U.S. Consulate Chennai, India Review

I have the worst experience with this location US consulate. I went for US stamping today. They said bags and electronic devices aren't allowed. Very important thing is THERE IS NO STORAGE FACILITY FROM CONSULATE. there was a storage facility which is Rs.10 for each bag. But it's not available. Then we asked for other options to the officer. He said there will be some people in the backside who can help. We went searching and an auto driver came and told that there is some locker available and he took us somewhere nearby. We just had 1 bag and 2 mobiles. After going there he said it's Rs.5000 for 1 bag. We were shocked and spoke to him for a very long time. But he refused and told there is no other option for u. And ur appointment time is going, then u have to reschedule. So as we cannot reschedule and the appointment time is going we accepted for Rs.2000. Guys, please make sure that u r not taking ur mobile phones, headsets, chargers, pendrives. if u can give to someone who is coming with u, it's better. If no one is coming with u, then plz carry documents and passport alone. Don't carry bag.

My sister went to interview for study one year in us and she answered all question and that American lady she didn't give her visa because she is Asian

respectable proof for india america relationship really nice place

All the staffs and services are good but the visa immigration officer rejected mine and my sister's visa without being convinced rather not ready to get convinced. Was having all the documents clean and clear. May be they wanted to re-apply the visa spending money.

Long wait times within center can be reduced by number of appointments in a day. Tedious procedure.

I was at the consulate for Visa interview on Monday. The day should be the busiest as biometrics are done on Sunday for the Monday interview. One can save a leave.

They let you into the queue 15 mins before appointment time given. Well organized and orderly system with cordial security and staff. So no point reaching too early.

(No electronic gadgets allowed. No phones, players, remote key of car etc are allowed. Small bags and wallets are allowed. You need to put them in the folder and get it scanned at security, though. I took in my gents wallet without any questions asked.)

But this week we had a stroke of bad luck. They had a problem with previous day biometrics and the same had to be repeated! Hats off to the staff for taking up the extra work. This meant that our 10 am interview actually got over at 1 PM. The actual interview alone was a less than 15 min process. The bottle neck was biometrics!

You may wonder why the 5 stars. Especially when a 15 min process became a few hours.
Well, huge queue of people waiting usually means trouble.
Here the staff were empathetic and willing to clarify to each person any doubt they had. Help with making us comfortable all the time we were there. I wonder where they got to get such patience. There was water and restrooms strategically placed in the queue system. That also helped a lot.

The person who interviewed us was also seemed very "casual" in conversation. That is what I felt at that time. Was very relaxed while taking the interview. Only, when I thought about it, later did I realise that the casual conversation was designed with strategic questions. Well trained personnel.
Thank you. All in all was an easy process and not a tension filled one that I had expected.

First of all, there are no locker facility anywhere near the consulate. Don't take anything other than your documents and few currency notes and maybe your hotel key if you are coming from hotel. Mobile phones and large bags are absolutely not allowed.

The wole process was smoother than I expected. My time slot was 7:30 AM and I reached US consulate at around 7 ish from my nearby hotel room. I was initially shocked to see the long queue on the side walk. There was 2 queue lines for 7:30 and 7:45. There must have been like 100 people in queue before me. It seems most of them had appointment at later time but still came too early to queue up.

I thought my 7:30 slot would mean nothing and it would be atleast 10 AM to get my turn. But fortunately, US consulate has it figured out. By the time it was 7:30, you will be allowed to enter main queue based on your time slot.

After your time slot is verified, you are allowed to enter the main queue. As you walk towards the main gate of consulate, your application form and passport are verified at various check points on the way.

At the entrance gate, you have to put documents anything metal in a tray and let it pass through the x-ray machine. Also, You will be frisked by security staff.

From there, you walk to the Consulate building. In the consulate building, first you queue up to get your fingerprints taken and passport is marked. Then you queue upto to actual visa interview line. There are queues for each language.

The interviews start at 8 AM. You may be able to hear interview of other candidates from the queue. From this queue, when it's your turn, you will be directed to one of dozen interview counters there.

Hand over the passport and appointment confirmation page. The first question you might be get asked is your purpose of visit. Be honest and answer appropriately. If visa is approved, interviewer will say it so and handover a green paper informing the same. Your passport will be taken.

