US Consulate in Kolkata
US Consulate in Kolkata
Visiting the United States of America from India is on the bucket list of almost every Indian citizen. The culture, the people and the hospitality of the country attract several. If you are a resident of Kolkata and are planning to visit the States, then you must seek the help of the US Consulate in Kolkata.
Everyone applying to this diplomatic mission must fulfil the US Consulate Kolkata visa requirements. With the guidance of Consulate officials, you can easily get your US visa at some point.
A Brief Introduction of US
The United States of America is the fourth largest country in the world and a superpower in many terms. America is known for its vibrant cities, cultural diversity and rich heritage. Whether it is visiting the infamous Hollywood City or enjoying beaches in Malibu, living the sweet American dream is what everyone wants.
The country is known for its rapid advancement in technology, architecture and economy, and it has attracted several tourists and immigrants from all around the world. Its national heritage sites, like the Statue of Liberty and Independence Hall, showcase the country’s history that people love to know about.
Also Read: What is America Famous For?
US Consulate Kolkata Address and Contact Details
Here are the details of the US Consulate Kolkata contact number, address, and other details so that you can connect with them with any queries or clarifications.
US Consulate Kolkata Address | U.S. Consulate General, Kolkata |
---|---|
5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani | |
Kolkata - 700071 | |
US Consulate Kolkata Contact Number | +91-(33)-6827-2400 |
US Consulate Kolkata Fax Number | +91-(33)-2282-2335 |
Official Working Days | Monday to Friday |
Official Working Hours | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
Email Address (in emergency only) | ConsularKolkata@state.gov |
Difference Between Consulate and Embassy
Particulars | Consulate | Embassy |
---|---|---|
Functions | The Consulate’s central function is to provide consular services to the citizens. | The Embassy is involved in international diplomatic affairs and acts as the point of contact between two nations. |
Location | Consulates can be located in multiple locations in the host country. | The Embassy is the only one and is mostly located in the capital city of the host country. |
Size | The Consulate is smaller in size and has fewer staff members. | The Embassy is larger and has more staff as they function on a national level. |
Head | The head of a Consulate is the Consul. | The head of the Embassy is the Ambassador. |
Also Read: US Embassy in India
Functions of US Consulate in India
The US Consulate in Kolkata is a functioning diplomatic mission of the United States. It has several functions, some of which are as follows:
Diplomatic Function: The Consulate of the US in Kolkata has the responsibility to represent their nation in India in a positive light. The function involves attending diplomatic meetings and strengthening relations between the two nations.
Political Function: The consulate also participates in International political affairs whenever required and represents the views of the United Nations. The Consulate officials stayed connected with international political affairs and built better international political relations.
Economic Function: It is the function of the US Consulate in India to research new economic opportunities that can benefit the country. It includes signing economic agreements or stating new international projects.
Cultural Function: The US Consulate in Kolkata also works to create awareness about their culture. It includes cultural debates, fests, and workshops. It gives citizens a one-on-one chance to connect on a cultural level.
Embassy Functions: The US Consulate in India also functions to assist the US Embassy during International events or when US diplomats visit India.
Services Offered by US Consulate in Kolkata
As a representative of their country, the Consulate of the US in Kolkata has to provide certain necessary services to citizens. These services are as follows:
Visa Services: The primary service provided by the US Consulate in Kolkata is accepting visa applications and processing them. The consulate accepts all the applications, verifies the documents and conducts visa interviews.
Passport Services: Another service provided by the Consulate of the US in Kolkata is passport-related services. The Consulate helps US citizens visiting India in case they face passport issues such as passport damage or lost or stolen passports.
Document Attestation: Once the application processing is done, it is the responsibility of the Consulate to attest the documents and stamp them. It shows that the authorities verified the documents and that they were complete.
Conducting Interview: The US Consulate in Kolkata also provides visa interview services. Visa interviews are an important step in the application process, where Consulate authorities verify your background and reason to visit the country.
