NewsBriefs - Archive of Updates & Announcements posted in 2010
Revision in Consular Exchange Rate
Posted: December 03, 2010
With effect from Wednesday, December 1, 2010, the U.S. Consular Exchange rate is adjusted from INR 46 to the dollar to INR 47 to the dollar.
This will affect the INR equivalent for all the non-immigrant, immigrant visa and Citizenship services application fees paid on or after December 1, 2010. Effectively, the new non-immigrant visa application fee is INR. 6,580 (equivalent to USD $140 for non-petition based visa categories) and INR. 7,050 (equivalent to USD $150 for petition based visa categories). Applicants who paid the fees prior to December 1, 2010 can use the HDFC receipts as long as one year has not elapsed since purchase of the receipts.
This update can be found here.
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U.S. Visa Application Process Made More Convenient
Posted: December 03, 2010
Regular subscribers of the MurthyIndiaBulletin and readers of MurthyIndia.com are aware that the U.S. Visa application process has been continuously streamlined to make the application process simpler. In yet another effort to make interview dates available immediately, the U.S. Ambassador to India Mr. Timothy J. Roemer on November 18, 2010 announced that the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and the U.S. Consulates in Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Calcutta will accept visa applications from across India, irrespective of the domicile of the applicant.
It may be recalled that earlier, visa applicants would necessarily have to apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate which has jurisdiction over the applicants place residence. The only exception to this was for H and L workers who had already obtained a H or L visa and were working in the U.S. and are applying for a subsequent H or L visa.
Further, the Consular Districts have been re-organized and the present jurisdiction is vested as detailed below:
U.S. Embassy, New Delhi:
Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bhutan;
U.S. Consulate General Mumbai:
Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Diu and Daman, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli;
U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad:
Andhra Pradesh and Orissa;
U.S. Consulate General Chennai:
Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands;
U.S. Consulate General Kolkata:
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, West Bengal
This update is available here.
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With Effect From November 20, 2010, an Additional Fee is applicable for H and L visa categories
Posted: December 03, 2010
An update on the VFS website indicates that with effect from November 20, 2010 the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and the U.S. Consulates in Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Calcutta would collect an additional fee of US$ 2,000 for certain H1-B and $ 2,500 for L1-A and L1-B petitions which are covered by the provisions of Public Law 111-230. The additional fee is applicable if the petitioner employs more than 50 employees and out of this, 50% of the employees are on H1-B or L1-A, L1-B or L-2 status. This fee has to be borne by the Petitioner / Employer. However, the update does not clarify this specifically.
This fee is in addition to the $500 Fraud Detection and Prevention Fee and the Visa application for of US$ 150 and this update can be found here
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Delivery via VFS Courier Services Extended for all U.S. Passport Applicants
Posted: November 05, 2010
A recent update on Chennai consular website indicates that new courier delivery service is available for U.S. passports through VFS courier services. Henceforth all American Citizens opting for courier delivery should obtain a demand draft in favor of “VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd” for INR 166 per passport. S/he should carry the demand draft along with a completed courier slip for the appointment available here for respective consulate / embassy. The facility is available for all U.S. consulates / embassy in India. The applications without demand draft and completed VFS courier slip at Mumbai consulate will be treated as collection of passport in-person from the ACS Unit at the consulate.
Alternatively American citizens may collect the passport in person from the respective American Citizen Services unit on Monday to Friday except the last Wednesday of the every month and on the respective consular holidays. The specified hours for collecting the U.S. passport is available on respective consulate / embassy website.
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L Visa Annotation for Blanket Visa Applicant
Posted: November 05, 2010
This update is for Blanket L visas.
Applicants who received L1 visa stamping after May 2010 based on approved blanket L petition, should ensure that his/her visa stamping has the proper annotation "Blanket L-1" for the principal beneficiary and "Blanket L-2" for any derivative spouse or child. Moreover the annotation should state the name of petitioner mentioned in I-129S (Nonimmigrant Petition i.e., Blanket L Petition). This policy has been issued by the Department of State in May 2010 since some blanket L visas were annotated with the name of the parent company and not with the petitioner's name in I-129S. Though this policy was issued for the consulate(s) and embassy, the applicant(s) who had their stamping after May 2010 must get his/her annotation corrected accordingly at the consulate / embassy where the visa was issued.
In general all visa applicants are requested to verify the name, passport number etc., on the visa page once s/he receives the passport.
