NewsBriefs - Archive of Updates & Announcements posted in 2011
Change In Passport Collection Time at VFS Kolkata
Posted: December 29, 2011
A recent update on the VFS site indicates that with effect from December 27, 2010 the timing for collection of passport is changed to 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Perviously, the passport collection time was from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. This update can be found here.
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Accessing VFS website
Posted: December 21, 2011
Over the past few days, if one enters "www.vfs-usa.co.in" it is routed to an error message. This error message also indicates that this site needs to be viewed over secure channel and that , one needs to prefix "https://". Effectively, to access the VFS website, one needs to key in "https://www.vfs-usa.co.in" on the address bar. We at Murthy Immigration Services will continue to keep our readers up-to-date with the U.S. visa application process and any procedural or functional changes to the same.
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Retrieving U.S. Visa Application Form DS-160 is Restored
Posted: December 7, 2011
The retrieve option for the form DS-160 has been restored. Applicant(s) looking to use this feature to retrieve partially completed forms will be able to do so now.
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Problem Retrieving U.S. Visa Application Form DS-160
Posted: December 6, 2011
We received several inquiries from U.S. non-immigrant visa applicants indicating their inability to retrieve or upload partly completed U.S. non-immigrant visa application form DS-160. This error has also been confirmed by Attorneys at Murthy Immigration Services Private Limited. We trust this issue will be resolved later during the day. This update is to keep non-immigrant U.S. visa applicants informed of the temporary inability to retrieve or upload the non-immigrant visa application form DS160.
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The New U.S. Consulate in Mumbai to Process Immigrant Visas for South India
Posted: December 1, 2011
Updated: January 21, 2012
We had originally reported on December 1, 2011 that all immigrant visa applications for South India would be processed by the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai. This was officially updated on the VFS website on January 20, 2012 and this update can be found here.
A news update on the English Daily "The Hindu" indicates that the Chief of Consular Services at U.S. Consulate in Mumbai David Tyler had brief the media during an official tour that the new U.S. Consulate in Mumbai that they will commence processing of immigrant visas for South India.
This news article indicates that the new procedure will come into effect from January 9, 2012 and this move would centralize the visa workload in Mumbai. Effectively, immigrant visa applicants will have to send in their applications and supporting documents to Mumbai, instead of Chennai. Regular visitors to MurthyIndiaDotCom and readers of MurthyIndiaBulletin may be aware that the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai handles immigrant visas for U.S. Consulate in Kolkata and the U.S. Consulate in Chennai handles immigrant visas falling under the jurisdiction of U.S. Consulate in Hyderabad as well.
At the time of this writing, there is no official release of this information on any of the U.S. Consular or U.S. Embassy's websites. We will keep our readers informed if there is any further information available on this matter. The online version of the newspaper article can be found here.
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Further Fall of Rupee Results in another Revision of Consular Exchange Rate
Posted: November 29, 2011
As the value of US$ grows higher, the Consular Exchange Rate has been revised one more time with effect from today (November 29, 2011). The revised consular rate is INR 54 to a US$ from the most recent revision of INR 52 to a US$. Effectively, the INR equivalent for all the non-immigrant and immigrant visa application fee would be affected.
With the revised exchange rate, the non-immigrant visa application fee for petition based visas like H, L would be INR 8,100 per applicant (US$150 x INR 54) and the fee for other non-petition based categories like B, F, M, J would be INR 7,560 (US$ 140 x INR 54). If an applicant purchased the HDFC receipt prior to November 29, 2011 and one year has not elapsed since the date of purchase, s/he can use this to schedule a visa interview.
This press release can be found here.
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U.S. Consulate, Hyderabad Reschedules Appointments Originally Scheduled for November 25, 2011
Posted: November 23, 2011
An Updated posted on the VFS website (Official parter for U.S. diplomatic mission in India for administrative functions relating to U.S. Visa application process) indicates that all non-immigrant visa appointments scheduled at U.S. Consulate in Hyderabad for Friday, November 25, 2011 is rescheduled for a later dates. It is understood that the new interview date will be communicated to the visa applicant(s) by phone or eMail.
