IMMIGRANT VISAS

Courier System

How it works

Before the visa interview

All applicants are required to pay the courier fee at their nearest VFS U.S. Visa Application Center before their visa interview, as indicated in the instructions in "Packet 4". For more information on the courier system and fee, an applicant should contact VFS.

After the visa interview

When an applicant's visa application is successful, the consular officer retains the applicant's passport and documents. The passport then has the visa placed inside it and the documents are placed in a sealed packet.  The passport and document packet are delivered to VFS for distribution by courier.

The courier delivers the passport and document packet to the address given by the applicant. It will take up to seven business days after the interview for delivery.

When the applicant receives the sealed document packet it must not be opened by anybody. It must remain sealed. If the document packet is opened it must be returned to the Embassy or appropriate consulate to be resealed before the beneficiary travels to the U.S. A charge must be paid to have it resealed.

Once received, the visa and accompanying document packet can be used to travel to a U.S. port of entry and seek admission as a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR).

What if I am found temporarily ineligible for an immigrant visa?

If the applicant is found temporarily ineligible for an immigrant visa the applicant will have their passport returned to them by the consular officer after the visa interview. The applicant's other documents will be retained. After that, the consular officer will explain to the applicant what information or documents are required and how to proceed.

What if my passport and document pack does not arrive?

If an applicant has not received their passport and sealed document packet after seven business days, the applicant should go to the VFS U.S. Visa Application Center nearest their location or phone a VFS Helpline:

Immigrant Visas (New Delhi consular district only):

• New Delhi Helpline: +91-(0)11-3946-0088

General Inquiries:

• Chennai Helpline: +91-(0)44-4231-6767
• Jalandhar Helpline: +91-(0)181-504-1444
• Kolkata Helpline: +91-(0)33-2288-2480
• Mumbai Helpline: +91-(0)22-6654-7600
• New Delhi Helpline: +91-(0)11-4222-0000

VFS agents respond to phone calls from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Indian holidays observed by the U.S. mission to India.

What if my visa was printed incorrectly?

If an applicant thinks their visa was printed incorrectly and their visa interview took place at the U.S. Embassy, New Delhi, the applicant should submit their passport to the Consular Section on a business day at 8:30 a.m.

If an applicant was interviewed at a U.S. consulate in India the applicant should contact the relevant consulate to find out how their visa can be corrected.