Some tips:
- Dress causal or formal whichever you find comfortable.

- Don't byheart answers for US visa interview questions. One girl I saw had few sheets of hand written US visa interview questions and answers and she was byhearting it all the way to interview like how a typical private college BTech student would byheart answers for exams.

- Answer honestly and appropriately for the questions asked.

The visa process is hassle free! Though i have one advice for you... If anyone comes to you claiming that they will provide you a locker for keeping your things, just tell them a big "NO". They charge hefty amounts of money and will also charge for waiting. A counter managed by the embassy security is just near the entry of the embassy. They provide tokens for your phones and also store bags free of cost!

The consulate staff are helpful and courteous. The process is easy to follow. The only gripe is that they don't allow mobiles inside nor do they provide a locker outside.

Very friendly staff and everyone works effectively.

Very well organised process and very quick in actions. Just follow instructions given in the appointment confirmation everything will go smooth.

Just be there 10-15mins ahead that will be enough and stand in que, ask police for any information they will guide you.
No mobile, electronic devices, wallet/purse, Keys and etc.. are not allowed only passport(new and old), application confirmation, appointed letter and supporting documents required to justify your visa purpose to be carried out in transparent file..

Be genuine, confident, answer straight with clarity for the questions asked.. some times Interview takes 3-5mins, some time 30mins also may take dependency on your case. Finally consulate need to get convinced about your visa application purpose to Approve visa.

Then and there only they will inform you about your visa approval and will get confirmation message about your passport collection date or delivery date through courier if premium service is requested while booking appointment.

I got my visa approved and within a week i got my passport with visa stamped..

All the best for others.

Visited the consulate in August 2019 ... reaching there 15 mins before appointment time is enough.... can be confusing at begining seeing the large crowd gathered outside the consulate.... but there is guiding staff lining up people for there respective appointment time ... just try locating the staff they are quite helpful and courteous .... we'll I was bit confused about electronics and stuff since they are not allowed inside the consulate .... just for benefit of those coming from out of station Chennai ... mobiles car key and smart watches can be deposited outside at police outpost ...located just at entrance of consulate ... I doubt if they would accept laptop and bigger electronics since outpost has limited space ... they have token system at the outpost.... school bags are allowed for carrying documents ... wallets can be kept inside bags .... in general avoid taking unnecessary stuff to consulate to be on safer side .... autowalas are at lookout here for potential customers .... charging double or triple amount for rides ... they happen to know more about visa applications than us ... my auto guy knew all types of visa and it s process for application ;) I was surprised at guys knowledge :) the process at consulate would take at max 2 hrs if all goes well .... people generally managed in 1 hr... also people with blue form can report at 10 am on given days in blue form .... overall the staff is quite friendly and generous

Except for the lack of parking facility for the applicants. This place is a proper consulate.
Many reviews covers the process and procedure. A general tip that I can provide is that, be to the place exactly 15 mins before your appointment time to avoid queuing outside the gate. You will have to queue anyway inside. Don t carry any metal objects, keys and phones. Just go with the documents that would seem necessary, nothing else.

No parking, plan in advance to find some nearby spot and walk.

US consulate was a 20 minute walk from my hotel.

I had my interview at 7:30, reached the place at 6:30 and left it at 8:30.

First we will be made to stand in a queue on footpath, there will be two lines, in my case one was for 7:30 and the other one for 7:45. Make sure to stand in a line according to your Timings.

At 7:30 they started checking our passports and allowed us inside the US consulate. There is a counter maintained by police where where we can keep our phone and will be given a token at a nominal price.

Once inside they will ask us to keep all the belongings like files and watch inside a tray. Then they will run the tray through a metal detector also a security guard will check us thoroughly.

Then they will check your passport once again and will send us to another building where the actual interview happens.

Finally they will check our biometrics and ask us to form a line based on the language.

And finally to the last step the interview.

In our case my family went in as a group, they rejected us and give the reason as possibility of immigration. They returned our passports and handed over a letter that had more details about rejection.

