If you would like to use VFS courier service for return of your applicant, you will need add USD 18 to the total payment to be paid while making your payment.
Fees to be paid via Money order /Cashier check in the favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc.
Documents Required
Annexure - B – Parental consent Form
Annexure - C for Pakistan Nationals Atlanta Chicago Houston New York San Francisco Washington DC Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C
-
Processing Times
The processing time is 15 calendar days once the application reaches the Embassy/Consulate, but in some exceptional cases it may take up to 30 to 60 days as well.
Missionary Visa
-
Overview
Please refer to the directions provided in the checklist as available in the documents required tab
-
Visa Fees
If you would like to use VFS courier service for return of your applicant, you will need add USD 18 to the total payment to be paid while making your payment.
Fees to be paid via Money order /Cashier check in the favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc.
Documents Required
Annexure - B – Parental consent Form
Annexure - C for Pakistan Nationals Atlanta Chicago Houston New York San Francisco Washington DC Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C
-
Processing Times
The processing time is 15 calendar days once the application reaches the Embassy/Consulate, but in some exceptional cases it may take up to 30 to 60 days as well.
Official visa
-
Overview
Applicants are advised to the contact the Special Issuance Agency of the Department of State. For any queries, the applicants may contact the Embassy or the Consulate Concerned
Mountaineering visa
-
Overview
Please refer to the directions provided in the checklist as available in the documents required tab
-
Visa Fees
If you would like to use VFS courier service for return of your applicant, you will need add USD 18 to the total payment to be paid while making your payment.
Fees to be paid via Money order /Cashier check in the favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc.
Documents Required
Annexure - B – Parental consent Form
Annexure - C for Pakistan Nationals Atlanta Chicago Houston New York San Francisco Washington DC Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C
-
Processing Times
The processing time is 15 calendar days once the application reaches the Embassy/Consulate, but in some exceptional cases it may take up to 30 to 60 days as well.
Film visa
-
Overview
Please refer to the directions provided in the checklist as available in the documents required tab
-
Visa Fees
If you would like to use VFS courier service for return of your applicant, you will need add USD 18 to the total payment to be paid while making your payment.
Fees to be paid via Money order /Cashier check in the favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc.
Documents Required
Annexure - B – Parental consent Form
Annexure - C for Pakistan Nationals Atlanta Chicago Houston New York San Francisco Washington DC Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C
-
Processing Times
The processing time is 15 calendar days once the application reaches the Embassy/Consulate, but in some exceptional cases it may take up to 30 to 60 days as well.
UN/World Bank/IMF and other international bodies
-
Overview
Please note that these applications are dealt with directly by the Embassy and not by VFS Global. Applicants are advised to the contact their relevant organizations for making applications. For any queries, the applicants may contact the Embassy or the Consulate Concerned
Diplomatic visa
-
Overview
Applicants are advised to the contact the Special Issuance Agency of the Department of State. For any queries, the applicants may contact the Embassy or the Consulate Concerned
Transit Visa
-
Overview
Please refer to the directions provided in the checklist as available in the documents required tab
-
Visa Fees
If you would like to use VFS courier service for return of your applicant, you will need add USD 18 to the total payment to be paid while making your payment.
Fees to be paid via Money order /Cashier check in the favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc.
Documents Required
Annexure - B – Parental consent Form
Annexure - C for Pakistan Nationals Atlanta Chicago Houston New York San Francisco Washington DC Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C Annexure – C
-
Processing Times
The processing time is 15 calendar days once the application reaches the Embassy/Consulate, but in some exceptional cases it may take up to 30 to 60 days as well.