How to Apply H1B Visa from India: H1B Stamping Experience
- Step 1: Submit the Documents for H1B Filing to Your Employer ...
- Step 2: Wait for the H1B Lottery Results ...
- Step 3: Wait for H1B Petition Approval ...
- Step 4: Fill out DS160 Form for H1B ...
- Step 5: Go for H1B Stamping to US consulate (Or Not) ...
- Step 6: H1B Visa Biometrics at Visa Application Center (VAC) ...
- Step 7: Schedule US Visa Appointment ...
Full Answer
Is it right time to go for H1B visa stamping?
This date will help you find out when you should apply for the H1B visa stamping. The rule is that you should apply around 90 days before you have to begin working in the US. This means that if your employment starting date is on August 1 st, you can apply for the visa in the beginning of May.
How long is H1b is valid without stamping?
Your H-1B visa will be valid for a maximum of six years. If it expires and USCIS approves your new one, you can get it re-stamped. Just follow the same procedures as when you first applied for the stamping, except that the U.S. consulate may ask for some additional documents.
How to apply H1B visa from India?
- Find a sponsor.
- Submit your peitition for a visa.
- Get in line.
Can I transfer my H1B before stamping?
Yes, you can use premium processing when filing for the H-1B transfer. Moreover, you can use this option in both cases: when transferring your H-1B before or after stamping. Because you are filing a new petition, you need to get approval from the USCIS, which means that you can be denied.
Can I get my H1B visa stamped in India?
To get your H1B stamping in India, you will have to fill in the DS-160 form, and then schedule your H1B interview at India's US embassy. You may go for any US embassy that you want, but it is advised that you choose the one that is closest to the place where you live.
How can I get H1B visa stamping?
H-1B Visa Stamping ProcessH-1B Visa Application Form DS-160. Form DS-160 can only be completed online at the Department of State. ... Submit Application Payment and Schedule the H-1B Visa Appointment. After paying the required fees, the foreign professional must schedule two appointments. ... The H-1B Visa Interview.
How can I apply for H1B visa from India?
To apply for an H1B visa from India, you must follow several important steps:Applicant Finds an H1B Sponsor. ... Employer Submits Labor Conditions Approval (LCA) ... Employer Submits Form I-129. ... Applicant Complete Application at U.S. Embassy.
When should I go for H1B stamping?
When you get hired by a US employer, they will provide you with a document which states your beginning employment date. This date will help you find out when you should apply for the H1B visa stamping. The rule is that you should apply around 90 days before you have to begin working in the US.
What documents do I need for H1B stamping?
Documents Required for H-1B StampingAppointment schedule letter.DS-160 barcode confirmation.Original H-1B visa approval notice (Form I-797)Letter for the H-1B visa application provided by your employer.Form I-129.Payment stubs for at least the last three months.H classification supplement to form I-129.More items...
How long is H1B stamp valid?
The H-1B visa and status is initially valid for three years and can then be extended for another three years. At the expiration of the maximum period of stay, the foreign worker must either leave the U.S. or obtain a different immigration status (such as an F-1 student or O-1 "extraordinary ability" worker).
How do I pay H1B stamping fee?
Where and how to pay the fee?Bank Electronic Payment via NEFT. Most banks in India, support National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT). ... Mobile Payments IMPS. ... Over the counter Cash payment at CitiBank or Axis bank.
Is offer letter required for H1B stamping?
While not absolutely required, these are a good idea to bring with you in case it comes up: A letter from your current employer, offering you a job extension. Copy of your CV. Company description, as well as documents of company projects.
What is the minimum H1B salary?
$60,000For the $60,000 wage to be determined, the nonimmigrant has to receive an annual salary or hourly wages that in total make at least $60,000, whether the worker has a full-time or part-time job. At the same time, the salary has to be paid “cash in hand” and “free and clear”, as well as paid when due.
What is the process for visa stamping?
InterviewExpired and current passports.Digital photograph of the applicant.Form DS160 visa application conformation page with Visa Application Centre stamp.Receipt of visa application.All documents related to the petition.The appointment letter.Supplementary documentation.
How do I book an appointment for H1B stamping?
