How to Book a US Visa Appointment Through VFS India

Book your US visa appointment through the VFS website for your nearest Indian city

VFS Global handles appointment scheduling for US visa interviews at American consulates and embassies across India. You book directly on the VFS website — there is no phone line, no walk-in counter, and no other way to reserve a slot. The process takes about 15 minutes if you have your documents ready, and appointments typically open 60 to 90 days in advance, though this varies by location.

The VFS system works the same way at every Indian city where the US has a consulate: New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad. You choose your nearest location, select an available date and time, and receive a confirmation email with your appointment letter. That letter is what you bring to the consulate on your interview day.

Key Takeaways

• Appointments open 60 to 90 days in advance on the VFS website, and popular dates fill quickly, especially in Delhi and Mumbai.
• You must create a VFS account, fill in your visa category and personal details, and pay the visa fee before you can book a time slot.
• The appointment letter you receive by email is your proof of booking — print it and bring it to the consulate on your interview day.
• If no appointments are showing for your city, the current batch has filled; check back in a few days when the next batch typically opens.

Finding the VFS website for your city

Start at the VFS Global website and select India, then choose your nearest US consulate location. The five Indian cities with US visa services are Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Each has its own appointment portal, so make sure you are on the correct city page before you begin.

The URL structure is consistent: you will see the VFS logo, the US consulate name, and a button to log in or create an account. Bookmark the page for your city so you can check back if appointments are full — they often open in batches, and new slots appear every few days.

Creating your VFS account and entering your details

Click the login button and select "New User" to create an account. You will need an email address and a password. VFS will send you a confirmation email — check your spam folder if you do not see it within a few minutes.

Once you log in, you will fill out a form with your personal information: full name, date of birth, passport number, and visa category (tourist, work, student, family, or other). This information must match your passport exactly. You will also enter your contact phone number and confirm your nearest consulate location.

After you submit this form, VFS will show you the visa fee for your category. The fee is the same regardless of which city you book in. You pay online by credit or debit card at this stage — you cannot proceed to appointment booking without payment.

Selecting your appointment date and time

Once payment is confirmed, the system shows you available appointment slots for your city. Dates are usually displayed in a calendar view. Morning slots (typically 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM) fill first, especially in Delhi and Mumbai, so if you see a morning time available, book it immediately if it works for your schedule.

Afternoon slots are usually available longer. Weekend and holiday appointments are not offered. If you see no available dates at all, it means the current batch of slots has filled — this is normal. Check back in two to three days; new batches typically open on weekday mornings.

Select your preferred date and time, review the details on the confirmation screen, and click to finalize. You will immediately receive a confirmation email with your appointment letter as a PDF attachment.

What to do with your appointment letter

Print your appointment letter as soon as you receive it. This is your proof of booking. Bring it to the consulate on your interview day, along with your passport, visa fee receipt, and all supporting documents for your visa category.

The letter shows your appointment date, time, and location. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Security screening happens before you enter the consulate building, so plan extra time if you are unfamiliar with the location.

If you lose your appointment letter, you can log back into your VFS account and download it again. The appointment itself is tied to your passport number, so you cannot lose your slot even if you misplace the letter.

What happens if you need to reschedule or cancel

Log into your VFS account and look for a "Reschedule" or "Modify Appointment" option. Not all visa categories allow rescheduling through the website — some require you to contact VFS support. Check the instructions on your city's VFS page to see which option applies to you.

If you cancel your appointment, you forfeit the visa fee. The fee is non-refundable even if you cancel well in advance. If you reschedule to a different date, there is usually no additional charge, but confirm this on your city's page before you proceed.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will need to pay the visa fee again and book a new slot. There is no grace period or makeup appointment.

Troubleshooting common booking problems

If the system says "No appointments available," the current batch has filled. This does not mean appointments are gone forever — new batches open regularly. Check back in two to three days, usually in the morning. Set a phone reminder so you do not forget.

If you see an error message when you try to pay, try a different card or browser. Some older browsers do not work with the VFS payment system. If the problem persists, contact VFS support through the "Contact Us" link on your city's page — response times are usually 24 to 48 hours.

If your email confirmation does not arrive, check your spam and promotions folders. If it is truly missing, log back into your VFS account — your appointment details are stored there and you can download your letter anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. Each person must create their own VFS account and book their own appointment using their own passport number. Parents cannot book for children, and spouses cannot book for each other. If you are applying as a family, each person books separately and will have a different appointment time.

What if appointments are full for the next three months?

This happens during peak season (March through September). Check back every few days — consulates sometimes release additional slots. You can also contact VFS support to ask when the next batch is expected, though they cannot may provide a specific date.

Do I need to pay the visa fee again if I reschedule?

No. The fee you paid when you first booked covers your application, not your appointment slot. If you reschedule through the VFS website, there is no additional charge. If you cancel and rebook later, you will need to pay again.

What if my passport expires before my appointment?

You must reschedule your appointment. The consulate will not interview you with a passport that expires within six months. Renew your passport first, then log into VFS and reschedule using your new passport number.

Is there a way to get an appointment faster than the VFS website?

No. VFS is the only official channel for booking US visa appointments in India. There are no expedited options, no walk-in interviews, and no phone bookings. The appointment date you see on the website is the date you will be interviewed.