Questions on Visitor Visa process

[radhamadhuri]

I did homework by reading the process on this forum and also read others' posts regarding visitor visa process (India). Looks like the whole process looks like puzzle to me***. I have follow up questions. Kindly help me.

My case is very simple. I am planning to apply for visitors visa for both parents at US Consulate at Hyderabad . They must attend in-person interview (since < 80 years).

My questions:

1. I was reading the process on immihelp and I am confused about photos. Does my parents need to take photos (JPEG and hardcopy photo)? I got "No" since photos are needed for drop-off applicants. I got 'Yes' since DS-160 form requires digital photo to be uploaded. Please help me understand the process.

2. It was mentioned that $160 is the visa fee and must be paid in Indian Rupees (for Indian applicants). The Exchange rate varies daily, so for what amount should they have to pay for (160 * 66?)

3. The appointment can be together, I get this. But what about visa payment? Since both parents need separate DS-160s and hence they get "separate AA numbers from their DS-160 forms". So, should they pay separately (eg: Rs 10560 using first AA number and Rs 10560 using second AA number).

These questions could be basic for most of you but please help me understand.

***: My understanding is...Just initiate DS-160 to get the AA number. Use that AA Number and initiate schedule visa appointment process to get payment confirmation number/slip. Next, take that payment confirmation slip to bank and pay visa fee. Wait for 1 day or so to get another number (fee receipt number). Complete the visa appointment using this fee receipt number. Complete DS-160. What a complex process is it?

Thanks

[pb2au]

It is a very well designed, clear and simple process if you take the time to read and understand the instructions.

1) No photos are needed from you at the time of filing the online application. There will be an appointment for biometrics before their visa interview where photos will be taken.

2) The rupee equivalent is clearly stated.

3) The payment can be done together for both of them. Once you have the reference number for the payment you then schedule the biometrics and interview time slots for them together.

[radhamadhuri]

It is a very well designed, clear and simple process if you take the time to read and understand the instructions.

1) No photos are needed from you at the time of filing the online application. There will be an appointment for biometrics before their visa interview where photos will be taken.

Thank You for clarifying that hard copy photos are NOT required in the entire process.

Would you kindly let me know if the JPEG file is required since the DS-160 form has an option of uploading the photo?