How to Book a US Visa Appointment Through VFS Global

Where to book your US visa appointment from India

VFS Global is the official appointment booking system for US visa interviews at American consulates and embassies across India. You book your appointment directly on the VFS Global website for your nearest consulate — there is no phone line, no walk-in counter, and no other official booking method. The system lets you choose your interview date from available slots, upload documents before your appointment, and receive confirmation by email.

VFS Global handles scheduling only. The US State Department and the consulate itself still make the visa decision. VFS collects your fees, stores your documents, and manages the queue, but you are dealing with the American government's actual visa process, not a private service.

Key Takeaways

• You must create a VFS Global account on the website for your specific consulate before you can book any appointment.
• The appointment booking system requires your passport number, visa type, and a valid email address you check regularly.
• Available appointment dates vary by consulate and season — some locations book out weeks in advance, while others have slots within days.
• You pay the visa fee and VFS service fee when you book, and the payment is non-refundable even if you cancel the appointment.
• After booking, you upload supporting documents through your VFS account and receive a confirmation letter to bring to your interview.

Creating your VFS Global account

Go to the VFS Global website and select your consulate location — Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, or Chennai. Each consulate has its own booking portal. Click "Create New Account" and enter your email address, a password you will remember, your full name as it appears in your passport, and your passport number.

VFS will send a verification link to your email. Open that link within 24 hours to activate your account. If you do not verify within a day, you will need to create a new account and start over. After verification, you can log in and begin the appointment booking process.

Keep your login details safe. You will use this account to track your appointment, upload documents, and receive updates from VFS and the consulate. If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page — VFS will email you a reset link.

Selecting your visa type and appointment date

After logging in, select the visa category you need: tourist (B1/B2), student (F-1), work (H-1B, L-1, O-1, and others), or immigrant visa. The system will show you available appointment dates for that visa type at your chosen consulate. Dates are listed by month, and you can see which days have open slots.

Appointment availability changes constantly. Peak seasons — May through July and December — fill up faster. If you see a date that works, book it immediately; slots do not hold. If no dates suit you, check back in a few days. Some consulates release new slots weekly.

Once you select a date and time, the system will ask you to confirm your choice. This is your last chance to change your mind before payment. After you confirm, you move to the payment screen.

Paying the visa fee and VFS service fee

VFS Global collects two separate fees: the US visa fee (set by the State Department and the same everywhere) and the VFS service fee (charged by VFS for processing). The visa fee varies by visa type — tourist visas cost one amount, work visas another, and so on. The VFS service fee is fixed per appointment.

You can pay by credit card, debit card, or net banking through the VFS portal. The payment is processed immediately, and you will receive a receipt by email. This payment is non-refundable. If you cancel your appointment, you lose both the visa fee and the VFS service fee. If you reschedule to a different date, you do not pay again — the fee covers the appointment slot, not the specific date.

Keep your payment receipt. You will need the reference number when you arrive for your interview.

Uploading documents before your appointment

After you pay, VFS will email you a document upload link. Log into your account and upload the documents the consulate requires for your visa type. For a tourist visa, this typically includes your passport, a completed DS-160 form, a photograph, proof of funds, and travel itinerary. For a work visa, you will upload your passport, DS-160, photograph, and your employer's sponsorship documents.

The consulate's website lists the exact documents needed for your visa category. Read that list carefully before you upload — uploading the wrong documents wastes time and may delay your interview. You can upload documents multiple times; if you need to add something, log back in and upload it.

Upload documents at least three to five days before your appointment. VFS staff review them to make sure nothing is obviously missing. If something is wrong, they will email you and ask you to fix it. If you upload documents the day before your appointment and something is missing, there may not be time to correct it.

What to bring and expect on interview day

Bring your passport, the VFS confirmation letter (print it from your account), your payment receipt, and all original documents you uploaded. Arrive at the VFS center 15 minutes before your appointment time. You will go through security screening, then wait in the queue. A VFS staff member will collect your documents and passport, verify that everything matches what you uploaded, and then send you to the consulate's interview window.

The consulate officer will interview you, ask questions about your trip or job, and make a decision on the spot or tell you they need more time. If approved, your passport goes to VFS for visa stamping. If denied, you receive a written reason. VFS will contact you when your passport is ready for pickup — usually within five to seven business days for approved visas.

The entire process at the VFS center usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring water and be prepared to stand.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

Log into your VFS account and look for the "Reschedule" or "Cancel" option next to your appointment. If you reschedule, you choose a new date from available slots — no additional fee. If you cancel, your visa fee and VFS service fee are forfeited, and you will need to create a new account and book again if you want to reapply later.

Some consulates allow rescheduling up to a certain number of days before your appointment; others have stricter rules. Check your confirmation letter or the consulate's website for the specific policy. If you are unsure whether you can reschedule, contact VFS through the "Contact Us" link on the portal — response times are usually one to three business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. Each person needs their own VFS account and must book their own appointment. Parents cannot book for children, and spouses cannot book for each other. If you are applying as a family, each family member creates a separate account and books separately.

What if I do not have a passport yet?

You cannot book a VFS appointment without a valid passport number. Get your passport first, then create your VFS account. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US.

How far in advance should I book?

Book as soon as you know your travel dates. Appointments fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. If you book two to three months ahead, you will have more date options. Last-minute bookings may force you to take whatever date is available, even if it does not suit your schedule.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

If you do not show up, your appointment is forfeited and your fees are not refunded. You will need to book a new appointment and pay the fees again. If you know you cannot make it, reschedule or cancel through your account as soon as possible.

Can I change my visa type after I book?

No. If you booked a tourist visa appointment but now need a work visa, you must cancel that appointment (losing your fees) and book a new one for the work visa category. Plan your visa type carefully before you book.