A recent update on the VFS website (official administrative partners for US Consulates / Embassy in India) indicates that non-immigrant visa interview is waived for children aged below 7 years at all U.S. Consular offices in India. Subscribers of MurthyIndiaBulletin are aware that a non-immigrant visa interview waiver program (IWP) was recently re-introduced on a pilot basis for certain visa renewals. Children Eligible for Drop-Box Application We at Murthy Immigration Services were able to clarify with the VFS that a child below 7 years of age, applying for a visa in the following circumstances will be eligible for a waiver – for example, if the parent is applying for a B1, B2, H1-B, L-1, F-1, J-1 then the child may use the drop-box facility to apply for a B2, H4, L2, F2, J2 visa. Procedure to Apply Parents may still choose to bring the eligible applicant for a visa interview (or) submit necessary supporting documents of the child directly to the visa officer at the time of the parent’s visa interview (or) choose to submit the application with relevant documents at the VFS service center. Documents to be submitted
- Original and valid passport;
- DS 160 Confirmation Page;
- Valid HDFC receipts (this will be issued in duplicate and both are required) evidencing remittance of applicable visa application fees;
- One photograph taken on plain white background, measuring 2″ X 2″ inches (50 mm X 50 mm) in size;
- Duly completed VFS application form available on their website. https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/USIndia/pdf/MDBCStaticWebPage.pdf;
It is important to submit supporting documents relevant to the visa category and to keep the documentation simple, clear and unambiguous. Usually a one-page cover letter from the parent detailing the purpose of visit and eligibility of the visa would help.
Visa Interview Waiver Not a Guarantee
It is important to remember that the consular officers may in appropriate situations insist that the child should visit the consulate for processing his/her application. Further, applicant(s) opting for this facility should cancel any previously scheduled visa interview. Conclusion This gesture would be of great help to parents who would no longer have to bring the child for the visa interview. If a parent needs to travel urgently, it may be better to take the child along for the visa interview as the processing time for applications through this new procedure could take anything from 3 to 6 weeks or longer. It must be remembered that, a waiver of visa interview does not guarantee a visa. The applicant would have to meet with all eligibility requirements for a visa to be issued.
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