This press release can be found here.
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Revision in Consular Exchange Rate
Posted: November 17, 2011
With the steep rise in US$ rates, the consulate has revised the exchange rate from Rs. 50 to a US$ to Rs. 52 to a US$. This comes into effect from November 16, 2011. Effectively, the INR equivalent all the non-immigrant and immigrant visa application fee would be affected.
The new non-immigrant visa application fee for petition based visas like H, L would be INR 7,800 per applicant (US$150 x INR 52) and the fee for other non-petition based categories like B, F, M, J would be INR 7,280 (US$ 140 x INR 52). If an applicant purchased the HDFC receipt prior to November 16, 2011 and one year has not elapsed since the date of purchase, s/he can use this to schedule a visa interview.
This press release can be found here.
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Centralized processing of Blanket L Visa at U.S. Consul General at Chennai to Commence from December 1, 2011
Posted: November 07, 2011
We had reported in August 2011 that processing of Blanket L visas would be moved to U.S. Consulate in Chennai in the near future. A recent press release indicates that the centralized processing of the Blanket L visa category will commence from December 1, 2011. Effectively, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and U.S. Consulates in Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad will not accept or process Blanket L applications.
This update also indicates that all other visa processing procedures remain unchanged. This press release can be found here.
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Visa Services Unavailable At Us Consulate, Mumbai From November 15, 2011 To November 20, 2011
Posted: November 07, 2011
A news update on the U.S. Consulate, Mumbai's website indicates that the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai is shifting their premises from "Lincoln House", Breach Candy and their American Center in Church Gate to their new facility at "Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC)". The consulate office at Lincoln House will be closed with effect from November 15, 2011 and the new facility at BKC will commence from November 21, 2011. Effectively, the visa services will be unavailable from November 15, 2011 to November 20, 2011 to facilitate this shift. The new facility at BKC will house the offices of Department of State, the Foreign Commercial Service, the US Food and Drug Administration, the Foreign Agricultural Service, and the Consul General’s residence. Once operational, the number of interview counters for Immigrant and Non-immigrant visas will significantly increase from 13 to 44. It is also understood from this news brief that the American Center at New Marina Lines near Churchgate is already closed and will open after the Consular services are operational.
The Consulate is holding a web-chat on November 9, 2011 at 7:00PM to answer specific questions about the shift and its effect on consular services. Details of the web-chat can be found here. This news item is available on the U.S. consulate's website by visiting here.
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U.S. Consulate in Chennai Moves Correspondence via VFS
Posted: November 07, 2011
Subscribers to MurthyIndiaBulletin and regular readers of MurthyIndiaDotCom are aware that the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi; U.S. Consulate in Mumbai and Hyderabad provided comprehensive support through VFS and stopped direct communication. With effect from Tuesday, November 1, 2011, the Consular Section in Chennai has shifted correspondence via the VFS service for response to inquiries.
Effective November 1, 2011; the U.S. Consulate will not respond to eMails sent to ChennaiNIV@state.gov by non-immigrant visa applicants or general public. Applicants and general public will have to direct their eMail inquiries to infouschennai@vfshelpline.com. Requests for emergency visa appointments at Chennai needs to be sent to ChennaiEXP@state.gov. VFS update also indicates in most of instances, the interview appointments are available within two to three working days. A separate eMail ID is provided for Attorney and Congressional inquires.
For telephonic nonimmigrant visa inquires, applicants will have to dial 0120-6611411 from within India and +91-120-6611411 from outside India.
VFS offers multi-lingual support and have extended work hours from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. IST. They are closed on weekends (Saturday / Sunday) and on Consular Holidays. This information is available on the VFS site.
