Reminder for Non-Immigrant Visa Applicants in India who paid the visa application fee prior to fee-change

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We had reported in April 2012 that visa application fees for U.S. non-immigrant and immigrant visas were revised, effective April 13, 2012. A detailed report can be found here. Our update in May 2012 clarified that applicants who had paid the non-immigrant visa application fees prior to April 13, 2012 could continue to use their fee receipt until July 12, 2012, and would not have to pay the difference in fees.

Difference in Fee to be paid if applicant is applying for a visa after July 12, 2012 with old non-immigrant visa fee receipt

If the non-immigrant visa applicant will apply for his/her visa interview after July 12, 2012, s/he will have to pay the difference between the old and present fee. For example, if one is applying for a non-petition based visa – like a B, F, or M visa – the old fee was US$ 140 and the revised fee is US$ 160. The difference of US$ 20 needs to be paid at the time of the visa interview. For a petition-based visa – like an H or L visa – the old fee was US$ 150 and the revised fee is US$ 190. In this example, the difference of US$ 40 would have to be paid at the prevailing exchange rate.

Payment accepted in Multiple Modes

The VFS site indicates that applicants may pay the difference in fee at the prevailing consular exchange rate (INR 58 to a US$ as of this writing) in Indian Rupees either by cash or by demand draft. S/he will also have to option to pay the difference using an American credit card issued by any U.S. Bank. If the applicant chooses to pay the difference by demand draft, it should be made favoring the appropriate U.S. Embassy / Consulate(s) as indicated below:

New Delhi : U.S. Embassy, New Delhi;
Mumbai : U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai;
Chennai : U.S. Consulate General, Chennai;
Hyderabad : U.S. Consulate General, Hyderabad;
Kolkata : U.S. Consulate General, Kolkata

It must be noted that applicants eligible for the Interview Waiver Program (IWP) would have to remit the difference in fee by demand draft at the VFS application center.

Conclusion

U.S. visa applicants in India, who paid visa application fees at the old rate, should make arrangements to pay the difference in fee if he/she will apply for a visa interview after July 12, 2012. Take time now to verify the amount paid, and if additional money is due, bring it with you when you go to the Consulate for your visa interview. The latest fee information may be found on the VFS website by visiting here.