US Visas? Two basic types of US visas: 1. Immigrant visas: For those intending to reside permanently in the United States.

(Whether or not they intend to work.) 2. Nonimmigrant visas: Visa for visiting United States temporarily. Tourist or medical treatment,businsess purpose,Students, Participants in exchange programs, Temporary workers, Performing artists, Professional journalists, and Government representatives, etc. Different categories of visas: Temporary Worker Visas: There are several categories of temporary worker visas. All applicants for such visas, must have a petition approved by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) before applying for the visa. Registered nurses, persons in a speciality occupation H-1B, temporary or seasonal agricultural workers, temporary or seasonal non agricultural workers, trainees other than medical or academic, practical training in the education of handicapped children. L Visa-- Intra company transferees. L2 is a depdent visa for L1 family members. O-1 Visa-- Persons with extraordinary ability in the science, arts, education, business, athletics, or extraordinary achievements in the motion picture and television field. P-1 to P-3 Visa-- Individual or team of athletes, or members of an entertainment group, that are internationally recognized. The spouse and unmarried, minor children of an applicant for H or L visas may also be classified as nonimmigrant in order to accompany or join the principal applicant. ** A person who has received a H4 visa as the spouse or child of a temporary worker, may not accept employment in the United States. Student Visas: There are two nonimmigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the United States. The F visa is for academic studies, and the M visa is for nonacademic or vocational studies. ** A spouse, and unmarried, minor children may also receive nonimmigrant visas to accompany or follow the student. Visitors Visas( B1/ B2):

Visitors visas are nonimmigrant visas, for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for Business purpose B1 For pleasure or Tourist purpose B2 visa. For Medical treatment (B-2). (These visas are for a specifically limited period.) Note: Foreign travelers who are citizens from certain eligible countries, may not need Tourist / Business visa to visit the U.S. They can enter USA without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. Following countries are in the Visa Waiver Program. Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (For citizens with the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.) Application and Visa Fees for non-immigrant visas: Process to apply? All US visa applicants require to be interviewed by a US Consulate, before being granted a visa. Applicant need to appear in person for the Interview at consulate. A prior appointment is must for this purpose. Find out which Consulate is applicable for you. There are 4 USA consulate in India and based on your address of residency/state in India, need to contact a specific service provider for that consulate that is applicable for you. Prepare all the documents as per the list given above. Setup an appoinment for the interview. Submit the documents. Go for the interview on scheduled time, if visa approved give electronic fingure printing. Passport will be delivered by courier at your address. US Visa Application Process (in India) Any applicant applying for non immigrant visa( Visitor / Tourist, work, Business, student purpose) need to follow the the following process in order to applying for US visa. Application for US visa (form DS160) must be completed online over the internet. Here is the Step by Step Process for US Visa application. 1. Get a Digital PhotoGraph of each applicant :

As per the new application process, all application needs to be done online only. A digital photograph is required for this online application purpose. Each applicant need a digital photograph for the application purpose. This photograph must be as per the specific criteria. A good photographer can get this picture if you mention Photograph needed for US visa purpose. Make sure that the photograph follows these guidelines. Here is a highlights of the requirements. 1. Dimension 2 by 2 inch 2. High quality digital picture minimum of 300 DPI resolution. 3. Must be saved in .JPG format. See the complete detailed guidelines. Photograph specification Guidelines for US Visa purpose. Photograph Scanning Guidelines. 2. Complete US Visa application form DS160 US visa application( form DS160) must be completed online, over the internet. You can complete this application here at Dept of State web site. - Complete your visa application DS160 online. After the successful completion you will receive a confirmation with barcode. Take a print of this page, this will be needed for setting up visa interview appointment. Note: Your application confirmation page should be printed using a laser printer, as ink-jet or dot-matrix printers do not print with sufficient resolution for the bar code to work. 3. Pay the US visa application fee Pay the application and VFS service fee Note : In India, the fee can be paid only at authorized HDFC bank branch. Pay the visa fee and VFS service charges at any of the designated HDFC bank branches in India . You will need to submit a clear photocopy of the first page (biopage) of your current passport to the bank when making your payment. The bank will issue you multiple copies of a visa fee receipt with a 10 digit barcode number. You will need the HDFC fee receipt barcode number to schedule your interview

appointment. Please note, you are required to wait 24 hours from the date of purchase of your visa fee receipt before you can use it to schedule your interview appointment. 4. Setup and Schedule your Visa interview Date at VFS website. Setup an appointment for the interview at VFS. Take an appointment and complete the online application via web at VFS website ( www.vfs-usa.co.in) Or via walk-in to VFS service centers. Note : Following information is For Mumbai consulate applicants onlyOnly applicants that are scheduled for an interview appointment at the U.S. Consulate Mumbai are required to submit their application packet to the VFS U.S. Visa Application Centre in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, or Pune at least 3 working days in advance of their interview date. You can view the documents required for submission under Nonimmigrant Visas for your specific purpose of travel. We recommend that you submit your application packet well in advance of your scheduled interview appointment date. If you scheduled an interview appointment at any consular post other than Mumbai, no need of any document sending and proceed to Step 5. Application packet to be submitted to VFS (Only for Mumbai consulate applicants): Copy of the first and last page of your current valid passport. If you have any observations on your passport please submit a copy of the observation page also. You are recommended to have passport valid for travel for at least six months beyond your date of entry into the U.S. One photograph as per specification DS-160 Confirmation Barcode printout. Original, valid HDFC Bank visa fee receipt. (Embassy copy) Original interview appointment letter. Applicants applying for the Business Visa, working for a shipping company or airlines, need to submit a company letter in original. Applicants applying for the visa in order to travel with their employer as a Domestic worker must submit a copy of the contract between them and the employer and the employers visa and passport copy. Applicants joining their husband / parent on board a ship need a letter from the shipping company and the principal s visa copy. Visa renewal applicants must submit a copy of the previous expired U.S. visa stamped on their passport. 5 . Going for interview at designated US consulate on interview Date. Go to consulate on the day /time of the appointment for interview with all the required /supplement documents and originals. Along with the interview your electronic finger print will be taken.