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Need to Select Appropriate Consulate on Form DS160
Posted: November 07, 2011
Regular visitors to MurthyIndiaDotCom and Subscribers to MurthyIndiaBulletin may be aware that the applicants opting for visa interview English or Hindi could apply at anyone of the U.S. Consulate / Embassy within in India from December 03, 2010. Previously, even if one had chosen a different Consulate / Embassy under the location option while completed the form DS160; the applicant could go ahead and schedule the visa interview at any one of the U.S. Consulates or Embassy in India.
While scheduling an appointment using the VFS website – we noticed that a new warning appears that applicant should ensure the appropriate consular post is selected while completing the DS 160. The warning also indicates that the applicant should modify the appropriate consular post and generate the Confirmation Page before scheduling the visa interview, even if s/he has selected a different consular post. There is no specific update either in VFS or any Consular / Embassy website on this. This warning just appears while scheduling the visa interview.
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U.S. Consulate, Chennai Does Not Retain the Consular Copy of HDFC Receipt
Posted: November 07, 2011
Earlier, when a visa was issued, the U.S. Consulate, Chennai used to retain the Consulate copy of the HDFC receipt. Recently we have received many calls from visa applicants expressing concern that U.S. Consulate, Chennai did not retain the Consulate's copy of the HDFC receipt and returned both the embassy copy (with yellow barcode) and applicant copy (with white barcode) of HDFC receipt after the visa is approved. We understand that the consulate does not retain the embassy copy of HDFC receipt anymore. All our readers and visa applicants at U.S. Consulate, Chennai are requested to take note of this change in procedure and have nothing to worry if you still have both receipts after the visa is approved.
However, it is important that visa applicants carry both the HDFC receipts while attending the visa interview. Applicants will not be permitted to enter the Consulate without the original Consular copy of the HDFC receipt.
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Document Submission Through VFS at U.S. Consulate, Kolkatta
Posted: November 07, 2011
Beginning November 1, 2011 all visa applicant(s) at U.S. Kolkata will have to submit their documents in response to a query under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act at their nearest VFS; unless specifically instructed to re-appear with all documents. It may be noted that earlier the applicants were requested to re-appear with all the documents to the U.S. Consulate, Kolkata. By this change, all the visa applicants at any U.S. Consulate or Embassy in India will have to submit the documents at the nearest VFS unless the U.S. Consulate or Embassy specifically instructs the applicant to visit in-person with all the documents.
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Change in Schedule for MurthyIndiaBulletin
Posted: October 10, 2011
With effect from November 2011, the MurthyIndiaBulletin would be sent out on the first Monday of each month. Regular subscribers to MurthyIndiaBulletin may be aware that this free monthly eNewsLetter was previously sent on the first Friday of each month. We take this opportunity to thank each one of you for subscribing to our bulletin and providing valuable feedback. We will continue to strive hard to bring you the latest updates and useful tips relating to U.S. Consular matters.
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Change in OCI Application Procedure
Posted: October 10, 2011
Earlier this year, we reported that applications for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) along with other visa applications at Indian Embassy in the U.S. were outsourced to "Travisa Outsourcing".
The earlier procedure required applicants to send their original U.S. passport along with the application for OCI status. This requirement made it difficult for applicants with need for frequent travel to apply for the status as OCI. In June 2011 this requirement has been relaxed. Effectively, original U.S. passport(s) can be submitted at a later stage when the OCI is approved and ready for printing. We trust this change will encourage many Naturalized U.S. Citizens with Indian origin and eligible to apply for their status as an OCI to do so.
This information is available here.
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Revision in Consular Exchange Rate
Posted: September 19, 2011
With effect from Monday, September 19, 2011, the U.S. Consular Exchange rate will be adjusted to INR 50 to a US$ from the existing INR 47 to one US$.
