Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade RGOB
NOTIFICATION
This is to notify the general public that the US Embassy in New Delhi has announced the introduction of a new visa processing system in India which is also applicable to Bhutanese citizens. The earlier arrangement availed by Bhutanese for walk-in interview at the US Embassy will no longer be entertained.
Starting from 26th of September 2012, all US visa applicants will be required to schedule two appointments, one to provide finger print and photos at Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) and another for visa interview at the US Embassy or any Consulate. Bhutanese applicants may use any OFC facilities located in New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad. Appointments can be done online or by phone.
Under this new system, applicants can pay visa fees using cash or electronic fund transfer. Payment can be done at Druk PNB Banks in Bhutan or Axis and Citibank branches in India. Appointments are scheduled and confirmed once the fees are paid.
The Embassy has also introduced a new pilot program, called the Interview Waiver Program. Applicants renewing their Business/Tourism visa could apply for interview waiver if their visas are still valid or expired within 48 months (4 years) during the online application process. Applicants, whose visa was granted after November 1, 2008, if the waiver is granted, may not have to visit any of the OFCs, Consulate or Embassy for interview for renewal of their visa.
Children seven years of age and younger are exempted from non-immigrant visa interview.
For further details please visit the US Embassy website: http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/index.html or the US Visa Information Service in India website: www.usatraveldocs.com/in
