Consular Exchange Rate of US Dollar to go up from Aug 7

New Delhi, July 28 (UNI) The Consular exchange rate of US dollar will be raised from Rs 46 to Rs 48 to the Dollar from August 7, the US embassy here announced today.

The decision had been taken because of the recent fall in the value of the rupee against other currencies, including the U S dollar.

''Effective Monday, August 7, 2006 the United States consular sections in India will adjust the consular exchange rate from Rs. 46 to Rs. 48 to the dollar, thereby increasing all rupee denominated costs of applying for visas and passports at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General,'' a statement issued by the US embassy here said today.

The 100 Dollar non-immigrant visa application fee, paid at HDFC branch banks prior to the scheduling of visa appointments, will cost Rs. 4,800.

This, however, does not include HDFC or VFS fees. Applicants who have purchased Rs. 4,600 demand drafts prior to August 7, will not be required to bring the additional Rs. 200 to cover the increase.

All non-immigrant visa fees paid on August 7 or later will be in the amount of Rs. 4800 plus HDFC and VFS fees.

Applicants for visas that require an issuance fee, should submit a demand draft made out to the Embassy or Consulate General in the amount of Rs 2,400 to cover the 50 Dollar issuance fee on the day of the visa interview.

Applicants for student, exchange visitor, transit and crewman visas are not charged issuance fees and therefore do ]not need to submit the Rs. 2400 bank draft.

Applicants for Blanket L1 visas should submit a demand draft in the amount of Rs. 24,000 to cover the 500 Dollar issuance fee.

At the U S Consulate General in Mumbai, applicants will be permitted to pay the Rs. 100 increase in issuance fee with a second demand draft, provided they have submitted their demand draft of Rs.2300 in advance to VFS.

Applicants who have not submitted a demand draft to VFS should appear for their interviews with one demand draft in the amount of Rs. 2400 ''The August 7 adjustment in exchange rate will increase the rupee price of all consular transactions, including services for American citizens. U.S. passport applications for children under 16 will increase to Rs. 3,936, and adult passport renewal applications will cost Rs. 3,216, while first time adult passport applicants will pay Rs. 4,656. A single notary seal will cost Rs. 1,440,'' the statement added.

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