U.S. visa applicants, both immigrant and non-immigrant, should expect substantial backlogs and extended wait times for visa appointments when the consular posts resume services. Applicants who need to travel in the immediate future after reopening that are already starting in many parts of the U.S. should complete their visa application forms and keep all their paperwork ready.…

On account the COVID-19 outbreak, as most of you are aware, all international travel has been restricted from India. Immigrant visas are generally valid for a period of six months from the date of issue. If the immigrant is unable to travel during the validity of the visa, the visa foil will have to be…

We at MISPL are delighted to share a recent success story of a B2 visa applicant, who had two prior visa denials pursuant to INA 214(b) before engaging MISPL. We thank our client for permitting us to share the success story for the benefit of our regular readers and subscribers. We always maintain confidentiality, and the name…

In recent times, we have noticed a higher scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry and at pre-clearance locations, particularly for F1 students, returning to the United States. Some common reasons returning students are prevented from boarding a flight or denied admission at a U.S. port of entry or preclearance facility, are listed below. This list…

U.S. nonimmigrant visa applicants in India need to first appear for a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Center (VAC) prior to the visa appointment. In some situations, applicants may not be able to reach the biometric appointment on time – this could include when applicants travel from places far from the city where the VAC…

At the time of scheduling a visa appointment to the U.S., the visa applicant has a choice of opting for premium delivery of passport to the person’s home address (if serviceable) or to pick up the passport from one of the document / passport collection centers.  If the applicant has opted for document pick-up, then…

Although MISPL provides services in India pertaining to U.S. immigration law, since we are based in India, at times, we provide information on changes in the law or policies in India, for the benefit of those living abroad, who may be impacted by changing rules, in order to enter India.  Airlines Refusing to Allow Certain…

At MISPL, we are happy to share our success in helping an immigrant visa applicant to overcome the INA 221(g) refusal. The consular post sought additional documents to evidence the U.S. citizen petitioner’s U.S. domicile and financial ability to sponsor the immigrant visa for the applicant. In the instant case, the U.S. citizen petitioner was…

All U.S. visa applicants – both immigrant and nonimmigrant – need to be truthful during the visa application process. In this article, we list some of the most common reasons fraud or misrepresentation findings are made against H1B visa applicants. This list is not exhaustive. Claim to work on in-house/internal project when the beneficiary works…

In a recent trend, we have noticed an alarming number of refusals of R-1 (Religious Worker) and F-2 (dependent of F-1 student) visa applications at consular posts in India. The following factors may influence the decision for F-2 applicants: Evidencing relationship to the F-1 applicant;Establishing independent nonimmigrant intent: Until about a year and half ago,…