The VOs are underprepared for the job. At times ask unintelligent questions and habe ever seen them go through a petition. More of a luck based draw than an interview that happens here! The consulate of Cambodia is more diligent or for that matter US consulates at centres like Mumbai & Kolkata

I had my visa interview 2 weeks back.. I reached US consulate for the 2nd day interview. The hotel I reside was about 3km away from the consulate so I took an Uber to reach there.. You cannot carry anything other than the documents.. mobile phones, wallets, watch etc can t be carried.. I had my appointment at 1O.45 and reached there at 10, at that time there were 2 queue , the 10.30 slot n 10.45 slot.. I enquired the person standing last in the queue about the slot and got into the queue of my slot.. The queue seems too long, there s nothing to worry everyone will be in within a go.. After the 10.30 slot people entered the consulate.. The policemen outside allowed us to enter the consulate.. At the main entrance there is a security check.. After that they will guide us to the main building, once you enter the main building there you have to stand in a queue and provide your biometrics.. After that they will guide you to a queue and from there you can see different cabins and where the actual interview happens.. All the interviewers were Americans.. Once we reach in front of the queue they will guide us to cabin and there the interviewer will ask us some questions and will ask for some documents.. Once done they will take our passport, handover us all other documents and say your visa is approved.. otherwise they will handover the passport to us and give the reason for the rejection( which i saw there standing in the queue).. So I got my passport after the visa stamping within a week via blue dart.. You have to carry an ID proof to pick the passport from there..

The Indian staff and security are rude but the VO's are quick and efficient. Dropping one star because there is no proper waiting area outside and there is no storage facility available for your mobile phone (DO NOT trust the auto drivers who say that they have a locker facility available).

need to stand for long hours... only best thing about this for applicants is First In First Out....(these people doesn't bother about slot timings)...

Entrance is from the bus stand side. Top notch security. Process is very simple, queue up, go through security and assemble in common area. Consulate person will ask for organizing document in very specific format and you re off to lobby.

Visa Lobby has one more checkpoint before the interview. Biometric verification and then queue up for interview. Consulate personnel will help you with the counter number.

If you are with Kids, you kind of get an vip access. You should be out and about in 5 minute. Just keep your documents and wallet and do not fret about kid. Although they may allow baby bags and stuff I would not worry about bringing anything just to keep things simple and fast.

Nice and well organised! No electronic gadgets are allowed for security reasons, better to leave those in the hotels. Lengthier queues and long waiting in spite of allocated time slots and appointments. Biometrics and verifications are no more done here but in a different location. This location is only for Visa stamping!

The queue starts from bus stand. There they will display the slot timings currently entered for interview. So wait there. once your time slot came, go and queue up in first queue. They will check your passport and in first entrance they ask to remove watch and any kinds of electronic device. Then they take us to interview hall. Securities are there everywhere to guide us. Be pleasent and answer all questions.

Got here for B1 visa. Everything was smooth and fast. Don t carry anything but the required docs. No phone, no wallet, no watch.

May be difficult for first comes, but can see many helping hands.
Auto drivers are little rough as treating like foreigners.

For the Visa interview we have to wait outside like beggars for hours, including the sick and the elderly. At least the Senior citizens should be given some consideration. And we took all the needed documents also along with us but they weren't even reluctant to have a look at it.

You do not have to go earlier than 15-20 minutes before your interview slot. There will be 2 queues for the next 2 slots. If you reach early you will simply have to wait further down.
Please do not carry any electronic items. I walked in carrying my documents, currency, cards and nothing else. Anything more will cause you unnecessary delay.
Inside the consulate, VFS pretty much manages the show and you simply need to patiently listen to their instructions and wait in the right queues

Have visited the consulate today... Had to wait in a for half an hour near the road... Am lucky that weather was good today ... Carry umbrella if you have appointments on rainy days or on summers.. Arriving early will really help you... 15 mins in advance is fine.... Phones can be kept safely provided with a token... Everyone were asked to remove their watch.. You'll be allowed only with the documents... I just entered with my file and spects. Your docs and belongings will be put into scan... Girls/women will have private security check.. Post that I had to wait fa some 15mins... After all this U'll enter the consulate premises... U'll be moving in a queue and u'll be navigated by the staffs so u'll not need to worry about the process... Every process here is handled user-friendly so don't need to be nervous... U'll have interviews with the officer. There were around 7 counters with glasses in between (like biometric office) .. We need to stand in front of the officer to continue the process... Once the interview with the officer is over it's time for you to exit... All done... Have a great experience!!!

