India Consulate Logistics · Updated May 2026
New Delhi U.S. Embassy Immigrant Visa Interview Trip: Chanakyapuri Logistics, Panel Physicians, and Where to Stay
The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi sits in the Chanakyapuri Diplomatic Enclave on Shantipath. It is the only U.S. Embassy in India and handles immigrant visa interviews for applicants from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and most of northern and central India. The embassy entrance and process are different from what most nonimmigrant visa applicants describe online.
Quick Answer
Here is what you need for your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy New Delhi: all original civil documents, your DS-260 confirmation page, NVC appointment letter, 2x2 inch U.S.-format photos (not Indian standard size), sealed medical exam packet from your panel physician, and your petitioner’s I-864 with financial documents. No bags or phones inside. Arrive 45–60 minutes early. Security guards call applicants by time slot from a shaded waiting area outside the main gate.
At a Glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM. Closed on U.S. and Indian public holidays. |
| Website | in.usembassy.gov |
| Immigrant visa queue | Immigrant visa applicants are processed separately from nonimmigrant visa applicants. Confirm your queue designation on your NVC appointment letter. |
| What to bring | All original civil documents, DS-260 confirmation page, NVC appointment letter, 2x2 inch U.S.-format photos, passport(s), sealed medical exam packet from panel physician, I-864 with financial evidence. |
| Electronics policy | No mobile phones, smart watches, earbuds, or electronic devices inside. Paid locker vendors are available outside the gate (100–300 INR per item). Bring a companion to hold items if possible. |
| Interview duration | Typically 1 to 1.5 hours from arrival to exit, depending on queue length. |
| Panel physician (medical exam) | Multiple approved sites in Delhi and NCR. Current list at in.usembassy.gov. Book 3–4 weeks before your interview date. |
| Nearest accommodation | Chanakyapuri and Diplomatic Enclave area hotels are closest. Saket, Vasant Vihar, and Connaught Place offer more price options with 15–30 minute commutes. |
| Photo size | 2 inches x 2 inches (U.S. format, not Indian passport size). White background. |
| Passport return | If approved, embassy keeps your passport. Visa is printed and returned via Blue Dart courier in approximately 5 business days. |
| Last verified | May 2026 against U.S. Embassy India (in.usembassy.gov) |
The U.S. Embassy at Chanakyapuri
The embassy is at Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Applicants wait in a shaded area with trees opposite the main gate until their time slot is called. All scheduling goes through NVC; the embassy has no public phone line for immigrant visa inquiries.
Time-slot system at the gate
Unlike some consulates where you queue freely, New Delhi uses a time-slot call system. Applicants wait in a shaded area opposite the main gate. A security guard calls groups by their appointment time. Arriving 45–60 minutes early puts you in the waiting area without excessive standing time.
Getting to Chanakyapuri
Chanakyapuri is in southwest Delhi, about 10–15 km from Connaught Place. The area has no Metro station directly adjacent; the nearest Metro stops are a short auto or taxi ride away. Autos, Ola, and Uber all serve Chanakyapuri.
From Indira Gandhi International Airport (T2/T3)
About 12–18 km depending on the route. By taxi, 30–45 minutes without traffic. Allow 60–75 minutes for a morning interview. The Aerocity Metro (Airport Express Line) gets to New Delhi Station in 20 minutes; from there, take an Uber or auto toward Chanakyapuri (15–20 minutes).
From Connaught Place
20–35 minutes by Uber in normal traffic. Auto-rickshaws are available but may not go to Chanakyapuri easily due to traffic restrictions in that area during peak hours. Uber or Ola is more reliable.
From Saket or Vasant Vihar
15–25 minutes depending on route. These are the recommended hotel areas for applicants seeking mid-range accommodation near the embassy.
Nearest Metro
Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus Station (Yellow Line) is about 2–3 km from the embassy. From there, an auto or Uber takes about 10 minutes. Shivaji Stadium and Udyog Bhawan stations are also within a 15–20 minute auto ride.
Interview Day: What to Expect
Arrive 45–60 minutes early. Wait in the shaded area across from the main gate. A security guard calls groups by time slot; when called, proceed to the gate for a passport and appointment letter check. Inside, DS-260 review, biometrics, and the interview window follow. Full process takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Water and restrooms are available inside.