This revision in the exchange rate will affect the INR equivalent for all the non-immigrant, immigrant visa and citizenship services application fees paid on or after September 19, 2011. Effectively, the new non-immigrant visa application fee is and INR 7,000 (equivalent to USD $140 for non-petition based visa categories) and INR 7500 (equivalent to USD $150 for petition based visa categories). Applicants who paid the fees prior to September 19, 2011 can use the HDFC receipts as long as one year has not elapsed since purchase of the receipts. This update can be found here.
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Planning Visa Interview at U.S. Consulate, Kolkata in September / October
Posted: September 02, 2011
A recent update on the VFS website indicates that the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata would be closed on Thursday, September 15, 2011 and September 16, 2011 and again from Monday, October 3, 2011 to Tuesday, October 11, 2001.
U.S. visa applicants planning to appear for a visa interview in Kolkata need to plan their visit to Kolkata based on the above information.
This link can be found here.
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H/L Visa Services to Resume at U.S. Consulate in Mumbai
Posted: August 19, 2011
The U.S. Consulate in Mumbai will resume services for H and L visas. The interview schedule for H and L visas will be opened from August 26, 2011. This schedule will allow H / L visa applicants to schedule interview dates starting from September 6, 2011.
This update can be found here.
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Update on Transportation Letters
Posted: August 19, 2011
In an earlier article we had indicated that it is required for children born to U.S. Legal Permanent Residents while outside the U.S. to obtain a Transportation Letter. A recent update on the Consular website of U.S. Consulate, Chennai clarifies that this is optional but obtaining this would avoid confusion with some of the airlines. The fee to obtain a Transportation Letter is S$ 165.
This update can be found here.
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Centralized Processing for Blanket L Visas
Posted: August 05, 2011
A report from the Office of the Inspector General on US diplomatic posts in India, recommends (recommendation # 24 and 25) that the US consulate in Chennai should be designated as the only post in India, authorized to adjudicate blanket L visa applications. It is understood that this recommendation is for consular managers in India to ensure consistency in the standards of adjudication. We can expect this process to be introduced in the near future. While this could be a significant inconvenience to a few employers located in other parts of India, centralized process could eliminate inconsistencies and make the process smoother. We at Murthy Immigration Services would keep you informed of any progress on this subject.
The complete report with all recommendations can be viewed here.
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Fraud Related Arrests in Chennai
Posted: August 05, 2011
Subscribers to MurthyIndiaBulletin and visitors of MurthyIndiaDotCom are well warned about the consequences of providing false information at the visa interview or producing fraudulent documents in support of a visa application.
In July 2011, three U.S. visa applicants at the U.S. Consulate in Chennai were arrested for using falsified documents and adopting fraudulent means to obtain a U.S. visa. The American Missions in India had earlier launched the “Fraud Prevention Program” to curb such activities. The States of Gujarat, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh were identified as hubs of such fraudulent practices. Hyderabad in particular was seen as a centre of large-scale documentation fraud. This affected visa processing not only at the Hyderabad centre but also at other posts in India.
Section 212(a)(6)(c)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, states that an alien who, by fraud or willful misrepresentation of a material fact, seeks to procure, has sought to procure, or has procured a visa, other documentation, or admission into the United States or other benefit provided under the Act, is inadmissible. This is a permanent life-long ineligibility with limited scope for a waiver.
Applicants are expected to be aware of the documents they are carrying and information they provide at the visa interview. Ignorance cannot be claimed as an excuse. Hence it is very important to be clear, unambiguous and always truthful at the visa interview. We at Murthy Immigration Services have always advised U.S. visa applicants be be honest. We have had several articles in the past advising applicants to be honest and never to use any fraudulent document or misrepresent at the interview. This arrest is yet another warning for applicants to wake up and make sure they make an honest application for visa.
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Centralized Filing for Form I-130 with effect from August 15, 2011
Posted: August 05, 2011
USCIS in a press release in late may had announced that with effect from August 15, 2011, US Citizen petitioners residing in Countries without a USCIS office would be able to file the I-130 from with the USCIS Chicago Lockbox facility. The number of such petitions accounts for about 5% of all I-130 petitions filed either with the USCIS or at the US Department of State at their local embassy or consulate.