Emergency Assistance: All the US Consulates in India are responsible for providing emergency assistance wherever required, including the Kolkata Consulate. The Consulate helps US citizens visiting or residing in India in situations of war, curfew and civil unrest.
Jurisdiction of US Consulate in India
Jurisdiction of any foreign mission is known to be their operational region. It is the region where they can perform their duties and provide necessary services to the citizens. The jurisdiction of the Consulate of the US in Kolkata includes West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
Is There a Need for a US Visa for Indians?
Yes, there is a requirement for a US visa for Indians to travel to the country. The document is issued by the US Authorities granting Indians the necessary permission to enter and stay in their country for a limited period.
There are various types of visas issued by the US government, depending on the purpose and period of stay. You can apply for any of these visas as per your requirements. These visa categories are business visa, tourist visa, student visa, exchange visitor visa, religious worker visa, domestic worker visa, transit/crewmember visa, journalist and media visa.
How to Apply for a US Visa for Indians?
US Visa for Indians Online Application Process
Step 1: First of all, determine the type of visa you require using the information provided on the US Visa page.
Step 2: Next, complete the electronic application form DS-160 Form. Make sure to read the guidelines to fill out the DS-160 Form carefully before filling out the application. There should not be any mistakes or wrong information in the application, or else it will be rejected.
Step 3: Once you have filled out the application form, proceed to pay the application fee. Use the provided payment methods. After the payment is completed successfully, download the payment receipt for further steps.
Step 4: Now, make your appointment bookings with the US Visa Application Center (VAC) and US Consulate or Embassy near you. For this, you would need your passport number, payment receipt and bar code number from the DS-160 confirmation form.
Step 5: There will be two appointments, the first one with VAC for your biometric information and the second one with Consulate or Embassy Interview. Make sure you book both appointments on consecutive days.
Step 6: Once you have attended both the appointment and interview, your application will be processed for verification.
Step 7: Finally, after your application is approved, you can collect your US visa for Indians from your selected pick-up point. You will get an email and an SMS notification once your document reaches the pick-up location.
US Visa for Indians Offline Application Process
Step 1: Determine the type of visa you require as per your purpose of visit and situation. Use the information provided on the US Visa website.
Step 2: Now, fill the application form DS-160 carefully after reading the instructions. Then, download the application form and send it to your nearest US Visa Application Center (VAC) for processing.
Step 3: After the application is filled, make the payment for the application fees. Download the payment receipt once the payment is made.
Step 4: Next, book appointments at the VAC and Embassy or Consulate near you for the biometric information and visa interview. Book the appointment for the VAC first and then for the Consulate or Embassy on the next day.
Step 5: Visit the VAC centre with your passport, application confirmation details and payment receipt. Then, attend the Consulate or Embassy for the interview process.
Step 6: Once the appointments are done, your application will be processed.
Step 7: After your application is approved, you can pick up your US visa documents from the pick-up point. You will receive an email and an SMS for your pick-up details.
About TATA AIG Travel Insurance Policy
Embarking on a journey to the United States of America is a dream come true. To fully embrace this unique experience, it is crucial to be prepared in every aspect. This includes gathering all the necessary documents, such as your passport, US visa and overseas travel insurance documents.
Although travel insurance USA is not a mandatory requirement, it is suggested that you have one for your safety. America is more expensive than India. In the event of any emergency during your trip, you might need to pay for expenses from your pocket. But with a travel insurance policy, you can rest assured against such financial stress.
TATA AIG travel insurance plans have some great features that can make your international trips more secure. We provide cover for delayed flights and delayed luggage, COVID-19 cover, medical emergencies and ambulance cover, assistance while travelling and a trip cancellation cover in case you cancel your trip due to an emergency.
Moreover, with us, you get 24/7 customer service from our in-house claim settlement and customer assistance team. It means whether you are in the US or India, we are here for you.
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.