Required documents for the immigrant visa interview
- ✓Original valid passport (plus any prior passports)
- ✓DS-260 confirmation barcode page
- ✓NVC appointment letter (printed)
- ✓Two 2x2 inch passport photos (U.S. format, white background)
- ✓Original birth certificate with certified English translation
- ✓Original marriage certificate with certified English translation
- ✓Police clearance certificate from India (and other countries where you lived 6+ months after age 18)
- ✓I-864 Affidavit of Support (petitioner's original with supporting financial documents: W-2s, tax transcripts, pay stubs, employer letter)
- ✓Medical exam results (sealed envelope from panel physician, do not open)
- ✓Prior divorce decrees or death certificates if applicable (originals + translations)
- ✓Civil documents for any children included in the application
- ✓Proof of petitioner's U.S. citizenship or permanent residence (original)
- ✓Any prior U.S. visas or immigration documents
- ✓DS-5540 if petitioner received public benefits (confirm with NVC)
Photo size: do not use Indian passport photos
U.S. immigrant visa photos must be 2 inches x 2 inches (51mm x 51mm) with a white background. Indian standard passport photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm) are the wrong dimensions. Verify at home before travel.
Medical Exam: Panel Physicians Near Delhi
All immigrant visa applicants must complete a medical exam with a U.S.-approved panel physician before the interview. Carry the sealed exam packet to the interview. Do not open the envelope. Approved sites in Delhi and NCR are listed at in.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visas. Multiple sites in Delhi and Noida are approved. Verify the current list before booking since approved sites change.
Book 3–4 weeks before the interview
NVC interview dates trigger a rush on panel physician appointments. Book immediately after receiving your interview date. The exam is valid for 2 years but the sealed packet must be in your hands before your interview day.
What the medical exam covers
Physical exam, review of vaccination history, TB screening (chest X-ray or IGRA blood test), and standard lab work. Vaccines that are missing or out of date are administered at the panel physician (billed separately). Bring all prior vaccination records.
Where to Stay Near the New Delhi Embassy
Chanakyapuri itself has primarily diplomatic residences and upscale hotels. Applicants traveling from outside Delhi typically stay in Saket, Vasant Vihar, or Vasant Kunj for better value and reasonable proximity. Connaught Place works for those who want to be near central Delhi restaurants and transit.
Chanakyapuri (closest)
5–15 min to embassySeveral large hotels are in or near Chanakyapuri: Taj Mahal Hotel, Sheraton New Delhi, Crowne Plaza, and others. These are on the premium end. Walking or a very short auto ride to the embassy.
Saket / Vasant Vihar
15–25 min to embassySouth Delhi neighborhoods with mid-range hotel options, good food, and easy access. Saket has a Metro station (Yellow Line) and a Select CityWalk mall area. Good base for travelers spending multiple days in Delhi for medical exam and interview.
Connaught Place
25–35 min to embassyCentral Delhi's main commercial hub. Wide range of hotels at all price points. Well-connected by Metro. A bit further from the embassy but the widest selection of restaurants and services. Budget 35–45 minutes for a morning commute to Chanakyapuri.
Near the panel physician site
Varies by clinic locationIf your panel physician is in Noida or a specific Delhi neighborhood, check proximity when booking. Some applicants do the medical exam one day and the interview the next day, staying near the panel physician site for the first night then moving closer to Chanakyapuri.
After the Interview: Passport Return and What Comes Next
If approved, the embassy keeps your passport to print and affix the immigrant visa, then returns it via Blue Dart courier in approximately 5 business days. If a 221(g) refusal is issued, the notice specifies whether additional documents are needed or whether administrative processing is underway. New Delhi is one of the busier posts for 221(g) administrative processing, which can take weeks to months. Monitor status at ceac.state.gov. Do not submit unrequested documents.
What Applicants Report
Patterns from Google reviews and applicant reports for the U.S. Embassy New Delhi (2025–2026). Use as context, not as instructions.
Tips from the community
Arrive 45–60 minutes early, not 2+ hours
The embassy operates on time slots. Applicants who arrive much earlier are asked to wait outside under the trees opposite the main gate until their slot is called by a security guard. 45–60 minutes early is practical for clearing security without standing outside for long.
Source: Google Reviews, U.S. Embassy New Delhi, December 2025–February 2026
No bags inside: use the locker vendors, not embassy storage
The embassy has no luggage storage. Small device lockers for phones and smart watches are available from private vendors near the main gate. Locker charges are 100–300 INR depending on item. Auto drivers near the gate will try to escort you to a locker shop for an additional fee. Walk yourself: it is a 5-minute walk.