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VFS Reverts in Change of Name for Demand Draft towards VFS Service Charge
Posted: November 05, 2010
Readers and visitors of muthyindia.com should be aware of the earlier update on October 5, 2010 where demand drafts for VFS service charge should be made in favor of “VFS Global Service Pvt. Ltd” instead of "HDFC Bank a/c VFS".
With effect from October 7, 2010, VFS has reverted back to its earlier stance that the demand draft towards VFS Service Charges should favor of "HDFC Bank a/c VFS". The current fee is INR 380 per applicant. The demand draft should be drawn on a Nationalized Bank, and demand drafts from cooperative banks are not accepted
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Completing Form DS160 Online Got Easier!
Posted: November 05, 2010
The new form DS160 was introduced earlier in 2010. Since its introduction, many non-immigrant visa applicants have been complaining of the session expiring and having to refill the application. In our earlier article, we had advised applications to save the file at each stage so that s/he can retrieve the application and continue from where it was last saved.
A recent update on the Consular Electronic Application Center's website indicates that the application will be saved each time the "Next" button is clicked. It is important to note the record "Application ID" displayed on the to right-hand corner of the screen. If the applicant has to stop prior to submission of the application this "Application ID" will be required to retrieve the un-submitted application. The data can be retrieved within 30 days. If you foresee that you may be able to submit the application later than 30 days, then you may use the option to save the data file permanently to your hard-drive. This can be done by clicking on the "Save" on the bottom of the screen.
This update can be found here.
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Non-immigrant Visa Interview Appointments Scheduled for November 17 and 18 Have Been Cancelled
Posted: November 05, 2010
Non-immigrant visa applicants with interview date at Chennai, falling on November 17 or November 18, 2010 have received an eMail from VFS stating that they will either be contacted by VFS to reschedule and the interview to a later date, failing which the applicants will have to do this on their own. The text of this eMail suggests that one does not have to cancel the existing appointment to reschedule the interview date, but they have the option of doing so at their discretion. Clarification Obtained from VFS However, Attorneys at Murthy Immigration Services contacted the VFS helpline and it was clarified that if the applicant has not cancelled and rescheduled an appointment earlier, then they should use this option to cancel the existing appointment and book a new one. However, if the applicant has already cancelled the application once, then they need to contact VFS for help with rescheduling. This information is particularly significant because one is allowed to cancel only twice but on cancelling the application the second time, the PIN is blocked for a period of 90 days – so effectively this option can be used only once! Applicants scheduled for interview on one of these dates are requested to be careful while rescheduling the appointment especially if they have already cancelled once.
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Revision in Consular Exchange Rate
Posted: October 28, 2010
With effect from November 1, 2010, the consular exchange rate is revised to INR 46 to a US$ from the existing INR 47 to a US$. Consequentially, all the non-immigrant and immigrant visa application fee will have be paid at the current consular exchange rate. The fee for a non-petition based non-immigrant visa like B, F, M would be INR 6,440 (US$ 140 x INR 46) and the revised fee for petition based non-immigrant visas like H and L would be INR 6,900 (US$ 150 x INR 46). This update is available at the VFS website.
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Change in name for Demand Draft towards VFS Service Charge
Posted: October 05, 2010
Please note that with effect from October 5, 2010, the demand draft towards VFS Service Charge should be made in favor of "VFS Global Service Pvt. Ltd." instead of "HDFC Bank a/c VFS". Previously the demand draft used to be in favor of "HDFC Bank a/c VFS".
It is understood that demand drafts for the VFS Service Charge drawn in favor of "HDFC Bank a/c VFS" will be honored for a limited period. The exact duration for which this will be accepted is not mentioned on the update. The demand draft should be drawn on a Nationalized Bank, and demand drafts from cooperative banks are not accepted. This update is available here.
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Increase in VFS Service Charges with effect from October 5, 2010
Posted: October 04, 2010
With effect from October 5, 2010 the VFS Service Charges is revised from INR 374 to INR 380. It is understood that this increase in fee has been necessitated on account of increase in HDFC Bank charge. The HDFC Bank charge portion of the VFS Service Fee has been revised from INR 15 to INR 21 and this increase is passed on the visa applicants.
This update is available at https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/USIndia/news.html.
