The DS-190 is the universal application for all U.S. visa types in India. The DS-190 replaced all other application forms in February of 2011 and can be completed online through the VFS website. The company recommends that applicants continuously save the application to prevent data loss if the Internet connection is lost. After completing the form, the applicant must print it out and take note of the number. This number can be used to track the application on the VFS website, access appointment information and visa status information.
The DS-190 online application requires a digital photo. The photograph must be in a high-quality JPEG format. The photograph does not have to be a professional passport photograph, but it should be the same white background as required in passport photographs and the same size, 2 by 2 inches. Any scanned passport photo should have a resolution of 300 pixels per inch. The photo is uploaded to the DS-190 visa application when prompted on the website.
The visa fee is paid at any HDFC Bank with locations throughout the country. Special branches are dedicated to travel agents, bulk applications or multiple applicants wishing to make a bulk payment. The visa fee is determined by the type of visa and can range from 140 to 150 U.S. Dollars. Additional fees paid together with the visa fee include the HDFC bank charges and VFS service fee.
After completing the DS-190, the applicant is provided with an interview appointment letter. The applicant should print out the letter so that the barcode is clearly visible and email the letter to his email address just in case the hard copy is lost. Together with the visa support documents and passport, the applicant must bring the letter to a VSF processing center prior to the interview. In the busier processing centers, such as in Mumbai, the applicant must submit the information up to three days prior to the interview.
