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U.S. Embassy Visa Interview in India: Complete Applicant Guide

This guide will walk you through the process at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India. It will help you from the moment you arrive until you get a decision. The guide is very detailed. Will tell you what to do every step of the way at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, in India.

1. Arrive Before Your Interview

Reach the U.S. Embassy/Consulate 1Hr–50 minutes early.

Being early helps you avoid last-minute stress, security queues, and confusion about entry gates.

Embassy officer conducting a visa interview, providing guidance to an applicant at the U.S. Embassy in India.
Embassy officer conducting a visa interview, providing guidance to an applicant at the U.S. Embassy in India.

2. Security Check at the Entrance

The United States Embassies in India have to follow strict security rules. The security rules at the United States Embassies in India are really strict. This is how the United States Embassies, in India work.

  • You are not allowed to take your phones or bags or any electronics or smart devices inside the place. They do not let you carry these things with you when you go in. You have to leave your phones and bags and all those electronics and smart devices outside.

  • At the gate the security officers will check:

  • Your passport

  • Your appointment confirmation

  • DS-160 confirmation

  • Any allowed documents in a transparent folder

  • If you bring restricted items, you’ll be denied entry until you find a place to store them.


3. Strictly Follow Security Rules - Prohibited Items

Not Allowed Inside: Electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, cameras), large bags, food, sharp objects, weapons, liquids (incl. water bottles), tobacco products, matches/lighters, sealed envelopes.

Allowed Inside: A clear plastic folder with your documents, wallet.


4. BEWARE of Scams & Use Authorized Storage

  • Outside Scams: Touts outside the Embassy may offer "safe" storage (bags, phones) at exorbitant prices or claim to be "official." They are NOT. Your items may be stolen or held for ransom.

  • Auto/Taxi Scam: Some drivers may insist you must leave your phone/bag with them before reaching the security zone. Do not fall for this. They are often in league with the touts.

  • The Secure Solution: Use a Trusted Digital Locker Facility (Like Aprion)


5.  Aprion Digital Locker (Safe Storage Option)

This service offers a secure, modern alternative:

  • Key Features:

    • Face Detection Access: Modern, touch-free, and highly secure entry.

    • Digital Lock System: No physical keys or tokens to lose; access via app.

    • Book Online: Recommended to guarantee a locker and save time.

  • Location-Specific Strategy is CRITICAL:

    • Chennai Strategy: The locker is within walking distance. Store items, then walk to the Consulate.

    • Delhi Strategy: The Embassy is in a high-security zone (Chanakyapuri). Go to the locker 3 km away first, deposit items, and then take a taxi/auto to the Embassy. Do not attempt to carry prohibited items near the Embassy entrance.

    • Kolkata Strategy: Conveniently located near the Consulate for a fast check-in/out process.


6. Document Verification & Token Issuance

Inside, you will approach a counter where a staff member will verify your DS-160 confirmation page, appointment letter, and passport.


7. Fingerprinting (Biometrics)

Before you go for the interview someone will show you where to go to get your digital fingerprints taken. They will take prints of all ten of your fingers.

Sometimes, fingerprints are taken again just before the interview as a verification step. Follow the instructions carefully.


8. Wait in the Interview Queue

They will take you to the interview area. The people, in charge will show you where the interview area is. You will go to the interview area with them. The interview area is where you will have your interview.

Follow instructions from staff and pay attention


9. The Actual Visa Interview

When they call you go to the counter that they tell you to go to. The interview with the person, at the counter is usually pretty short it takes around 2 to 5 minutes.

  • Greet the consular officer politely ("Good morning/afternoon").

  • You are going to talk to the person on the side of the thick glass. You will use an intercom to do this. The person will hear your voice through the intercom. So you need to speak when you talk to them through the intercom.

  • The officer will ask a series of direct questions. Your goal is to answer honestly, confidently, and concisely.


10. India-Specific Common Questions

You may hear questions like:

  • “Have you traveled outside India before?”

  • “Who is sponsoring your trip?”

  • “What do you do for work in India?”

  • “Why choose this travel date?”

  • “How long will you stay in the U.S.?”


11. Visa Approval or Refusal

If Approved:

  • The passport that you have will stay with the Embassy. They will deliver the passport to you later. The Embassy will keep your passport safe until they deliver it to you.

  • If Refused:

  • You get your passport back immediately with a refusal slip.


Good Luck

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