Use Online Appointment System at the ustraveldocs website to set up an appointment with the US embassy or consulate where you will be applying for your H1 visa.Setting up a Visa Appointment. ... Documents Required to Schedule Visitor Visa Interview Appointment. ... Emergency Appointments. ... Move Visa Appointment to a Later Date.More items...
Is US embassy open in India for H1B stamping?
Overall Current Status Summary: US Consulates in India continue to be closed for regular operations as of August 10th, 2022. Their focus continues to be on F1 Students with lot of interview slots for F1 visas.
Is it necessary to get H1B stamped?
Is There a Requirement to Go to My Home Country for H1B Stamping? The short answer is no. You wouldn't have to go to your country to get your H-1B visa stamping process completed provided you can locate the consular officers in the region you are.
What are the chances of getting H1B stamping rejection?
From past studies, the denial rate of the H1B petitions has never been more than 6%, but it increased by double to a 12-percent rate in 2018 and 18% in 2019. Another study established that about 30% of H1B visa petitions filed in 2018 received requests for evidence (RFEs), which is 16% less in previous years.
Where to schedule H1B visa interview?
Scheduling the interview may be conducted at the closest U.S. consulate or embassy. The H-1B visa stamping process should be implemented in the following order:
How to secure a visa payment?
To secure payment approval, create a user profile with the U.S. Visa Service website. Select ‘Schedule Appointment.’ A payment confirmation page should appear. This page will allow the applicant to select the best-fitted payment information for the individual. The payment is only valid for a year, so it is important to schedule the appointment within that time.
What is a POE visa?
When you get to the port of entry (POE), you will have to undergo security clearance before you can be allowed to enter the country. Your visa stamp is one of the requirements to prove that you have valid authorization to travel to the United States.
Does the USCIS suspend visa stamping?
It also does not guarantee that your visa will be approved in the H-1B visa stamping process. There are times, however, when the USCIS will suspend premium processing to give preference to long-neglected petitions. This is true for all H-1B petitions during the 2017-2018 season.
Does premium processing increase chances of lottery?
A: Usually, premium processing is a service that only speeds up the time it takes for the USCIS to process your I-129 petition. It does not increase your chances of being selected in the lottery nor does it make you cap-exempt. It also does not guarantee that your visa will be approved in the H-1B visa stamping process.
H1B Visa Stamping
The following are the specifications and requirements in order to complete the H1B visa stamping process in India. These are arranged in terms of the H1B stamping timeline.
Application Fees and Schedule Appointment
The H1B application has a fee. To process this fee electronically and receive payment approval:
Additional Documents for Your H-1B Visa Stamping in India
The applicant might not be asked to present these, but they should keep them on hand.
Personal Documents for H1B Visa Stamping in India
Personal documents required depend from case to case. Requirements for one case may not be required in another. If the applicant lives in the US currently, they should bring copies of their utility bills and rental agreement. If the applicant wants to make sure which documents they need to bring, they should speak with their immigration attorney.
Documents for Spouse and dependent Children
Applicants with intentions to apply for an H-4 visa for their spouse and dependent children must bring:
FAQs
Who does the applicant have to set up interviews with for this process ?
How to apply for a visa stamp?
To apply for visa stamping, fill the DS-160 form, pay the visa fee and choose your desired US embassy. It is recommended to choose one that is closest to your place of residence.
How to check H1B status?
Alternatively, it is possible that a scanned copy of the receipt notice may have been sent to you. Use the receipt number to check the H1B Case Status and meaning on the USCIS website. The status should read, “Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was Emailed.” This means that USCIS will send a copy of the approval notice to your employer.
What happens after you receive an approval notice from the USCIS?
After receiving the approval notice from the USCIS, your company will forward it to you. You should bring this notice along when you go to the consular office for visa stamping. In case you applied for a Change of Status, the approval notice will have an updated Form I-94, which contains the details of status change.
How long does it take to get a US passport stamped?
EAD or OPT card (if applicable) After the submission of documents during the visa interview, it can take up to 4 weeks to receive your stamped passport.
Is it difficult to get an H1B visa?
Applying for an H1B visa is an arduous task and has become even more complex due to the recent tightening of visa regulations. It requires a lot of formalities to be completed and forms to be filled meticulously. As a result, the visa approval rate for Indians has plummeted in the last few years, with the number of H1B visas issued for initial employment dipping 4% in fiscal 2017.
