How to Book US Visa Appointment in India (2025 Slots Guide)

How to Book US Visa Appointment in India (2026 Slots Guide)

Step-by-step guide to booking US visa appointment with tips for getting early slots

Priya SharmaSenior Visa Consultant
9 min read

Quick Answer

Learn how to book US visa appointment in India for 2026. Step-by-step guide to ustraveldocs.com portal, tips for finding early appointment slots, choosing the best interview city, and rescheduling options.

Book US visa appointments at ustraveldocs.com/in after paying the MRV fee. You'll book two appointments: VAC (biometrics) and Embassy (interview). Choose from 5 cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata. Slots are released daily around 12:00 AM - 6:00 AM IST. Smaller cities (Kolkata, Hyderabad) often have earlier availability.

Step-by-Step Appointment Booking

  1. Complete DS-160 Form

    Fill and submit DS-160 at ceac.state.gov before booking appointment. Note your confirmation number.

  2. Create Account on ustraveldocs.com

    Visit ustraveldocs.com/in and create a new account with email and password.

  3. Complete Profile

    Enter passport details, DS-160 confirmation number, and travel information.

  4. Pay MRV Fee ($185)

    Generate payment slip, pay at HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, or via NEFT. Fee reflects in account within 24 hours.

  5. Schedule VAC Appointment

    Book Visa Application Center appointment for biometrics and document submission.

  6. Schedule Embassy Appointment

    Book consular interview at US Embassy or Consulate. Must be same city as VAC or later date.

  7. Print Confirmations

    Print both appointment letters. You'll need these at VAC and Embassy.

Interview Cities & Wait Times

CityTypical WaitBest For
Delhi45-60 daysNorth India residents
Mumbai50-70 daysWest India residents
Chennai40-55 daysSouth India (TN, Kerala)
Hyderabad35-50 daysAP, Telangana residents
Kolkata30-45 daysEast India, shorter waits

Tips to Get Earlier Appointment Slots

1. Check at Off-Peak Hours

New slots are released between 12:00 AM - 6:00 AM IST. Check early morning for best availability.

2. Try Multiple Cities

Smaller consulates (Kolkata, Hyderabad) often have earlier slots than Delhi/Mumbai.

3. Check Frequently

Cancellations create openings. Check 2-3 times daily, especially early morning.

4. Be Flexible with Dates

If specific date isn't available, check surrounding dates. Mid-week (Tue-Thu) often has more slots.

5. Use Tracking Services

Some services monitor and alert when earlier slots open. Use with caution - stick to legitimate services.

Rescheduling Appointments

  • Login to ustraveldocs.com
  • Go to "Appointments" section
  • Select "Reschedule"
  • Choose new date/time
  • Confirm rescheduling

Note: You can reschedule up to 4 times. After that, you'll need to pay fee again.

Emergency Appointment

Available for:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Death of immediate family member
  • Urgent business (with proof)
  • Students with classes starting within 60 days

Request via ustraveldocs.com → "Expedited Appointments" after booking regular appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I book US visa appointment?

You can book as far out as slots are available, typically 3-6 months. However, after paying MRV fee, it's valid for 1 year.

Can I book appointment before paying the fee?

No, you must pay the MRV fee first. The payment takes up to 24 hours to reflect in your account before you can book.

What if no appointments are available?

Keep checking - new slots open regularly. Try different cities. Check early morning (12 AM - 6 AM IST) when new slots are released.

Can I attend interview in a different city than where I live?

Yes, you can choose any of the 5 cities regardless of where you live. Choose based on availability and convenience.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

You'll need to reschedule. If you've used all 4 reschedules, you'll need to pay the fee again.

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Written by

Priya Sharma

Senior Visa Consultant

Former US Embassy employee with 12+ years of visa consulting experience.

12+ years immigration consultingFormer US Embassy, New Delhi employee3,000+ successful visa applicationsSpecializes in complex cases and rejections
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