how to apply for visa stamping in india

How to Apply H1B Visa from India: H1B Stamping Experience

• Step 1: Submit the Documents for H1B Filing to Your Employer. The majority of the employers start the process of...
• Step 2: Wait for the H1B Lottery Results. USCIS will run lottery on the H1B registrations filed by the employers all...
• Step 3: Wait for H1B Petition Approval. Once you are chosen through lottery,...

Full Answer

Is Visa/MasterCard widely accepted in India?

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in India - especially in the country's major metropolitan areas, like New Delhi and Mumbai. Large establishments, hotels, restaurants, shops and most online retailers allow you to pay by credit card, and some even accept American Express and Discover.

What does a visa of America cost from India?

• Immediate Relative or Family Preference Immigration Applications cost 325.00 USD in addition to the petition
• Employment-Based Immigration Applications cost 345.00 USD in addition to the petition
• Other immigration applications (such as self-petitioning) cost 205.00 USD
• K visa for a fiancé or spouse of a US citizen costs 265.00 USD

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Can US citizens get a visa on arrival in India?

US passport holders must have a visa to travel to India. Fortunately, American citizens are eligible to apply for the India eVisa. The process is fully online with no need to present paperwork in person at an Indian embassy or consulate. Travelers from the U.S. should request the correct visa depending on their reason for visiting India.

How to get a visa for India from the USA?

• Original Passport and it should have six months validity date after arrival in the USA.
• All old passports.
• Digital and Hard Copy of the photograph as per the defined specifications.
• Interview Appointment letter.
• DS160 US Visa Application confirmation page stamped at the Visa Application Center.
• Payment receipt of the fee paid.

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.

Is visa stamping in India open?

More F1 visa appointment slots are open as the focus is on Spring 2022 students. All US consulates in India continue to operate in limited fashion with limited number of appointments. Regular operations are not yet open.

What is visa stamping fee?

The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is US$160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190.

How can I get 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...

How can I check visa slots availability?

Give your Access Code (received in the signup) in the extension. Log in to CGI portal from the browser you installed the extension. Navigate to schedule appointment on the visa portal.

How do I book visa slots?

0:4318:47HOW TO BOOK USA F1 VISA SLOT? STEP BY STEP GUIDE 2022YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn order to book the visa slot the documents you need are your passport i20 and the ds 160MoreIn order to book the visa slot the documents you need are your passport i20 and the ds 160 confirmation.

What is H-1B stamping fee in India?

H1B Visa Fees - Pay H1B Visa Fees in IndiaVisa TypeFee (USD)Fee (INR)H1B Visa and H4 Visa$460₹ 29, 670

How much does a visa cost in India?

India eVisa Service FeeVisa CategoryNumber of applicants1 Applicant2 ApplicantNormal$69$67UrgentAdditional $79Super UrgentAdditional $99

What is H-1B stamping fee?

The Basic Fee for the H1-B visa–the baseline cost of filing an I-129 H-1B application–is currently $460. This fee is unchanged from last year but was significantly increased from the previous $325, so it's important to keep track of changes in fees so that your application is properly processed.

How long does H1B stamping take in India?

1 to 4 weeksH1B Visa stamping can take 1 to 4 weeks. Processing time varies with each US embassy too. If you are in your home country like India, you can expect to wait up to 4 weeks after a Visa interview to get stamped Passport in-hand.

What is the process for H1B visa stamping in India?

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.

Is H1B visa stamping mandatory?

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.

Are visa slots open for fall 2022?

Earlier in May, the Embassy opened its first batch of interview slots for dates in June and the first half of July 2022, as the Times of India reported.

Why don't I get US visa appointments in India?

In January this year, the US Embassy in India temporarily closed all in-person appointments due to a surge in applications received in the Fall-Winter period. Eliminating the need for a walk-in interview can greatly shorten the process of getting an approval stamp to greenlight students' entry into the US.

When US visa will open in India?

The United States has announced that it would be resuming in-person tourist visa appointments from September. "We are resuming routine in-person tourist visa appointments in September 2022. Previously, scheduled placeholders have now been cancelled.

Is US Embassy in India open for visa interview?

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are opening appointments across all visacategories, but with limited availability based on local conditions and operational capacity. You may apply for a visa interview at whichever location is most convenient and where you are able to find appointment availability.

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.

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 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.

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 .

Does the visa waiver dropbox change?

The criteria for US visa interview waiver or dropbox option has not changed with the introduction of appointment booking. All the The documents required has not changed, you are still required to submit all the required documents.

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.

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 prepare for an interview for a job?

Inquire at the U.S. consulate in your country about which documents are needed as the list might be different in each country. Before going in for your interview, make sure you are well prepared. Take all relevant documents with you and be ready to answer all questions confidently and honestly.

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.

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.

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 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.

How to prepare for an interview?

Prepare for your interview by being able to clearly and concisely describe your intentions.

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, ...

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

What is the form for nonimmigrant visa?

Once your petition is approved and you have an idea of when you would be traveling to the United States, it’s time to fill in the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form called DS-160. It’s quite a long form where you need to fill in a lot of information, that would include both personal and professional information.

What do you need to fill out before applying for a visa?

Each employer sends you a U.S. visa questionnaire to fill in before filing your application. This would contain questions on the client name and address, the consulate that would process your application, and your personal details.

How long do you have to submit payslips for H1B visa?

Usually your employer would ask you to submit payslips for the last one year or the offer letter or joining letter for the H1B visa application.

What would the security check on a VAC appointment?

Once there, the security would check your appointment letter and passport to let you in. In the building, the VAC staff would verify it again. Then a token will be issued for biometrics & photos.

How long does it take for USCIS to process a SLA?

If your application is filed in regular processing, there is no SLA from USCIS. They can process it anywhere from few weeks to 6 months or more.

Is it safe to get an H1B visa from India?

If you apply H1B visa from India through your employer which is a big/mid-size legit company, you are safe. However, many people also apply through consultancies or IT Body Shop companies and they often ask for originals such as passport, certificates etc. This is their way to keep a lid on you.

Can a family sponsor an H1B visa?

And no, your family living in US cannot sponsor you H1B visa. Here is the step by step process to get H1B visa through your employer. No matter who your employer is or which country you live in, these steps will always be the same.

How to pay visa fee in India?

The fee can be paid either electronically as a bank transfer or in cash at designated CitiBank or Axis bank branches throughout the India. In order to ensure the proper amount is paid and activated in a timely manner, first create a profile at US visa Service website and choose the Schedule Appointment option. On the payment confirmation screen you will be presented with payment options and further details of how to initiate payment. The fee is good for a year from the date of payment. You must take an appointment within a year for your visa interview.

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.