NewsBriefs - Recent Updates & Announcements
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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American Consulate General, Chennai approves Apollo Health Center For Medical Examination For Immigrant Visa Applicants
Posted: Nov 5, 2009
An update on American Consulate General, Chennai's website indicates that they have approved The Apollo Heart Center located at 156 Greams Road, Chennai 600 006 to provide medical examination, immunization and laboratory tests required for immigrant visas. It may also be noted that applicants' can continue to have the medical examination and immunization done by one of the existing approved panel physicians. However, if they choose to do this, they must complete the medical examination at Lister Metropolis Laboratory and Research Center Pvt. Ltd.
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Consulate Revises Exchange Rate with Effect From November 2, 2009
Posted: Nov 5, 2009
A recent update on the official website of the US Embassy, New Delhi indicates that with effect from November 2, 2009, the exchange rate will be revised to Rs. 48 to one US$ from the existing Rs. 50. Effectively, the nonimmigrant visa application fee will be Rs. 6,288/-. The VFS service fee of Rs. 374/- per passport remains unchanged. This change in exchange rate also affects all nonimmigrant and immigrant visa fees. This is the fifth consular exchange rate revision in 2009.
Applicants who paid the visa application fee prior November 2, 2009 and obtained a HDFC receipt, reflecting a payment of Rs. 6,550/- may note that these receipts will continue to be honored.
More information on this can be found here. We recommend that US visa applicants visit the website of the respective Consulate or the website of VFS for latest information on fees and application procedure prior to applying.
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Virtual Consulate Established At Bangalore, India
Posted: Oct 5, 2009
A virtual presence was established at http://bangalore.usvpp.gov/ recently. This is the first of its kind virtual consulate in India. The American corner in Bangalore is a result of partnership between the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate, Chennai and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bangalore. This information is available on the website provided above.
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U.S. Immigrant visa applicants from Andhra Pradesh are now required to complete their medicals at Hyderabad
Posted: Oct 5, 2009
A recent update on the U.S. Consulate General, Hyderabad’s website indicates that U.S. immigrant visa applicants may complete their medical examination at Hyderabad. It is also indicate that the consulate has retained one Dr. Raj Kumar Songa to conduct the medical examination and that Dr. Raj Kumar Songa has entered into an arrangement with Vijaya Diagnostic Center in Himayathnagar for the diagnostic services.
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Recent change in Timing for counter collection of passport at VFS Mumbai
Posted: Aug 1, 2009
An announcement on the VFS website dated July 27, 2009 indicates that there is a change in timing for counter collection of passport for non-immigrant visa applicant(s) in Mumbai, if the visa is issued and they chose this option. The new timings with immediate effect is between 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Indian Standard Time (IST). This facility was available from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. previously.
Readers of MurthyIndiaBulletin may be aware that if an application for non-immigrant visa is approved, the applicant may either have the passport delivered at their home / alternate address or collect the passport from the local "Blue Dart" office or avail the counter passport collection facility at the VFS.
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Recent change in Timing for counter collection of passport at VFS New Delhi
Posted: Jul 1, 2009
An announcement on the VFS website dated June 30, 2009 indicates that there is a change in timing for counter collection of passport for non-immigrant visa applicant(s) in New Delhi, if the visa is issued and they chose this option. The new timings with immediate effect is between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Indian Standard Time (IST). The VFS staff clarified that this facility was open from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. previously.
Readers of MurthyIndiaBulletin may be aware that if an application for non-immigrant visa is approved, the applicant may either have the passport delivered at their home / alternate address or collect the passport from the local "Blue Dart" office or avail the counter passport collection facility at the VFS.
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Recent Visa Fraud Related Arrest at U.S. Consulate, Chennai
Posted: Jun 25, 2009
Recently, three persons from Gujarat were arrested based on a complaint from the U.S. Consulate, Chennai. Two applicants posing as couple with fraudulent marriage certificate, bank statements and degree certificates were caught by the U.S. Consulate authorities on June 23, 2009. It is understood that they were assisted by an agent who was also arrested. In wake of these arrests, we would like to reiterate that even marking a "Yes/No" to certain questions on the DS-156 form could be considered as misrepresentation under certain circumstances since these forms are signed under penalty of perjury. We constantly advise clients to be honest at the visa interview - this way, even if the visa is refused, the applicant(s) may re-apply for a different category of visa if appropriate or if the applicant's personal circumstances change, s/he could still apply for a visa. By misrepresenting or providing fraudulent documents, the applicant(s) are subject to a permanent bar from entering the U.S. Though waivers are available under very limited circumstances, it is very difficult to obtain such waivers and one should never misrepresent in the first place.
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US Embassy adjusts exchange rate with effect from February 20, 2009
Posted: Feb 19, 2009
The US Embassy and Consulates in India have adjusted to Consular Exchange Rate to Rs. 52 to a US$ with effect from February 20, 2009. This is the first revision for 2009.
Effectively, the nonimmigrant visa application fee will be Rs. 6,812. The VFS service fee of Rs. 381 per passport remains the unchanged. This change in exchange rate also affects all nonimmigrant and immigrant visa fees.
More information on this can be found at https://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/consdec192008.html. We recommend that US visa applicants visit the website of the respective Consulate or the website of VFS for latest information on fees and application procedure.
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US Embassy adjusts exchange rate with effect from December 23, 2008
Posted: Dec 24, 2008
The US Embassy and Consulates in India have adjusted to Consular Exchange Rate to Rs. 50 to a US$ with effect from December 23, 2008. This is the first time in recent months that the exchange rate has been reduced. The Dollar exchange rate has been increasing steadily until recently.
Effectively, the nonimmigrant visa application fee will be Rs. 6,550. The VFS service fee of Rs. 381 per passport remains the unchanged. This change in exchange rate also affects all nonimmigrant and immigrant visa fees. This is the seventh adjustment since March 2008.
More information on this can be found at http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/consoct222008.html. We recommend that US visa applicants visit the website of the respective Consulate or the website of VFS for latest information on fees and application procedure.
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US Embassy adjusts exchange rate with effect from October 24, 2008
Posted: Oct 29, 2008
The US Embassy and Consulates in India have adjusted to Consular Exchange Rate to Rs. 54 to a US$ with effect from October 24, 2008. It may be recalled that on October 10, 2008; the exchange rate was revised to Rs. 50 to a US$ from Rs. 48 to a US$. Effectively, the nonimmigrant visa application fee will be Rs. 7,074 (US$ 131 x INR 54). This adjustment in exchange rate also affects all nonimmigrant and immigrant visa fees. This is the sixth revision since March 2008.
As has been in the past, receipts issued by HDFC Bank prior to October 24, 2008 will be honored and there will be no need for a supplemental payment.
More information on this can be found at http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/consoct222008.html. We recommend that US visa applicants visit the website of the respective Consulate or the website of VFS for latest information on fees and application procedure.