Mobiles are not allowed. However if ur carrying a phone go in the underpass in the corner of this place and as soon as you exit you will find a xerox shop where you can keep your phones in a locker for 200 rupees. Auto drivers helped me with this but charged 100 bucks

Very supportive staffs. And the service was good. I got my visa in my first attempt. But there are a lot to improve.
- Vehicle parking to be alotted.
- As mobile phones and other electronics (including watches) were not allowed to carry, proper clock room to be arranged for the candidates.
* Localities charge you 100-200rs for an locker which is to be discouraged by the authority.
- No shelter outside the gate which makes the candidates suffer alot during rainy season and hot summer.
* Localities charge you 150rs for umbrella.

It is an awesome,well maintained place.The library is just amazing.Wide range of books!A place of high security.Beautiful interior and reasonal price for membership.A wonderful pmace to read books.I loved it

The Consulate is well managed and maintained and the people are very helpful and systematic.
It's enough to come around 30-45 mins before the appointment as one person outside the embassy will filter the queue according to your respective appointment and not people who come on first come first serve basis. The person will make 2 lines, 1 for appointment for the next time slot and the other for the next one after that so as be ready. If your time slot is at 9 AM, then you will be allowed in at around 8.59 AM. The security will check your time slot multiple times so thinking you can slip in early is impossible. Don't carry any electronic devices like mobiles, watches etc as they are not allowed in and I didn't see any lockers there. Carry your documents and keep your passport and your DS - 160 form confirmation in hand which would be sealed during the bio metric process at VAC Chennai the pervious day.
Overall the experience was superb and I wish there could have been shelter provided for the people standing outside in the queue but all there is a Bus Stop.

A security controlled place, nice paints were drawn on the consulate walls.

Courteous behavior from the staff. No cloak room facility provided. Cannot take your electronic gadgets inside.

I recently visited the US Consulate for my VISA stamping, the experience was great. I was in and out in less than 15 min, friendly staffs and very efficient in managing the crowd. The consular was very friendly and super nice.

Extremely streamlined process. I mean, there are 1000s of people visit here every single day and managing all of 'em like this requires a tremendous amount of effort and Consulate does this well.

Well, I can't give ratings based on their visa approval or rejection rate. My rating purely represents their hospitality, managing people, giving information at every step etc.

Very efficient staff and quick standard processes. Impressed !

This is the place for visa interviews if you are travelling to US. Very helpful staff and doesn t take much time for the whole process (30-45 mins). But when you reach there you can see long queue standing outside the consulate. But don t worry, check with the staff and identify your queue. Reach just 15 mins before your given time slot. You are not allowed to carry mobile phones, smart watch or bags. You can carry your documents in a clear bag or a paper bag.

I dont understand why some people appreciate the service of the Consulate. But to my experience there is no shelter outside and it was a long queue and when my time comes for my interview I was asked by my interviewer to give him my passport and he didnt ask me any other documents... I knew right away that he wont have any intention giving me the visa in the first place because right after he took my passport he was on the computer and typing the whole time and he didnt even look or stare at me even when he ask me question...he was askin Me 3 question questions And the questions are not even related to our sponsors documents Or the proof of our documents... they simply reject our visa for all of us. I was given a pre-printed statement which shows that we didn't convince the visa officer about our return from USA etc... So how is it possible for us to convince them if they didnt ask the related question... This is the worst experience i have evet met... I dont mind if they reject me because of incomplete documentation or flase information... But i cant understand why i got rejected.... Next time i will be applying my visa at mumbai... Not in chennai anymore... Just becoz they have power doesn't mean they can do anything

The worst consulate I have ever been to. Please go to a different one. They look for any reason they can find to not help you. As an American I am deeply embarrassed that they represent America. If you are not an American please know they do not represent the character of America.