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Revision in Consular Exchange Rate
Posted: October 01, 2010
With effect from October 1, 2010, the consular exchange rate is revised to INR 47 to a US$ from the existing INR 48 to a US$. Consequentially, all the non-immigrant and immigrant visa application fee will have be paid at the current consular exchange rate. The fee for a non-petition based non-immigrant visa like B, F, M would be INR 6,580 (US$ 140 x INR 47) and the revised fee for petition based non-immigrant visas like H and L would be INR 7,050 (US$ 150 x INR 47). The current fee schedule for non-immigrant and immigrant visas can be found at the Consular website. This update is also available at the VFS website.
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Improved, Comprehensive and Multi-Lingual Customer Service From October 1, 2010
Posted: October 01, 2010
A notification on the official website of the U.S. Embassy, New Delhi indicates that with effect from October 1, 2010; the Embassy will provide improved, comprehensive and multi-lingual customer service through VFS's New Calling center. The new facility will provide increased hours for queries which will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding US Embassy holidays. The VFS contact information is as follows: Phone number to dial from within India: 0120-6611411 Phone number to dial from outside India: +91-120-6611411 Email inquiries can be sent to infousdelhi@vfshelpline.com
This notification can be found here.
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Update on Interactive Meeting With Mr. James Herman, Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs
Posted: September 03, 2010
On September 1, 2010 the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, Delhi had organized an interactive session with Mr. James Herman, Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs in New Delhi. Here are some excerpts from the meeting:
Drop-Box System May Be Re-Introduced by end of Next Year:
Mr. Herman indicated that there is a high probability that the popular drop-box system may be re-introduced by end of next year. It may be recalled that in early 2000, applicants renewing their visa and applicants who met certain criteria could use the drop-box system to apply for a visa and a person appearance was not required.
The introduction of the biometrics necessitated applicants to visit the consulate for the finger printing. When the new system is introduced, Mr. Herman also pointed out that there could be an off-site collection center for applicants to visit and provide the required biometrics.
Unified Support Services May be Introduced:
As of now, there is a visa application fee and a separate service fee for the VFS services. Mr. Herman mentioned that by 2012 we could expect a new system wherein there will be one fee which will include the visa application and service fee.
Calls for Reciprocal Immigration Policies:
During the meeting, Mr. Herman pointed out the clarity of the U.S. visa application process and called for a reciprocal approach by the Indian Embassy. He pointed out that US Citizens had difficult time trying to identify the category of visa applicable for their visit and the whole process was not very clear.
Efforts on the minimize processing time for cases involving Administrative Process:
Mr. Herman clarified that about 97% of the approved visas were processed on the same day and more than 99% of the approved visas are processed within a month. It was indicated that efforts are on to minimize processing times for the remaining applications as well.
Conclusion:
We thank Mr. James Herman for sharing the above information and thank the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce for arranging the interactive session which would benefit U.S. visa applicants.
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New Web Inquiry Form on U.S. Consulate, Chennai's website
Posted: September 03, 2010
The Consulate General of the United States in Chennai has recently introduced a web inquiry form for case-specific questions relating to non-immigrant and immigrant visa applications. The form takes in information about the applicant, passport information, case number, visa category, contact information, information about attorney if any. We welcome this move and we trust this form will streamline information received by the consulate and help them provide a more clear response.
The non-immigrant inquiry form can be found here and the immigrant inquiry form can be found here.
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Unified Inquiry Number for VFS Helpdesk in India
Posted: August 11, 2010
A notification of the VFS website dated August 10, 2010 indicates that with effect from August 16, 2010 there will be a unified helpdesk number for U.S. visa applicants in India. This helpdesk is for persons who need to make an enquiry or seek clarification on U.S. visa application process applicable in India.
Applicants calling from within India will have to dial 0120-6611411. International callers need to prefix the International dialing code for India (+91). It may be noted that previously the VFS offered region wise helpdesk numbers. The help desk timing is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday except Indian / U.S. holidays.
This update is available on the VFS website.