What is an H1B visa?
Commonly known as a US work visa, H1B is a nonimmigrant, employment based visa that is granted to an eligible temporary worker. H1B must-have a US based, specialty occupation at-hand and your employer must apply for your H1B visa petition with the US Immigration Department. Once approved, this petition is a work permit in the form ...
How many appointments are required for H1B visa?
After you pay the fees, you will have to schedule 2 appointments as part of the H1B visa process. The two-part appointment process consists of an appointment with one of the five Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) to give Biometrics information that includes fingerprinting and photograph , and second an appointment with the Consulate or Embassy for a personal visa interview.
How long is the H1B visa good for?
The fee is good for a year from the date of payment. You must take an appointment within a year for your visa interview. Learn about how to pay H1 visa fee. Step 4. Take appointment for visa interview. After you pay the fees, you will have to schedule 2 appointments as part of the H1B visa process.
When to schedule fingerprinting appointment for VAC?
After taking appointment with the consulate or embassy for personal interview, schedule the fingerprinting appointment at least a day or two before the interview at the consulate. Earlier, the fingerprints were taken during the personal interview. But under the new rules you are required to give the Biometrics information at the VAC appointment. This measure has been introduced to reduce congestion at the US consular facilities and to speed up the applicant processing. Schedule the visa interview appointment at the Consulate or Embassy prior to the VAC appointment.
How many digits are in a visa barcode?
After successfully completing the application, you will receive a confirmation with a 10-digit barcode. Take a printout of this page. This will be needed for setting up your visa interview appointment.
Where can I take an appointment for US visa stamping in India?
In India, you can take appointment to any US consulate (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, or Kolkata). Appointment must be taken through www.USTravelDocs.com/in. Consulate also has priority/urgent appointment quota for people who are visiting India and need to do re-stamping. See complete details about How to take Visa stamping appointment in India.
How long does an H1 visa last?
Mostly H1 authorizations (form I-797) are issued for 3 years, so the Visa stamped on your passport reflects the date close to this expiry date, unless consulate gives you a Visa for duration less than the Date on your H1 form.
What is the difference between H1 status and H1 visa?
H1 status and H1 Visa stamping both are different things. H1 approval is the authorization to work in US, and Visa stamped on your passport is authorization to enter into USA.
Is re-stamping the same as stamping?
The process of re-stamping is same as any new US visa stamping, except that there is flexibil ity and different/min documents are required. Even though though it is re-stamping, applicant needs to appear for personal interview at the US consulate.
What forms are used for a nonimmigrant visa?
Embassy or Consulate that is using the new DS160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, you will use only one form. This has replaced forms: DS156, DS157, DS158, and DS-3032, which are no longer necessary. Note: The exceptions are Fiancee Visas (K-1/2) which still require use of the forms DS156 and DS156K, and the Treaty Trader/Treaty Investor visa application, which is explained below. Please confirm with your local Embassy or Consulate website accordingly.
What is DS160 form?
Form DS160 is an online nonimmigrant visa application form to be completed online. Go to the online DS160 application.
How long does it take to complete the application?
It can take 15-30 minutes if the applications is completed in one sitting.
What happens if I need to step away in the middle of data entry?
The DS-160 will "time out" approximately 20 minutes after the application has been left idle and you will lose all data entered thus far. The "time out" is designed to protect your privacy. In order to guard against possible "time out" issues you should save the application at regular intervals while you are completing the application. To save the application, click the "Save" button at the bottom center of the application. Clicking "save" will temporarily save your application. In order to finally save your application, select the "Save Application to File" button. Then, click the "Save" button on the 'File Download' window. Identify a place on your computer to save the application file, browse to that location, and click the "Save" button on the Save As window. The system will download your application to the specified location. Once the download is complete you can click "Close" to return to the application. You can then use the "Import Application Date" option on the "Getting Started" page to upload the data that you have already entered.
Do I bring my entire application with me to the interview, or just bring the confirmation page?
Just your confirmation page is needed to retrieve your application data. You must bring the confirmation page with you during all phases of the application process. Without the confirmation page, it may not be possible to access your application and process your visa case.
How to take a screenshot of confirmation page?