As of this writing, petitioner residing in a country with USCIS office have the option of sending their I-130 forms to the Chicago Lockbox, or they may file their Form I-130 at the international USCIS office having jurisdiction over their place / country of residence.
This press release can be found here.
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Submission of documents at the US Consulate General Hyderabad
Posted: August 05, 2011
A clarification issued by the U.S. Consulate in Hyderabad through the VFS regarding submission of documents indicates that applicants required to submit the documents for certain categories of nonimmigrant visas are allowed to do so only 3 to 5 working days prior to the date of visa interview. Applicants will not be permitted to do this earlier than the 5 day or later than the 3 day window. The VFS office accepts document from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Consulate General holidays.
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Change of Courier Address after Scheduling Visa Interview
Posted: August 05, 2011
U.S. nonimmigrant visa applicants applying from India need to provide the address for delivery for the passport if a visa is issued at the time of scheduling the visa interview. If delivery is not available to their address, they may choose to hold the passport at the VFS or the Blue Dart location. If the applicant needs to modify the address provided for delivery, s/he may do so up to two working days prior to the date of visa interview by using the modify address option available here.
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Form DS-160 Recently Updated
Posted: July 01, 2011
As many nonimmigrant visa applicants may already be aware, new visa application form DS-160 was introduced in January 2010 replacing the earlier Form DS-156; DS-157 and DS-158. We had reported this on January 8, 2010.
Since its introduction, the process to complete the Form DS-160 has been constantly streamlined. However, in the last week of June 2011 some major changes have been made to the content of this form. The form now takes in more detailed information.
Details of the changes are provided under the articles section and can be found here.
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Entry Restrictions Enforced More Strictly at U.S. Consulates in Chennai and Hyderabad
Posted: July 01, 2011
A recent announcement released by the Consular Chief Mr. Michael Yoder at U.S. Consulate, Hyderabad and Mr. Bryan Dalton at U.S. Consulate, Chennai indicate that applicant(s) appearing for a non-immigrant visa interview from June 20, 2011 and June 30, 2011 at U.S. Consulate in Hyderabad and Chennai respectively will be allowed to enter the consulate only 15 minutes prior to their visa interview. Applicants arriving earlier than 15 minutes will be instructed to leave and return closer to their respective scheduled time for visa interview. This change will drastically reduce the wait time outside the consulate and avoid longer queues in the view of upcoming monsoon. The change is expected to expedite the registration and security procedures prior to the visa interview and provide better experience for applicants.
This announcement can be found here for Hyderabad and here for Chennai.
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Update on Elimination of Geographic Restriction while applying for nonimmigrant Visas
Posted: July 01, 2011
Regular visitors to MurthyIndiaDotCom and Subscribers to MurthyIndiaBulletin may be aware that the geographic restriction that an application for nonimmigrant visa should be made at the U.S. consulate or Embassy with jurisdiction over the applicants domicile was relaxed towards the end of 2010. This was reported on December 03, 2010.
While scheduling an appointment using the VFS website – a warning appears that this benefit is applicable only to applicants opting for visa interview in English or Hindi. Applicants opting for other languages need to apply only from the Consulate / Embassy having jurisdiction over their domicile. It appears that there is no specific update either in VFS or any Consular / Embassy website on this.
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New Website Launched for J-1 Visa
Posted: July 01, 2011
The Department of State has launched a new website on J-1 visa program. This website provides detailed information on available J-1 programs; procedure to obtain a DS-2019; clarification on who can issue the DS-2019; This also discusses the frequently asked questions; etc. This website can be found here.
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Application Statistics Provided by U.S. Consulate, Chennai
Posted: July 01, 2011
The U.S. Consulate in Chennai has provided an update on the number of applications processed and statistics on the visa approvals. They have also provided some pointers on the visa application process. This can be found here.