Source: Google Reviews, U.S. Embassy New Delhi, December 2025–January 2026
Translators are available inside if English is a concern
The embassy provides translation assistance for applicants who are not comfortable conducting the interview in English. You can request a translator at check-in.
Source: Google Review, Ms. Gira Senghani, February 2026
Eat before you arrive, snacks inside are limited
There is a small water and snack counter inside the embassy. Several applicants reported it as helpful for long waits, but not a replacement for a meal. The full process runs 1–2 hours.
Source: Google Reviews, U.S. Embassy New Delhi, January 2026
In their own words
“Arrived about 45 minutes early. They have a system based on your slot time. Security is very strict. No mobile phones, electronic car keys, or smartwatches inside. The staff was very professional and translators are available if you are not comfortable with English.”
“There is an auto stand right in front of the entrance. If you are carrying a bag, they will take you to a locker shop. The locker shop is only a 5-minute walking distance. If you arrive early, ask to walk instead.”
Sources
- State Department NWD-New-Delhi Supplement (last verified May 2026)
- U.S. Embassy India: Immigrant Visas (last verified May 2026)
- U.S. Embassy India: Approved Panel Physician Sites for India FY2025-26 (December 2025 PDF)
- Google Reviews: U.S. Embassy New Delhi, November 2025–February 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states does the New Delhi embassy cover for immigrant visas?
The U.S. Embassy New Delhi serves immigrant visa applicants from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and several other northern and central Indian states. Applicants from Maharashtra, Gujarat, and western India are assigned to the Mumbai consulate. Your assignment is based on your registered address when NVC schedules the interview.
Can I bring the U.S. petitioner (my spouse) to the New Delhi interview?
The petitioner is not required to attend. Most immigrant visa interviews at New Delhi are conducted with the applicant alone. If the petitioner comes along, they will wait outside since electronics are not permitted inside. Verify current policy with the embassy before the appointment.
The sealed medical exam envelope from my panel physician is damaged. What should I do?
Do not open the sealed envelope under any circumstances. If it appears damaged or tampered with, contact the panel physician directly before your interview to request a replacement sealed packet. Arriving with a broken seal may delay your application.
What happens if the embassy issues a 221(g) refusal at the New Delhi interview?
A 221(g) refusal means the officer needs additional documents or more time to complete a background review. The notice will say which applies. For document deficiencies, submit the requested items using the method on the notice (often the AIS portal or courier address). Monitor case status at ceac.state.gov. Administrative processing 221(g) cases can take weeks to months.
How far in advance should I book the panel physician medical exam for the Delhi interview?
Book your medical exam as soon as you receive the NVC interview date 3 to 4 weeks minimum. Approved physicians in Delhi and Noida fill up quickly after NVC interview dates go out. The medical exam results are valid for 2 years, but the sealed packet must be in your possession before the interview day.
I need to come from another city for the New Delhi interview. Where should I stay?
Chanakyapuri and the Diplomatic Enclave area have hotels within 5–15 minutes of the embassy. Saket, Vasant Vihar, and Vasant Kunj offer mid-range options 15–25 minutes away. Connaught Place is 25–35 minutes and has the widest range of price points. Book early weekend-before-a-Monday-interview slots fill quickly.
What is the process to get my passport back after the interview?
If approved, the embassy keeps your passport to print and affix the immigrant visa. The passport is returned via Blue Dart courier in approximately 5 business days. You receive tracking information. Do not plan international travel until the passport is back in your hands.
Do I need a police clearance certificate from every country I have lived in?
Yes, for every country where you lived 6 months or more after your 16th birthday, you need a police clearance. For India, this is typically the passport police verification certificate or state police clearance. If you lived in the U.S. or another country for an extended period, clearances from those countries are also required. Check the State Department's country-specific instructions for required documents.
Key Takeaways
- ✓
Bring only documents, no bags or electronics. Use the paid locker vendors outside or bring a companion to hold items.
- ✓
Arrive 45–60 minutes early. Security guards call applicants by time slot from a waiting area outside the gate.
- ✓
U.S. visa photos must be 2x2 inches. Indian passport size (3.5x4.5 cm) is the wrong format.
- ✓
Book your panel physician medical exam 3–4 weeks before the interview. Approved Delhi and NCR sites are listed on in.usembassy.gov.
- ✓
If approved, your passport stays at the embassy and is returned via Blue Dart courier in about 5 business days.
- ✓
221(g) refusals are common at New Delhi track your case at ceac.state.gov and submit requested documents promptly.
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