Approximately how long after the interview is it ok to get a ticket for?

[knicksfan 0]

My wife's interview is on July 11th but we are not sure not when to get a ticket for. On an average, approximately how long does it take before the papers get prepared and when can she fly out? We want to get a ticket for the 20th of July which I think is enough time. I just want to buy the ticket now and save some money if possible.

[Cathi 5,748]

The DOS advises not to make any travel arrangements until after the visa has been issued. At the interview you never know if they will request more info or evidence.

[PrupleBlue 0]

It might be best to wait until after her interview to book the ticket...I wish you and your wife best of luck for the interview and Hope she gets her visa!! I believe it takes about 2-3 days to get the passport with the visa stamp after the visa is approved and she can fly immediately. However, there is no guarantee she will get her visa until you have the actual visa in your hand. You may end up loosing money if you book now and she does not receive her visa on the interview date. If you really want to save money, my suggestion is to wait after you have her visa in hand.

[TimeTravel 78]

Alot of times, you can get the great price even you book the ticket prior to 10 days to your travel date. Better to wait for VISA in hand! It is very important! Because who knows what kind of doc Consulate may need to complete your case at the last minute, and what if there is any error in printing for visa, etc etc.

[sunshine_84 11]

Alot of times, you can get the great price even you book the ticket prior to 10 days to your travel date. Better to wait for VISA in hand! It is very important! Because who knows what kind of doc Consulate may need to complete your case at the last minute, and what if there is any error in printing for visa, etc etc.

To get a good airfare price, you need to take into a consideration around which month of the year you are traveling. OP's wife will mostly travel to USA in July based on her visa interview date. End of July and August will be busy for new student visa passenger to depart from India, so it's good to book in advance with some protection to cancel the ticket if there is an issue to get the visa. I wish she will get visa without any issues

Edited June 7, 2012 by smart84

[Mr. H 0]

I will suggest to book the tickets and ask the airline, how much will it cost to change the date.

for example, SFO to Mumbai to SFO rough fair is around about 1350$ but in july and august rates go pretty much higher, and if purchasing ticket less than 10 days, could go near to 1700 to 1800$ but usually changing a date would only cost 100 to 200 $ depending on airline and travelling date.

[usaind 3]

My experience wait for visa to be in hand before u make any travel arrangements. VFS takes a minimum of 2-3 days ( working days ) for delivery

Spending couple extra hundred bucks is still better then taking any chances.

All the best

[Harsh_77 718]

My experience wait for visa to be in hand before u make any travel arrangements. VFS takes a minimum of 2-3 days ( working days ) for delivery

Spending couple extra hundred bucks is still better then taking any chances.

All the best

+1

VFS takes 2-3 days to deliver the passport with the visa, embassy takes 1-2 day to put the visa on passport.

Most of the time if they did not have open question at the time of interview than you are done, for India very few people go thru AP or they ask for more evidence after the interview.