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Biometric Passports Introduced at four Cities in Tamil Nadu
Posted: July 01, 2011
The Indian Regional Passport Office (South) has introduced issuance of passport with biometrics for the first time in India with the help of Tata Consultancy Services. This is a pilot program dedicated to the nation. This pilot project has been inaugurated in Trichy, Thanjavur, Madurai and Tirunelveli and the official information can be found here.
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Photo cropping tool available on Department of State Website
Posted: June 03, 2011
Regular readers of MurthyIndiaBulletin and visitors to MurthyIndiaDotCom may be aware that applicants will have to upload a scan copy of his / her photo online since the inception of DS 160 visa application since Janaury 2010. We have clients having difficulty in uploading photographs online and seeking clarification on how to crop the photograph to meet the standard requirements. The DOS has provided a tool to crop the photograph to suit the requirement. This too is available here.
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Applicants Can Now Choose to hold Passports at the VFS location
Posted: June 03, 2011
Non-immigrant visa applicants can choose to hold his / her passport at the VFS location, if their address / pincode is not serviceable by Blue Dart courier service. Previously this option was available only at one of the Blue Dart locations. Applicants can still continue to choose one of the Blue Dart hold at locations if their address is not a deliverable one.
The VFS, Chennai also clarified that if the Blue Dart Courier is unable to deliver the passport to the applicant, on account of the house being locked or the address being incorrect or for any other reason, then Blue Dart will return the undelivered passport(s) to VFS within two weeks. The courier service will try to deliver the passport thrice in a five days window and hold the passport at their location for seven more days before they return the passport to the VFS office. Under these circumstances, the applicant can collect the passport in-person from the respective VFS office with the requisite documents.
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Change in Procedure for Emergency Appointments
Posted: June 03, 2011
All non-immigrant visa applicants who require an emergency appointment due to any unforeseen travel requirement were originally able to schedule the interview online through VFS website. This process was discontinued in January 2010 and all applicants had to send an email request to the respective consulate to request for an emergency appointment.
This process has been further modified. According to a recent update on VFS website dated May 31, 2011 all applicants requiring emergency appointments should use the "Upgraded Emergency Appointment" module on the VFS website to request an Emergency / Expedited appointment online. Applicants will receive automated response on the status of his/her request for Emergency appointment.
Applicants may still continue to send email to the respective consulate / embassy to schedule the "Emergency Appointment". Applicants will still have to complete the visa application form DS-160 on the Department of State website and purchase a valid fee receipt from HDFC bank prior to requesting for the emergency appointment. This update can be found here.
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Re-submission for passports with approved visas, received on May 2, 2011
Posted: May 06, 2011
We received telephonic inquiries over an eMail received from the U.S. Embassy, New Delhi instructing visa applicants who already had a visa to submit their passport again. We at MISPL spoke to VFS customer care personnel on their helpline number to clarify this issue. We understand that there was some technical issue on the visas for passports that were sent out on May 2, 2011. If the applicants receive an eMail, they need to resubmit the passport along with a copy of the eMail from the Embassy. There is no additional fee for this. Details of the technical error is not available.
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Change in Procedure to Apply for Transportation Letter
Posted: May 06, 2011
Transportation Letter used to be issued by U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India to legal permanent residents whose plastic "green card" is lost, stolen or damaged while abroad. This document will serve as instruction to the Aircraft that the person is a legal permanent resident and may be permitted to board the flight. Previously, this document used to be issued by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate which had jurisdiction over the applicants residence or the place where the document was lost or stolen. We understand that this procedure has been centralized and one needs to contact the CBP office in New Delhi by email on CBPNewDelhiinquiry@state.gov for an appointment. The update on the official website of U.S. Consulate, Chennai indicates that a new regulation requires that child born to a U.S. Legal Permanent Resident while in India will also need a transportation letter to board a flight. Readers may be aware that a child of a U.S. legal permanent resident may accompany the parent on his/her fist visit to the U.S. after the child was born, before the second birthday of the child. This update can be found here.