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Fee Revision for American Citizen Services and Immigrant Visa Application
Posted: August 06, 2010
A recent update on the U.S. Embassy and Consular websites in India notify a change in fees for the American Citizen Services (http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/pr070910.html) and Immigrant visas fees (http://chennai.usconsulate.gov/immigrantstous/fees.html) with effect from June 13, 2010. This revision is based on the interim final rule issued by U.S. Department of State (DOS) on June 28, 2010 amending the fee structure for consular services and this came into effect from July 13, 2010. The reason for the revision in fee is to meet the actual operating expenses for 301 consular posts, 23 passport agencies in the U.S., and other centers that provide consular services to both U.S and foreign citizens. Subscribers of our monthly bulletin and regular visitors to http://www.murthyindia.com may be aware that we had reported the revision of non-immigrant visa fee in June, 2010. Applicant(s) for immigrant visa, who paid immigrant visa fee of US $ 400 at NVC and passport applications submitted for United state Citizens prior to July 13, 2010, will not be required to pay the higher fee even if the interview with consulate is scheduled later than July 13, 2010.
While we make all efforts to keep our subscribers informed of any fee revision or procedural change, applicants are encouraged to visit the respective consular website prior to the interview for latest exchange rate.
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Revision of Lounge Service Charges at Mumbai
Posted: July 02, 2010
A recent notification of the VFS website indicates the revision in their optional Lounge Service Charges. U.S. visa applicants may be aware that the VFS Global Services Private Limited (VFS) offers The Stars and Stripes Lounge, a place where US visa applicants may opt to wait ahead of their visa interview.
The revised cost of the entry coupon with effect from July 1, 2010 is Rs. 275 per person. This coupon is applicable for all persons aged five years and above. As indicated earlier, this is an optional service extended by VFS. Lounge coupons for Mumbai are available across the counter at VFS application centers in Ahmedabad, Pune and Mumbai. Persons who purchase this Lounge facility may arrive at the facility 30 minutes prior to the interview and can use their facilities and will be transported to the U.S. Consulate, Mumbai for their interview on schedule.
This update is available on the VFS website.
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Revision in Non-immigrant Visa Application Fee and Change in Consular Exchange Rate
Updated On: June 4, 2010 | Posted: May 26, 2010
An update dated May 25, 2010 on the U.S. Embassy and consular websites in India notify a change in the non-immigrant visa application fees with effect from June 4, 2010 and a change in the consular exchange rate with effect from May 28, 2010.
New Two-Tire Fee Structure Introduced:
It may be noted that the nonimmigrant visa application fee has always been the same for all categories of nonimmigrant visas. While some categories of nonimmigrant visas attract additional fee like the Blanket L1 which has the fraud prevention fee, the application has traditionally been the same for all categories of visa.
The latest revision introduces a division of fees based on the category of visa the applicant is applying for. The new fee for non-petition based visa applicants like the B, C, D, F, M and J applicants is US$140. Such applicants will be issued a “white” receipt on payment of the fees. For petition based visa applications like H, L, O, P, Q and R visas the fee is US$150 and applicants will receive a “Green” receipt upon payment of fees. The fee for K visas is US$350.
The Revised Fee Applies Irrespective of Date of Purchase:
Generally, the fee revisions, especially the revision based on change in consular exchange rate will not affect payments made prior to the effective date of change. However, the notification indicates that this fee change will apply irrespective of the date of purchase of the HDFC receipts.
Effectively, if one has purchased the HDFC receipt by paying the equivalent of US$131, then the applicant will have to pay the difference in fee at the time of interview if s/he appears for a visa interview after on or after June 4, 2010. For example if a B2 applicant has paid equivalent of US$ 131 prior to June 4, 2010 and appears for an interview on or after June 4, 2010 s/he will have to pay the difference of US$ 9 in INR as per prevailing consular exchange rate on the date of interview. In the same situation a H1-B or L1 applicant will have to pay INR equivalent of US$ 19 per the prevailing consular exchange rate.
Mode of Payment:
As of this writing, we have confirmed with the U.S. consulate in Chennai that the difference in fee needs to be paid at the prevailing exchange rate by way of a demand draft favoring "American Consulate General, Chennai" at the time of interview. Applicants need to check with the appropriate consulate on the mode of payment, ahead of interview.
Consular exchange rate adjusted:
The US Embassy, New Delhi and the Consulates in India have revised the consular exchange rate from INR 46 to a US$ to INR 48 to a US$ with effect from May 28, 2010.
Conclusion:
Applicants should pay the revised fee of either US$ 140 or US$150 based on the category of visa at the revised exchange rate, if purchasing the receipt after May 28, 2010. If one purchased the HDFC receipt now, and applies for the visa after June 4, 2010, they will still have to pay the difference in fees.
