An update on the U.S. Embassy, New Delhi’s website notifies that with effect from January 19, 2010 all non-immigrant visa applicants need to complete Form DS-160. This form replaces the existing Form DS-156, DS-157 (for applicants aged 15 – 55 years) and DS-158 (for F, M and J applicants) with effect from February 1, 2010.

A recent update on the official website of the Ministry of Home Affairs notifies that the Government of India, with effect from January 1, 2010 has extended “Tourist Visa-on-Arrival” for citizens of five countries. The countries that benefit from this facility are (1) Finland; (2) Japan; (3) Luxembourg; (4) New Zealand and (5) Singapore. This…

An update on American Consulate General, Chennai’s website indicates that they have approved The Apollo Heart Center located at 156 Greams Road, Chennai 600 006 to provide medical examination, immunization and laboratory tests required for immigrant visas. It may also be noted that applicants’ can continue to have the medical examination and immunization done by…

A recent update on the official website of the US Embassy, New Delhi indicates that with effect from November 2, 2009, the exchange rate will be revised to Rs. 48 to one US$ from the existing Rs. 50. Effectively, the nonimmigrant visa application fee will be Rs. 6,288/-. The VFS service fee of Rs. 374/-…

A virtual presence was established at http://bangalore.usvpp.gov/ recently. This is the first of its kind virtual consulate in India. The American corner in Bangalore is a result of partnership between the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate, Chennai and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bangalore. This information is available on the website provided above.

A recent update on the U.S. Consulate General, Hyderabad’s website indicates that U.S. immigrant visa applicants may complete their medical examination at Hyderabad. It is also indicate that the consulate has retained one Dr. Raj Kumar Songa to conduct the medical examination and that Dr. Raj Kumar Songa has entered into an arrangement with Vijaya…

An announcement on the VFS website dated July 27, 2009 indicates that there is a change in timing for counter collection of passport for non-immigrant visa applicant(s) in Mumbai, if the visa is issued and they chose this option. The new timings with immediate effect is between 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Indian Standard Time…

Recently, three persons from Gujarat were arrested based on a complaint from the U.S. Consulate, Chennai. Two applicants posing as couple with fraudulent marriage certificate, bank statements and degree certificates were caught by the U.S. Consulate authorities on June 23, 2009. It is understood that they were assisted by an agent who was also arrested. …

An announcement on the VFS website dated June 30, 2009 indicates that there is a change in timing for counter collection of passport for non-immigrant visa applicant(s) in New Delhi, if the visa is issued and they chose this option. The new timings with immediate effect is between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Indian Standard…

The US Embassy and Consulates in India have adjusted to Consular Exchange Rate to Rs. 52 to a US$ with effect from February 20, 2009. This is the first revision for 2009. Effectively, the nonimmigrant visa application fee will be Rs. 6,812. The VFS service fee of Rs. 381 per passport remains the unchanged. This…