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U.S. Consulate, Mumbai Reports loss of Emails Received between April 1 and April 4, 2011
Posted: April 14, 2011
An update on the U.S. Consulate, Mumbai's website indicates that due to technical difficulties, emails sent to the VFS at infousmumbai@vfshelpline.com between April 1, 2011 and April 4, 2011 have been reported as lost. Applicants who contacted them during this time frame through the above email address need to re-send their query.
This update can be found on the U.S. Consulate, Mumbai's official website by clicking here.
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Next Bangalore Outreach Program by U.S. Consulate, Chennai
Posted: April 01, 2011
Regular visitors to www.murthyindia.com and readers of MurthyIndiaBulletin are aware that the U.S. Consulate has introduced Bangalore outreach program, offering off-site document services for Citizens of the United States of America. This includes accepting applications for U.S. Passports / Renewals and providing Notary services for American Citizens. This service is available to U.S. Citizens and only on prior appointments.
The next outreach program is scheduled from April 11 to April 13, 2011. Appointments need to be scheduled well in advance as this is provided on first-come first-serve basis. One needs to schedule an appointment by contacting the Citizenship Services Unit by eMail on ChennaiCS@state.gov. More information can be found at http://chennai.usconsulate.gov/bangoutrch.html
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VFS Center in Cochin will Remain Closed on April 15, 2011
Posted: April 01, 2011
The VFS U.S. Visa Application Center in Cochin will remain closed on April 15, 2011 on account of Vishu Festival. Vishnu is a Festival of Harvest and Malayalam New Year. Please note that the U.S. Visa Application Centers in Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad will remain open.
The U.S. Visa Application Center can be contacted on 0120-6611411 between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on all regular working days for any questions and concerns you may have. This update can be found at https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/USIndia/news.html.
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Overseas Citizen of India: Requirement of new "U Visa" sticker if the passport with the "U Visa" sticker is lost
Posted: April 01, 2011
Regular readers of MurthyIndiaBulletin are aware of the requirement of the "U Visa" sticker for person who hold the status as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), to travel to India. Carrying the OCI booklet does not allow entry into India.
If a person holding status as OCI loses the passport which has the "U Visa" sticker, then s/he should send their U.S. or non-Indian passport with at least one blank visa page for issuance of "U Visa". It may be recalled that if the "U visa" is on an expired passport, it is sufficient to carry the expired passport along with the current valid passport. However, if the passport with the "U visa" is lost, one should make sure s/he obtains the new stamp ahead of traveling.
An update on this new requirement can be found on Travisa Outsourcing's website.
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New building for U.S. Consulate, Mumbai: Consequential reduction in operations
Posted: March 04, 2011
Partial Reduction in Operations
A recent update on the U.S. Consulate, Mumbai's website indicates that they are coming up with a new facility which is expected to open later in 2011. The update further clarifies that since there is reduction in the number of operational windows which is directly incidental to the ageing of the building, effective March 7, 2011, no new H / L interviews will be scheduled for U.S. Consulate in Mumbai. Existing Appointments will be Accommodated
The update clarifies that H / L applicants who have already scheduled an interview with the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai may retain the existing appointment and attend the interview. Applicants may Attend Interview in Any one of the U.S. Consulates or U.S. Embassy in India This update also clarifies that new H / L applicants may schedule their visa interview at any one of the U.S. Consulates or Embassy in India. Regular readers of MurthyIndiaBulletin and MurthyIndia.Com may be aware that in December, the jurisdictional restriction on applying for U.S. visas was removed. Effectively, nonimmigrant visa applicants are free to schedule an visa interview at any one of the U.S. consulates in India or at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi.
The above update is available on the U.S. Consulate, Mumbai's website.
