Temporary Visitors

Non-Immigrant Visas

Notice:  We are experiencing significant technical difficulties with the DS-160 application for U.S. visas at this time.   If you are currently experiencing difficulty accessing the DS-160 online, we ask that you try the system again later, as we expect to see improved performance soon. 

We apologize for any disruption caused by these problems.  This technical issue is impacting operations worldwide and is a top priority for the Department of State.

 

We will provide updates on this issue on our website as we obtain more information.  We thank you for your patience and apologize again for any inconvenience.

 

If you have an emergency need for travel in the next 24 hours, please contact us directly at chennainiv@state.gov.


DS-160 Application Information

If you are planning to visit the United States on a temporary basis, you need a non-immigrant visa. There are many different types of non-immigrant visas. The links below are designed to assist travelers in selecting the category that best suits their plans.

  • Tourist/Business Traveler

    Hiking down the Grand Canyon?  Riding the Matterhorn at Disneyland?  Traveling to Seattle for knowledge transfer?  This visa class is for you.

  • Temporary Workers

    If you're traveling to the United States to work, read this section.  This includes all H and L visas as well as B1 in lieu of H.

  • Students and Exchange Visitors

    If you're a student (undergraduate or graduate), trainee, or an exchange visitor - read this section.  This includes visa categories F, J and M.

  • Crew

    If you're working on a ship, read this section.  This includes ship engineers, cooks, commies, captains, and anyone else with a seaman's book. 

  • Other

    If none of the above descriptions seem to apply to you, check here for more visa categories.

Once you know which category of visa applies to your travel, you're ready for the application process. Please be advised that there are many steps, and it may take longer than one might expect. Please read the following sections carefully and plan ahead. Click on one of the following links for more information:

 

If you need a visa to travel to the United States due to a life-or-death medical or humanitarian emergency, please call [91] (44) 2857-4000 and ask for the Consular Section.

Important Notice

  • U.S. Visas Are Not Processed In Bangalore

    For your convenience, the U.S. Consulate in Chennai is open weekdays for visa interviews.  Contact VFS Services to make an appointment. 

Visa Wait Times

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