Alternatively, you can take a screenshot (Shift + Prt Sc button) and paste it in a Word file for printing later.
What information is required for a family application?
Family information of applicant (Details of parents of each applicant, occupation, mailing address, work address, income, etc).
When will the US Embassy in India extend the visa fee?
US Embassy in India has extened the Visa Appointment Fee (MRV Fee) validity by an year to September 30, 2023 . If you were not able to book an appointment since the consulates have been closed due to COVID, you are in good shape as you have until Sep 2023 to book an appointment. See screenshot below
When will the US see more appointments in India?
We will see more appointment slots from Jan 2022 to May 2022 as per new guidance by head of US Consulates in India. Check Guidance by US Head of Consulates in India for appointments
Is the US visa stamping cancelled in 2021?
Due to the Presidential proclamation on April 30, 2021, that imposes a travel ban to the US from India, US Consulates and Embassy in India have canceled all US Visa stamping regular visa stamping appointments until further notice. There is no estimated date when they will lift the travel ban. Currently they are only serving cases that fall under NIE or part of exemptions in proclamation.
Can I apply for NIE in the US?
Apply NIE while in US : You cannot apply for NIE when you are physically present in the US. You need to be in India and then only apply for NIE. Check US Consulate Chennai Guidance – Can you apply for NIE, while in US for full details.
Do I need a new visa if I already have one?
You do not need a new US Visa, if you are already in US. As long as you have your I-797 approval valid and I-94 valid, you are fine. All you need to do is maintain Status. Read US Visa vs. Status Difference
Has the B1 appointment changed?
No Changes to the B1/B2 Appointments. This was one of the most frequently asked question and US consulate did not give any information on this. See below screenshot and check Top 10 FAQs of week on US Embassy Website
Is there a change in the US consulate visa?
Even though the travel ban is lifted, there is no change in the US Consulates visa appointments situation. Only limited appointments for Dropbox and some regular appointments. No Dropbox slots open for B1/B2 Appointments yet.
How long does it take to get a visa stamped?
You will very likely get a decision on your visa stamping within 7 to 10 business days from the day you dropped off your documents.
What does VAC stand for in visa application?
But, if you see VAC at the end of the consulate name, then you are booking a biometrics appointment. VAC Stands for Visa Application Center and when you see that you are booking an appointment for giving Biometrics at the VAC office before your in-person visa interview. See below screenshot for your reference.
When does the US visa expire?
But, due to COVID-19, US Dept of State has increased the 12 months from expiry to 24 months from expiry. It is valid until March 31st, 2021. You can read more at US Visa Dropbox Changed to 24 Months – FAQs.
What does OFC stand for in visa?
Technically, OFC Stands for Offsite Facilitation Center and the Visa appointment system is asking you to book an appointment to drop off your US Visa documents at an Offsite Facilitation Center .
How long is a visa application valid for?
There is no fee to change an appointment and visa application fees are valid for one year in the country where the fee was paid. The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law.
When did Biden suspend travel to India?
On April 30, President Biden signed Presidential Proclamation 10199 suspending most nonimmigrant travel from India. In light of the travel suspension and due to the current pandemic situation in India, most other routine nonimmigrant visa and VAC appointments at U.S. Embassy New Delhi and the consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, ...
What determines what type of visa is required?
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
How to request an expedited appointment?
How to Request an Expedited Appointment: Applicants can request an expedited appointment through our online appointment system at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/expedited-appointment.html. You must already have a confirmed interview appointment date in order to request an expedited appointment. If your expedited appointment request is approved, you will be notified with instructions via email. You should not cancel your existing appointment unless you receive a confirmation that your request for an expedited appointment has been approved. If you have not yet received an approval or denial, your request is still under consideration.
What is business traveler?
Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business.
What are the exceptions to the suspension of entry?
There are certain exceptions to the suspension of entry, including exceptions for certain family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, among other exceptions listed in the proclamations.
Is there a drop box for visa renewal in India?
Drop Box Appointments: Consular sections across India are now accepting a limited number of drop box applications for renewals of H, L, C1/D, O, I, F, M, and J visas at our Visa Application Centers. Please visit our website to determine whether you are eligible for drop box processing and schedule an appointment for document drop-off. A list of drop-off locations is available on our website.