Nice place to be in.. spacious , well managed by staff, Processes are good and easy to follow. centrally located, crowd management at the main gate can be even better

I dont have any idea if they cant manage the crowd then why they schedule so many visa interviews. My turn was around 10, I reached there around 9:30. To my surprise there was 1km long line and I had to wait 3 hours under the Sun in Chennai's hot weather just to get inside the gate. I dont know what is the protocol but security had allowed people who had interviews after 2 pm at that time itsself. After that also it took 2 more hours to give interview. Please dont call so many applicants if there are not proper arrangements.

Always love and respect those serving at this office. They give preference to kids and elderly. Very professional.

While the Consulate is entitled to set its own standards to admit visitors, it should pay minimum courtesy to the applicants in their own soil. Making them stand on footpath, denying mobiles inside are poor practices. This is on top of violating every law here like barricading entire pedestrian footpath and even getting posted armed guards on the crowded overbridge. When they can provide custody for mobile phones in the other gate for its own citizens, why there should be a difficulty for similar gesture to others?

There is usually is a long queue on weekdays. The people there are very helpful and friendly. They answer applications pretty quickly to my belief.

Yes the people there were very polite and friendly. But the only problem I faced was
Lot of counters there they talk in microphone
. When they ask us some questions we are not
Able to hear clearly because of there are lot of counters and the speakers are very loud. I suggest you to give headphones to the applicant's so that we can hear their questions clearly. And answer there them clearly. This is only what I felt there I am very happy about your staff and your organised
System

This review is for people who accompany the VISA applicant and wait outside till their ward comes outside. Outside crowd management is s bad. People have to wait under a small bus stop or on open footpath under scorching sun or rain. Police will just keep on sending people back or on footpath. No place to sit or stand. Average waiting and processing time is around 2 to 3 hours. You have to stand there braving heavy traffic on road and rigorous honking. No decent eateries around. They could have built a basic shelter with water for people waiting outside.

Given the above case, you have few options to pass time. First is, you can walk to Writer's cafe which is around 1 km from Consulate. Second is go to Express Avenue mall which is around 1.5 kms from Consulate.

Please don t get early there, you can still make if you reach 5 min before the appointment time. The whole process is just to follow the crowd...

Even After paying 160 dollar as Visa fee one has to stand like a beggar on Street..No Proper Arrangements for Elderly people...once you Enter inside Security Check is Good but As soon you attend an Final interview you will face the Worst
They Will Refuse your Visa Application for without any reason
Even after proper Documentation & proper Answering all Question they had Refused my Visa (B2) & Returned the passport with one form in Which the reasons are listed

They Simply Want to Spoil our Hard Earned money..

Worst handling of people. On which aspect do u reject Visa, just waste of Time n waste of money. I ve been to 2 countries as a tourist in past 4 years and give me 1 reason tat y i ll stay back in your country without coming to my home country.

worst consulate experience ever possible...these people are the worst in processing applications, had a bad personal experience

Extremely well organised place. No need to wait much if we go at the appointment time. Mobiles, smartwatch, pendrives, car remote keys not allowed inside. Guiding Staff are professional and very helpful. Interviewers are friendly and talk in understandable English accent. Came out in an hour totally with no issues. Outside, autowallahs will be waiting with their phones to make a call for our attenders.
Better not to bring any attenders. Do it on your own. If u have to, attender can wait in the road (avvai shanmugam road)near the consulate. Parking facilities not available, so better to come by taxi. Good luck.

I want to visit U.S on a tourist visa. Should i bring my pan card ?

The process is extremely streamlined and queuing begins exactly 30 mins before your allocated appointment slot. No point going before that. Process is extremely fast once you're inside. Make sure to keep your DS 160 and other key docs upfront. The actual interview queues move pretty fast. Inside the staff guides you according to your visa type to collect payments, fingerprint checks and then the interviews.
The staff is generally polite and helpful.

I got my US Visa on April 25th 1996.
Way back... now

22 years in this country.
At that time you had to stand in line long queues. Waited for third day to enter the gate. Not an easy thing....
Today in 2018 things might have changed.
This photo posted by our RKM batch 1978 from North Branch, Bazullah road, T.Nagar Chennai 600 017

I as a refugee in India they should give first priority but no..dey will give depend on their mood..shame to those people and they have so much arrogent.. First of all i wonder do they really know the person's psychology?? They will give to most of the person who lied and they will reject to the person who was being honest vd them...it wonderful phenomena of them...gud luck...hope u guys will get the right interviwer...gud luck guys

Extremely helpful staff at the US consulate Chennai. I had been there to get my son's passport renewed, and I had a great experience interacting with the friendly people there. Very considerate and informative.
Appreciate your efforts!!

