Consulate General of the United States Chennai, India

Scheduling Appointments

Make your appointment through the www.ustraveldocs.com/in. Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before the time on your appointment letter.

To reschedule or cancel an appointment, follow the instructions on the www.ustraveldocs.com/in.

Apply Early!  Although the vast majority of visas are delivered in a week or less, some applications require administrative processing.  Please do not make travel arrangements until you have received your visa.

Visa Waiver Program

If you are not a citizen of India or Bhutan, and your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you may be exempt from the visa and interview requirement.

Interview Waivers

Interview Waivers for Adults 80 Years or Older

If you are 80 years or older and have not been refused a visa in the last year, you may request an interview waiver following this procedure. 

Interview Waiver for Children Under 14 Years Old

Children under 14 years of age are no longer required to appear for a nonimmigrant visa interview at any Post in India.  This exemption covers all nonimmigrant visas, including  B1/B2, H4 and L2 visa categories.  Please follow the instructions on www.ustraveldocs.com/in to apply.

Note:  Parents/guardians must submit the following documents if applicable:  the parents’ or guardians’ U.S. visa numbers or copy of their confirmation page for their interview, if parents are applying at the same time, the purpose of the visit,  the names of persons to be visited in the U.S., and evidence of the applicant's ties to India.  Visa issuance for those not appearing in person is not guaranteed.  After reviewing the application, the Embassy or Consulate may in some cases require the child to appear in person.

Interview Waiver for Returning Students

Students on F1 visas, returning to the same program at the same school, are eligible for the Interview Waiver Program.   Students must present a valid 1829 from the same program in order to qualify.

Interview Waiver for H1-B and Individual L1-A and L1-B Visa Holders

If you hold an H1-B or Individual L1-A or L1-B visa that expired within the last 12 months, you may qualify for the Interview Waiver Program.  To qualify, the petitioner must be the same as on your initial visa, however, the end client need not be the same.  You must present a current, valid I-129, LCA, Petitioner Letter to USCIS and pay slips showing your salary for the preceding three (3) months. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Appointments Interviews