visa issuance fees/passport photos

[gurusc]

hi,

1) can my parents (appearing for the interview together), take a single DD in the amount of Rs 4800/- towards the visa issuance fee or does it have to be 2 separate DD's for Rs 2400/- each? also can it be purchased from any bank or does it have to be HDFC?

2) as far as photo is concerned
a) how many are needed for each applicant?
b) do we need to affix them on the DS156 or will the consulate people do it?
c) they are basically regular passport size photos right? or is there anything special about these?

appreciate if somone can let me know

regards
guru

[jaya06]

1) It is safe to take 2 separate DDs - I don't know what the rule is
2) The DDs must be taken from any nationalized bank like SBI, ICICI etc. It need NOT be from HDFC.
3) Each applicant needs 2 photos (advisable to take 2 extra). I am not sure whether they have to stapled or glued.
4) I downloaded 'photograph requirements' instructions from one of the websites (may be path2usa or immi help) and asked my parents to take the sample and instructions to the photo studio. These days since everything is digitalized (even in small towns), the photographer was able to adjust the size and dimensions as per the sample I sent.

[Murali]

1. Must be separate drafts for each applicants.

here is the URL for photo specifciation
http://travel.state.gov/passport/guide/composition/composition_874.html

[gurusc]

thanks much jaya and murali

regards
guru