How to book a U.S. visa appointment in India (Step-by-step guide)

Booking a U.S. visa appointment in India can seem confusing — but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re applying for a tourist (B2), business (B1), or student visa, the process follows a few structured steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything — from filling out the DS-160 form to scheduling your interview and tracking your appointment status, so you can confidently plan your U.S. travel without delays.

✈️ Introduction

Applying for a U.S. visa appointment in India can feel overwhelming — multiple forms, payments, and portals to navigate. But with the right guidance, the process is completely manageable.

Whether you’re applying for a tourist visa (B2), business visa (B1), student visa (F1), or any other category, every applicant must follow the same key steps:

1. Complete the DS-160 form

2. Pay the visa fee (MRV)

3. Create a CGI Federal account

4. Schedule your biometrics and interview appointments

In this guide, Innovaigo explains each step clearly — so you can successfully book your U.S. visa appointment without stress.

🧾 Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Form Online

The DS-160 form is the first and most crucial step in the visa process. It collects your personal, travel, and employment information.

🔹 Steps:

1. Visit the official website: https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC

2. Select your location (e.g., India – New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata)

3. Fill in all the details carefully (ensure accuracy — even small mistakes can delay your visa).

4. Upload your recent passport-size photo (per U.S. Embassy guidelines).

5. Save the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode — you’ll need it later.

💡 Tip: Review all information before submitting. You cannot edit the DS-160 after submission.

💳 Step 2: Pay the Visa Application (MRV) Fee

After completing DS-160, you must pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee.

🔹 How to Pay:

1. Visit: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/

2. Log in or create a new profile.

3. Choose your visa category (e.g., B1/B2, F1, H1B).

4. You’ll receive a payment receipt number (used for scheduling your appointment).

5. Pay the fee via NEFT, IMPS, or Axis/Citibank cash deposit.

💡 Tip: The MRV fee is non-refundable and valid for one year.

🗓️ Step 3: Create or Log In to Your CGI Federal Account

The CGI Federal portal is where you’ll actually schedule your appointment.

🔹 Steps:

1. Go to https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/

2. Click on “Log in” or “New User” to create your account.

3. Enter your passport details, DS-160 confirmation number, and MRV receipt number.

4. Choose your visa type and location.

Once your payment is verified (usually within 1–2 working days), you’ll be able to schedule your appointments.

📍 Step 4: Schedule Your Visa Appointments (Two Appointments Required)

Every U.S. visa applicant must book two appointments:

1. VAC Appointment (Biometrics):
   You’ll visit a Visa Application Center (VAC) for fingerprints and photo.

2. Consular Interview Appointment:
   This is your actual visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

🔹 How to Schedule:

• Log in to your CGI Federal account.

• Click “New Application/Schedule Appointment.”

• Choose available dates for both VAC and Embassy interviews.

• Confirm your bookings and print the appointment confirmation letters.

💡 Tip: Appointment slots fill quickly. Try checking early in the morning or late at night for better availability.

🧳 Step 5: Attend Your Appointments

📌 VAC Appointment:

Bring:

• DS-160 confirmation page

• Appointment confirmation page

• Valid passport

Your biometrics (photo + fingerprints) will be captured here.

📌 Embassy/Consulate Interview:

Carry:

• Passport (current + old)

• DS-160 confirmation

• Appointment confirmation

• MRV payment receipt

• Supporting documents (financials, invitation letter, etc.)

💡 Tip: Be honest, confident, and concise in your interview answers.

🔄 Step 6: Track Your Visa Application Status

After your interview, you can track your application here:
👉 https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker

Your status will show as:

• Administrative Processing

• Issued

• Refused (if applicable)

Once approved, your passport with visa will be delivered via the chosen pickup location or courier.

💼 How Innovaigo Can Help

At Innovaigo, we simplify the entire U.S. visa process for you —
✅ DS-160 form filling
✅ MRV fee assistance
✅ Appointment scheduling
✅ Document preparation & interview guidance

Whether you’re a tourist, student, or business traveler, we ensure your application is error-free and faster approved.

📞 Contact Innovaigo today for smooth visa assistance — your trusted partner in global mobility.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to get a U.S. visa appointment in India?
Wait times vary by city — it can range from 2 weeks to 4 months, depending on demand.

2. Can I book my appointment without paying the MRV fee?
No. The MRV payment is mandatory before scheduling.

3. How many times can I reschedule my appointment?
You can reschedule up to 2–3 times, depending on visa type.

4. Can I attend the interview at a different city than my VAC appointment?
Yes, as long as both are in India and booked correctly through your CGI account.

5. What if no slots are available?
Keep checking frequently — new slots often open early morning or late at night.

🌟 Conclusion

Booking a U.S. visa appointment in India doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow each step carefully — from DS-160 completion to interview attendance — and your process will be smooth.

For professional guidance and faster results, Innovaigo is here to help every step of the way.