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Waiver of Appointment for Certain U.S. Non-Immigrant Visa Applicants - A reminder
Posted: March 04, 2011
Nonimmigrant visa applicants aged over 80 years may be exempted from a personal appearance for their non-immigrant visa interview under certain circumstances. The applicant may contact the respective consulate via eMail and request for a waiver of personal appearance.
Applicants who are 80-years-old or older, and have not been previously found ineligible for a U.S. visa, do not require visa interview appointment and are not required to visit the U.S. Consulate to apply for nonimmigrant visa.
This information is available at the U.S. Consulate, Chennai's website. We advice applicants who fit into this category to contact the respective consulate ahead of scheduling an interview.
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U.S. Consulate in Hyderabad moves to correspondence via VFS Unit
Posted: February 15, 2011
We recently reported that the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and more recently the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai provided comprehensive support through VFS. With effect from today, February 15, 2011, the Consular Section in Hyderabad has shifted to the VFS service for response to inquiries. Effective today, the U.S. Consulate will not respond to eMails sent to HydNIV@state.gov by non-immigrant visa applicants or general public.
Effectively, applicants and general public will have to direct their eMail inquiries to infoushyderabad@vfshelpline.com. Requests for emergency visa appointments at Hyderabad need to be sent to HydCEA@state.gov.
For telephonic nonimmigrant visa inquires, applicants will have to dial 0120-6611411 from within India and +91-120-6611411 from outside India. VFS offers multi-lingual support and have extended work hours from 8 a.m. ti 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. IST. They are closed on weekends (Saturday / Sunday) and on Consular Holidays. This information is available at https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/USIndia/news.html.
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U.S. Consulate, Mumbai Provides More Comprehensive and Multi-lingual Support
Posted: February 04, 2011
Effective January 3, 2011, the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai has joined the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi in providing comprehensive and multi-lingual helpline for U.S. non-immigrant visa applicants through the VFS services. The VFS call centers handle inquires from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on all working days. To reach them within India one needs to dial 0120-6611-4411 and to reach them from outside India, one needs to dial +91-120-6611-4411. The eMail ID to reach them via eMail is infousmumbai@vfshelpline.com. This helpline is limited to non-immigrant visas and the update can be found at http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/applyingmain.html.
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Reminder for U.S. visa Applicant(s) with 20 year Indian Passport
Posted: January 07, 2011
We wish to remind U.S. visa applicants who hold Indian passports valid for 20 years to replace the passport with a 10 year passport prior to applying for a U.S. visa. Though the U.S. Government recognizes the 20 year passports issued by India, in March 2004, the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC advised Indians with 20 year passport to apply for the 10 year passports. U.S. visa applicants with 20 year passports are generally instructed by the consulate to submit a new passport for visa issuance. Hence, it is important to plan in advance. If one already has a valid U.S. visa, and has renewed the passport, s/he can continue to use it by presenting the visa on the old passport.
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Suspension of Consular Report of Birth Abroad at U.S. Consulates and Embassy in India
Posted: January 07, 2011
Subscribers of MurthyIndiaBulletin and readers of MurthyIndia.com are aware of the application process for Consular Report of Birth abroad (CRBA) at the U.S. Consulates and Embassy in India posted on Oct 6, 2009. We would like to inform our readers and prospective applicants for CRBA that, the Consulates and Embassy in India have suspended action on the application made between December 23, 2010 and January 18, 2011. This update is available on U.S. Embassy, New Delhi's website and the U.S. Consular website of Chennai.
This notification is further to the Department of State ís announcement for up-gradation and transition of existing system to introduce a re-designed Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA, or Form FS-240). The re-designed CRBA will have advanced state-of-art of security features to prevent fraud and identity theft and to ensure uniform quality. The DS-1350 issued for requests for additional, replacement, or amended CRBAs, will be replaced with new FS-240s.
We will keep you informed on any further update on this subject.
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