Change in Visa fees at Chennai Consulate and Other Consulates in India
Posted Oct 30, 2000

The U.S. Consulate at Chennai (formerly Madras), India announced on October 24, 2000 that all rupee-denominated visa fees would be changed to be more consistent with current exchange rates. The amounts will apply at all the U.S. consulates in India. The U.S. dollar amount will not be changed; rather, the local currency equivalent will be revised. The changes will take effect from November 1, 2000.

The new fees from November 1, 2000, are:

Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee (used to be known as the Machine Readable Visa Fee, nonrefundable):  Rs. 2115

Nonimmigrant Visa Issuance Fee (paid only if visa is issued): Rs. 3525

Immigrant Visa Application Fee (nonrefundable): Rs. 12,220

Immigrant Visa Issuance Fee (paid only if visa is issued): Rs. 3055

Returning U.S. Residents Visa Fee (for persons regaining permanent resident status):  Rs. 2350

As before, all fees need to be by demand draft. Through November 9, 2000, for persons with demand drafts in the old amounts, the Consulate will accept the remaining amount in cash. Note, however, that for use of the drop-box, the demand draft must be in the correct amount. After November 9, 2000, the demand draft for all applicants, whether in person or applying via drop-box, must be in the full correct amount.

Please note that the U.S. Consulates in India will be closed October 26, 2000 for the festival of Diwali, and on November 10, 2000 for the U.S. holiday of Veterans' Day.