Subscribers to MurthyIndiaBulletin and regular readers of MurthyIndiaDotCom are aware that the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi; U.S. Consulate in Mumbai and Hyderabad provided comprehensive support through VFS and stopped direct communication. With effect from Tuesday, November 1, 2011, the Consular Section in Chennai has shifted correspondence via the VFS service for response to inquiries.

Effective November 1, 2011; the U.S. Consulate will not respond to eMails sent to ChennaiNIV@state.gov by non-immigrant visa applicants or general public. Applicants and general public will have to direct their eMail inquiries to infouschennai@vfshelpline.com. Requests for emergency visa appointments at Chennai needs to be sent to ChennaiEXP@state.gov. VFS update also indicates in most of instances, the interview appointments are available within two to three working days. A separate eMail ID is provided for Attorney and Congressional inquires.

For telephonic nonimmigrant visa inquires, applicants will have to dial 0120-6611411 from within India and +91-120-6611411 from outside India.

VFS offers multi-lingual support and have extended work hours from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. IST. They are closed on weekends (Saturday / Sunday) and on Consular Holidays. This information is available on the VFS site.