This update can be found on the U.S. Embassy, New Delhi's website as well as the Consular website of Chennai and Hyderabad. Applicants are encouraged to check the respective consular website for the latest information prior to applying for a visa.
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New Application Procedure at U.S. Consulate, Hyderabad for H/L Visa Applications
Posted: May 18, 2010
A very recent update on the U.S. Consulate, Hyderabad's website indicates that applicants applying for H/L visas should submit the documents listed below, at least four working days prior to the date of interview. These documents should be submitted at the VFS office located at Hyderabad and not to the consulate directly. The documents include:
- Copy of biographic and other pages of applicant's passport which carries any observation;
- Confirmation page generated on the CEAC website to evidence submission of form DS-160;
- One recent passport style color photograph taken on plain white background - size should be 50mm x 50mm; It may be noted that previously, the photgraph once submitted along with DS-160 online was not required at the consulate;
- Copy of visa appointment letter generated after scheduling interview using the VFS system;
- Copy of I-797 approval notice;
- Copy of cover letter submitted by the petitioner to the USCIS;
- Copy of letter from client if working at client location OR detailed description of internal project - whichever is applicable;
- Copy of experience certificates;
- If applying for a H-4 or L-2, then the website indicates that a copy of the principal's I-797 along with a copy of visa is to be submitted.
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U.S. Consulates in India Revise Exchange Rate
Posted: May 03, 2010
The US Consulates and Embassy in India have adjusted the exchange rate from Rs. 48 to a US$ to Rs. 46 to a US$ with effect from May 1, 2010.
Effectively all the applicable visa fees will be adjusted with the new exchange rate. The non-immigrant visa application fee of US$ 131 under the revised exchange is Rs. 6,026. Previously this was Rs. 6,288. The VFS service fee of Rs. 374 per passport remains unchanged. This official update can be found here.
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U.S. Consulate, Chennai Introduces Appointment System for American Citizen Services
Posted: Apr 07, 2010
A recent update on the US Consulate General, Chennai’s website notifies American Citizens seeking regular non-emergency services to schedule an appointment with the consulate. This requirement for an appointment comes into force with immediate effect. Appointments can be scheduled by emailing the Citizenship Services section of the U.S. consulate, Chennai at chennaics@state.gov.
It may be recalled that the U.S. Consulate, Chennai provides services for American Citizens which includes new application or application for renewal of U.S. passports; amendment of passports, recording birth of child to a US Citizen abroad (Consular Registration of Birth Abroad); notary services along with other emergency services.
Additionally, this notification encourages applicants for U.S. passports to complete the forms online at https://pptform.state.gov and carry the printed application with supporting documents. As of this writing the update can be found at http://chennai.usconsulate.gov/warden_message.html.
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U.S. Consulate, Hyderabad Gearing up to Handle Increasing Demand in Consular Services
Posted: Apr 05, 2010
A notification from U.S. Consul General, Hyderabad Mr. Cornelis Keur indicates that the U.S. Consulate, Hyderabad is in the process of upgrading their existing facility to accommodate increasing demand for visa and American Citizen Services (ACS). This process is expected to take about six weeks.
The notification further clarifies that during these six weeks, the consular section will reduce the number of appointment available for both ACS and visa applications. It may also be noted that until the additional facilities are made available, the U.S. Consulate General, Hyderabad has opened appointments on Saturdays effective April 10, 2010. This notification also urges visa applicants to plan their travel early and apply well in advance and also urges American Citizens to plan and apply for the Citizenship services well in advance.
It is noted that visa applicants with urgent travel needs may approach the U.S. Consulate in Chennai or Consular Sections in India. Emergency services available to American citizens remain unaffected.
Though visa applicants and American Citizens may be inconvenienced temporarily, we strongly believe that this measure by the U.S. Consulate, Hyderabad would be good in the long run and we appreciate their continued efforts to provide better service to U.S. visa applicants and American Citizens. This official update is available at http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov/limitedoperations.html
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Murthy Immigration Services (MISPL) Establishes Presence in Hyderabad
Posted: Apr 02, 2010
MISPL is happy to announce its virtual presence in Hyderabad with effect from May 1, 2010. Our clients and prospective clients from Andhra Pradesh can reach our office in Hyderabad by phone to schedule an appointment with our Attorneys. One of the Attorneys from the Chennai office will visit Hyderabad periodically. The date of visit will be announced on http://www.murthyindia.com well in advance.
