Everything You Need to Know About the US Consulate Kolkata
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The US Consulate Kolkata, India
Consulates or embassies are typically the primary diplomatic representation of one country in another. While most governments have at least one embassy in another foreign country, consular offices may not always exist.
Usually, the primary function of any consulate is to undertake administrative duties, including processing visas for citizens of their host territory and providing information and guidance about immigration processes.
Where Is the US Consulate in Kolkata, India, Located?
5/1, Ho Chi Minh Sarani Rd
Kankaria Estates
Park Street Area
Kolkata
West Bengal 700071
India.
Other US consulates in India are located in Chennai (Madras), Hyderabad, and Mumbai (Bombay).
The Kolkata consulate’s working hours are 8.00 AM – 5.00 PM Monday through Friday. The US embassy and consulate in India are closed during national holidays in India or the United States.
Contacting the US Consulate General, Kolkata
For assistance, you can contact the US Consulate in Kolkata by email [email protected] or by telephone at 91-33-6827-2400.
If you need emergency assistance, contact the Consulate General at 91-(33)-6827-2400. Calls regarding US citizens in need made after business hours will be directed to an officer on duty for immediate assistance.
To report a US citizen’s arrest, hospitalization, or death, contact the 24/7 US Embassy New Delhi switchboard at (033)-6827-2400 and ask to be connected to Kolkata American Citizen Services. However, remember that American Citizen Services can’t answer questions regarding US visas.
Services Provided by the US Consulate in Kolkata
Aside from representing the US appropriately in India, the US embassy and consulates are responsible for issuing visas to foreign nationals who wish to study, work, or visit the United States. They also help and provide other services to US residents traveling to or residing in India and assist the US authorities when they visit.
The specific duties of the consulate include:
- Accepting applications for tourist, resident, employment, or business visas
- Checking the information on visa application forms, attesting documents, and conducting visa interviews
- Approving or denying visa applications to those who want to enter the United States for a temporary period (non-immigrant visas) and those who want to establish permanent residence in the United States (immigrant visas)
- Helping US citizens in India who are facing passport-related issues.
Areas the Kolkata Consulate Serves
The US Consulate in Kolkata provides services to several areas, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, and West Bengal.
Obtaining Immigrant and Non-immigrant US Visas in India
While non-immigrant visa applicants have to prove to the consular officer that there are strong ties to their home country that will ensure they will return after a temporary stay in the US, visa applicants for immigrant visas go through a different procedure.
A foreign citizen has to be sponsored by a US citizen or a prospective US employer for an immigrant visa. Alternatively, they can be sponsored by a lawful permanent resident.
The process begins when a sponsor files a petition on behalf of a foreign citizen. However, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has to approve that petition before you can apply for an immigrant visa.
American immigration law and the visa processes are rarely simple as they may sometimes seem. Whether you are facing a complicated or a straightforward issue, an experienced immigration law attorney can help successfully resolve them.
If you want an immigrant visa and wish to know more about other steps in the process or visa interviews, an immigration attorney in Atlanta can help you.
Is US Visa Stamping Open in Kolkata?
Routine B1/B2 in-person visa appointments are expected to be resumed in September 2022. In addition, consular officers are authorized to waive the in-person interview requirements for certain visa category applicants until December 31, 2022. This doesn’t apply to applicants who have a previous rejection. The officers can request an in-person interview if additional information is needed.
Because of reduced staffing and pandemic-related restrictions, visa appointment demands for all visa categories are high, so wait times may be lengthy.
The US Consulate General in Kolkata also provides limited routine appointments for citizens. US citizens are encouraged to inquire about the services they require on the consular website, follow instructions and schedule an appointment.
Those with an urgent situation should request an emergency passport appointment from the consulate serving their area. The US embassy or consulate in the state where the citizen resides is responsible for renewing passports.
Can I Go to Any US Consulate in India?
Visa applicants and US citizens who are granted appointments at the US Embassy in New Delhi or any US consulate in India are forbidden from visiting them if they have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 7 days before their visit.
Visitors should also comply with all local restrictions and regulations regarding wearing masks in public venues.
Who Can Travel to India
US citizens holding tourist or e-tourist visas can travel to India for tourism and other short-term purposes. Visas that were previously suspended due to COVID-19 have been fully reinstated and are valid for travel until their printed expiration dates.
Individuals moving to India as residents and certain business travelers are also permitted to enter India. But, all travelers are advised to carefully review the information from the Government of India regarding COVID-19 restrictions and note that these regulations can change with little notice.
If you are unsure about Indian visa requirements and travel restrictions, consider contacting an immigration lawyer Marietta at Manji Law. Engaging with an immigration law firm can help save money and time. You can reach the firm for a free consultation at 678-902-2999.
