In this article, we provide an overview of the process for U.S. visa applicants to schedule a group appointment in India. This is helpful when ten or more applicants’ plan to travel together for a common purpose.
Background
If ten or more applicants plan to visit the United States as a group for the same purpose, they may request to be interviewed on the same date and time. These groups may include, but are not limited to, professional trainees, performance troops, and tour groups. However, family members of group applicants who would like to schedule an interview appointment together are not eligible for group appointment requests. Applicants should include information about preferred dates to schedule the group interview as the consulate may take those into consideration when assigning a date and time for the group.
Submit a Group Appointment Request
A designated member of the group must be chosen as the “coordinator”. The coordinator must create a profile on the CGI website < https://cgifederal.secure.force.com>. After logging in, the coordinator should select the “Group Scheduling Request” option. This page will require certain information such as the group name, reason for travel and preferred interview date. The coordinator will also need to upload any relevant attachments. Once the request has been submitted, a response will be received from the consulate via email. If the request is approved, the group coordinator will receive an email to schedule appointments for each member of the group. If the request for a group appointment is denied, the group coordinator will be notified of the denial by email and each group member must schedule individual appointments. It is important to note that one must make a proper and clear case at the time of raising the request and include all relevant supporting documents. Up to five relevant documents supporting documents can be uploaded in support of the group appointment request.
Steps to Schedule a Group Appointment
Once the consulate approves the group scheduling request, the coordinator will have limited time to schedule the visa interview. Each group member must complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application form DS160 and pay the visa application fee. Once logged in, the group coordinator will be able to see the group name and the number of people for whom the appointment is approved.
The group coordinator should choose the option “Add by Name” and enter each applicant’s passport number, visa application fee receipt number and 10 digit DS-160 confirmation number in order to schedule the group appointment. The coordinator will also have to include each applicant’s phone number and email ID. If the coordinator plans to apply along with the group, then, the coordinator should choose “Include yourself in the group appointment” and provide details. Each additional member can be added by choosing the “Add dependent” option.
After including all the dependents, the coordinator should provide the delivery address for the passports. All the passports will be delivered only to one location. The individual fee receipt number needs to be provided at this stage. On the next screen, a calendar will be displayed with available dates. Once the preferred date is selected, the applicants need to carry the appointment confirmation page along with their respective passports and DS160 confirmation page. It is important to remember that a group appointment does not guarantee a visa issuance. Each applicant needs to qualify for the visa category applied for and if the applicant is subject to INA 214(b) clause, s/he should overcome the presumption of immigrant intent individually.
Conclusion
It is helpful to scheduling a group appointment for applicants travelling as a group of at least ten individuals or more as explained above to make it more efficient for all. We will continue to share important updates on this procedure.