Many clients choose our phone consultations and we are able to assist clients over phone and with eMail for the application process. However, there are a few clients who prefer to visit us in person and we have established this office to reduce travel for such applicants residing in and around Hyderabad. We will provide the address and phone number in our next eNewsBulletin. In the meantime, should you need to set up a consultation with one of the Attorneys for May 2010, please eMail info@murthyindia.com and specifically request for a consultation in Hyderabad. We look forward to helping you, your family and friends with the U.S. immigration process!
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Technical Problems Cause Delay in Completion of Form DS-160 Online
Posted: Mar 05, 2010
Applicants have been experiencing difficulty, completing the Form DS-160 since late evening on March 2, 2010 due to slow connectivity in the https://ceac.state.gov website while filling DS-160.
We at Murthy immigration services Pvt Ltd Chennai have received several calls and eMails from US visa applicants, informing that they were finding it difficult to complete the Form DS-160 online. There is also a notice on the Consular websites in India, updating U.S. nonimmigrant visa applicants on the technical difficulty currently being experienced. We also contacted the U.S. Consulate, Chennai over eMail and were informed that this there is significant technical difficulty with the Form DS-160 worldwide and that the Department of State is working on this as top priority. Once this is resolved, one can expect an update on the consular website. Further, it was indicated that if the applicant(s) have an urgent need to travel within the next 24 hours, they may contact the respective consulate. We expect this to be sorted out soon and we will post an update on any developments on www.murthyindia.com.
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Link To Schedule Appointment Now On Home Page of VFS Website
Posted: Feb 05, 2010
Some of the early applicants for nonimmigrant visa using the form DS-160 since January 19, 2010 would have realized that finding the link to schedule an appointment was very difficult. We at Murthy Immigration Services received several calls seeking assistance on scheduling the appointment using the VFS system. Following this, Murthy Immigration Services brought this issue to the attention of the U.S. Consulate, Chennai and the VFS. The link to schedule appointments was placed on their main page on February 4, 2010.
We appreciate the VFS including the link to schedule the appointment on the home page, which we truly believe would avoid confusion when an applicant or representative schedules an appointment for nonimmigrant visa using the VFS system.
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The Indian Government Restricts Frequent Travel On Tourist Visa
Posted: Jan 14, 2010
A recent update on the www.travisaoutsourcing.com, the official agents for scheduling appointments with Indian Missions in the U.S. has notified that in December 2009, the Government of India introduced a new rule that restricts foreigners with tourist visa for India from re-visiting India within two months of the last visit.
This new rule affects all Indian tourist visa holders even if they hold a long term tourist visa for India. The frequently asked questions section of the Ministry of Home Affairs in India clarifies that some exceptions may be made on a need bases and if genuine tourists are visiting neighboring countries and their itinerary requires them to travel out through India. Others will need to obtain a permit to re-enter within two months.
Further, this restriction does not apply to persons holding Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card or the status as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI).
More information can be found on travisaoutsourcing's website by clicking here and on the Ministry of External Affair's website by clicking here.
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Form DS-160 Introduced In India
Posted: Jan 8, 2010
An update on the U.S. Embassy, New Delhi's website notifies that with effect from January 19, 2010 all non-immigrant visa applicants need to complete Form DS-160. This form replaces the existing Form DS-156, DS-157 (for applicants aged 15 - 55 years) and DS-158 (for F, M and J applicants) with effect from February 1, 2010.
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Government of India introduces Tourist Visa-On-Arrival For Five Countries
Posted: Jan 5, 2010
A recent update on the official website of the Ministry of Home Affairs notifies that the Government of India, with effect from January 1, 2010 has extended “Tourist Visa-on-Arrival" for citizens of five countries. The countries that benefit from this facility are (1) Finland; (2) Japan; (3) Luxembourg; (4) New Zealand and (5) Singapore. This facility will be available initially for a period one year.
The notification clarifies that this facility has been extended to foreign tourists who plan their tours on a very short notice. Tourists from the said countries can also procure their visas from the Indian Missions / Posts in the normal course. The visa issued under this scheme will be valid for a maximum of 30 days and for a single entry. This visa shall be granted by Immigration Officers at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata International Airports. The grant of “Tourist Visa-on-Arrival” will be regulated by guidelines as prescribed in the Visa Manual. More information on this can be found on the Ministry of Home Affairs website by clicking here.
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