1. Very good staff and helps visa applicant with necessary information
2. Came one hour early and already went inside the office. Only applicant is allowed to go inside the office.
3. Too much crowded area no seats or facility available for people who accompany applicant. Just have to make u r personal choice or stand
4. Applicants are required to first register there passport number to the staff outside office before going to the main queue.
5. Bags , mobile/any hand held devices, wallet, backpack etc are not allowed to go inside office
6. Approximately it will take around 1 hours from the time of entering office.
7. Very expensive auto rickshaws transportation.
8. If u r coming along with applicant and not finding any seats nearby to sit.there is near by bus stop 30th away opposite to mosque. U can have empty spaces there.

Dont reach there before 1 hr or above for your slot.Jus go to the place 20 minutes to 15 minutes before your slot, because you ll get tired by the time you meet your interviewer.So be prepared and be energetic.

Need more outside service for those who stand. Typical time - 3 hrs during busy days

Very genuine appointment and more prominent kindly politely appreciate approach I love that staffs

Any time full secret This please ((USA ))

Third time visited yesterday, previous experience were all good, unfortunately sudden closure of office (dec 4th '16) (reason -sec 144 in Chennai) made me go back to home, felt bad, they could have made some arrangements ...

The outside of the Consulate where the queue is starting is a huge mess due to people coming much before their scheduled time and crowding in the road. Please do yourself and others a huge favour and come only on the scheduled time. Atleast not more than 15 minutes. They won't allow you to go in early anyways. There are no places to wait also.
Once you're inside everything flows so smoothly. There are lot of people for guidance and are very helpful. Overall good experience except for the initial part due to huge crowd.

The Chennai embassy has a very poor setup and infrastructure to cater the people. They do not have booths to store mobile devices and you cannot park your two-wheeler or car anywhere near the embassy. (Beware) Some will ask you and lure you to give your mobile phones as they will take care of it until the interview ends. DO NOT TRUST THEM. There is no auto stand as there is a board saying autos are not supposed to be parked. You cannot report such a case to police as the auto stand does not exist.

Well maintain place. Most of the time used to see long queue waiting outside.

It always set the bar very high who goes for the visa interview :(.

No word's to tell. it very helpful to puplic to see profile photo . address location , directions

excellent service. very pleasant to visit US Consulate, chennai

US travel docs customer service email response is just meagre. They just close the cases without full justification. The 'live support' online does not work either. I tried at least 10 times in the last 5 days but never could contact anyone. Overall, it is very hard to reach them to have our questions clarified

A idea for non Chennai based people who travel far for the interview.....
On the day of interview at consulate, first go to chennai vac biometrics facility where there is a locker arrangement. It's not far from consulate. And hence anyone can deposit their mobile phone bags and other items prior proceeding to embassy . And it's safe and relaiable and cheaper than the small shops near the consulate.it will cost rs 50 .

Process is very fast. Got my visa very next day after interview...

Exceptionally pleasant individuals made our visa procedure straightforward

Dont carry electronic watch, they dont allow it, a friend lost apple watch.

First got one B1Visa in year 2000. Had three H1B visas stamped in years 2001, 2005 and 2008. Now as a Perm Resident Need SB1 Visa here. This Chennai consulate does not take SB1 visa cases. It would be great service for south indians if Chennai consulate considers SB1 visa stamping. SB1 cases are mostly emergency needs. Not sure why here emergency visas could not be handled like Mumbai Consulate and Delhi Embassy in this location.

The process is extremely streamlined and queuing begins exactly 30 mins before your allocated appointment slot. No point going before that.

The processes of interview, etc are carried out very quickly. Apart from the staff persons at the counters/offices, there are staff members in lobby/waiting areas which guide you in whatever work you might be having. They have strict security measures but I think those are necessary to maintain the efficiency with which they operate.