American visa gets 33 percent cheaper

New Delhi -- Here is good news for Indians nursing their American dreams: the US visa fee has got cheaper by nearly one-third and one can get the visa in a week.

"Indians will now be able to get visa about 30 percent cheaper," US ambassador to India David C. Mulford told reporters here Thursday.

"The US government has eliminated the $50 reciprocal issuance fee for all non-immigrant visas for Indian citizens, effective immediately," he announced. "I am pleased to announce this reduction in charges, effective immediately."

The net result will be a 33 percent reduction in the cost of obtaining a visa.

"I hope it encourages more Indian business people and tourists to travel to America. The backlog has also been cleared. You could now get visa in a week," Mulford said.

Visa applicants will still be required to pay an application fee of US $100 at a designated HDFC bank branch prior to scheduling a visa interview.

Last month, the US embassy and consulates general launched an offensive to eliminate irritating delays in getting visa appointments, which could range from six weeks to six months.

Indians who want to advance their appointments can visit the embassy's appointments website www.vfs-usa.co.in. The facility is applicable to all categories including tourists.

Appointments are currently available for non-immigrant visa applications at all US consular offices in India.