The Consulate General of the United States in Chennai has recently introduced a web inquiry form for case-specific questions relating to non-immigrant and immigrant visa applications. The form takes in information about the applicant, passport information, case number, visa category, contact information, information about attorney if any. We welcome this move and we trust this…

A notification of the VFS website dated August 10, 2010 indicates that with effect from August 16, 2010 there will be a unified helpdesk number for U.S. visa applicants in India. This helpdesk is for persons who need to make an enquiry or seek clarification on U.S. visa application process applicable in India. Applicants calling…

A recent update on the U.S. Embassy and Consular websites in India notify a change in fees for the American Citizen Services (http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/pr070910.html) and Immigrant visas fees (http://chennai.usconsulate.gov/immigrantstous/fees.html) with effect from June 13, 2010. This revision is based on the interim final rule issued by U.S. Department of State (DOS) on June 28, 2010 amending…

A notification from U.S. Consul General, Hyderabad Mr. Cornelis Keur indicates that the U.S. Consulate, Hyderabad is in the process of upgrading their existing facility to accommodate increasing demand for visa and American Citizen Services (ACS). This process is expected to take about six weeks. The notification further clarifies that during these six weeks, the…

MISPL is happy to announce its virtual presence in Hyderabad with effect from May 1, 2010. Our clients and prospective clients from Andhra Pradesh can reach our office in Hyderabad by phone to schedule an appointment with our Attorneys. One of the Attorneys from the Chennai office will visit Hyderabad periodically. The date of visit…

A recent notification of the VFS website indicates the revision in their optional Lounge Service Charges. U.S. visa applicants may be aware that the VFS Global Services Private Limited (VFS) offers The Stars and Stripes Lounge, a place where US visa applicants may opt to wait ahead of their visa interview. The revised cost of…

An update dated May 25, 2010 on the U.S. Embassy and consular websites in India notify a change in the non-immigrant visa application fees with effect from June 4, 2010 and a change in the consular exchange rate with effect from May 28, 2010. New Two-Tire Fee Structure Introduced: It may be noted that the…

A very recent update on the U.S. Consulate, Hyderabad’s website indicates that applicants applying for H/L visas should submit the documents listed below, at least four working days prior to the date of interview. These documents should be submitted at the VFS office located at Hyderabad and not to the consulate directly. The documents include:…

The US Consulates and Embassy in India have adjusted the exchange rate from Rs. 48 to a US$ to Rs. 46 to a US$ with effect from May 1, 2010. Effectively all the applicable visa fees will be adjusted with the new exchange rate. The non-immigrant visa application fee of US$ 131 under the revised…

A recent update on the US Consulate General, Chennai’s website notifies American Citizens seeking regular non-emergency services to schedule an appointment with the consulate. This requirement for an appointment comes into force with immediate effect. Appointments can be scheduled by emailing the Citizenship Services section of the U.S. consulate, Chennai at chennaics@state.gov. It may be…