Carry the following to your interview: Your passport (and your old passports if any ) Your photograph. The DS-160 barcode page (you will not need the full application) The HDFC visa application fee receipts (if applicable) VFS appointment letter. Petition-based visa applicants (H, L, F, J, M, R visas) should also bring petition-related documents. Supporting documents, based on what kind of visa you are applying for. FAQ : What is a non-immigrant visa? A non-immigrant visa is most frequently a tourist, business, student or specialty worker travel document that permits you to travel to the United States during the validity of the visa to accomplish a specific purpose, such as visiting, studying or working in a specialty job. How Do I know which consulate is applicable for me? New Delhi: States of Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Bhutan. US Embassy, New Delhi Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi 110 021 Tel: 011-2419-8000 FAX: 011-24198407 Email: nivnd@state.gov Home page address: http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/ Chennai: States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and the Union Territories of Lakshadweep islands and Pondicherry. American Consulate General, Chennai No. 220 Anna Salai, Chennai 600006

Tel: 91-044-2857-4242 FAX: 91-044-2811-2027 Email: chennainiv@state.gov Home page address: http://chennai.usconsulate.gov Mumbai: States of Maharashtra, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Union Territories of Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. American Consulate General, Mumbai Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai 400026 Tel: 91-022-2363-3611 to 3618 FAX: 91-022-2363-0350 Email: mumbainiv@state.gov Home page address: http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov Kolkata: States of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Orissa, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. American Consulate General, Kolkata 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata 700071 Tel: 91-033-3984-2400 FAX: 91-033-2282-2335 Email: ConsularKolkata@state.gov Home page address: http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov Hyderabad: State of Andhra Pradesh American Consulate General, Hyderabad Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500003 Tel: 91-040-4033-8300 Email: HydNIV@state.gov

Home page address: http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov If you are a resident of India, you are required to select your current State of Residence where you have been residing for the past six months or longer. Later in the process, when you are scheduling your interview, you may see calendars offering dates at more than one post. If you are a fluent English speaker and have not been previously refused a visa, you may select an interview date from any post shown. If you are not fluent in English or were previously denied a visa, you must select a date only from the post covering the area where you reside. Applicants denied a visa can only seek to have the decision reviewed by reapplying at the post where the denial occurred. Indian citizens resident in the USA on work permit and applying for a new visa to replace an expiring visa can request an appointment at any of the five visa sections. Note: Indian citizens resident in the USA and applying for a visa( restamping for H1, H4, L1, L2 , F1,F2 etc) to replace an expiring visa can request an appointment at any US consulates in India. H1B Visa Stamping Requirements Documents required for H-1B visa stamp: Once you receive the H1 approval petition original documents( I797 and from I129) from your H1 sponsoring employer you are ready for your H1 visa stamp. Following is a list of required documents for H1 visa stamping purpose. CEAC Barcode printout. This is the application confirmation page, you will get once you complete US Visa application form DS-160 online. Application visa fee original receipt issued by HDFC bank.( If you are applying in India) Copy of interview appointment letter which you get at the time of setting appointment with VFS. Original H1 approval form I-797. Offer letter from the company in USA. Valid Passport. Original Experience Certificates from all your previous employment's. All other legal papers you received with your H1 documents, like from I129. Two photographs 2 and 2 inches square (50 mm square) for each applicant, showing full face, without head covering, against a light background. To be used in the application Form. US consulates are very particular about the Photographs specification. Must follow these guidelines for photographs.

Check out the Guidelines for Photographs required for US visa. Demand draft for visa issuance Fee. Latest resume. All your Original Degree Certificates. FAQ: it stands for frequent asked questions. What if consulate hold my case under Section 221(g)? If your visa was not issued under Section 221(g) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act, it means that your case requires further administrative action. It is not a pure refusal it means that it is on hold. The consular officer will return you your passport .You may return to the Consulate on any working day with the required additional documents. Please follow the instructions that were given to you in form 221g . The application fee paid to schedule the initial interview remains valid for the subsequent interview up to one year from date of payment. Tips Keep a copy of all your documents. Answer all questions clearly during the interview. Upon receiving your visa, carefully check for any kind of mistakes like name, date of birth, type of visa, validity date, etc: Related Links: Ask Questions from experts in our Discussion forum Read other users H1 visa experiences - A must read. Sample 221g form Sample Documents that May Required (Optional) 1. Sample - Client Letter 2. Sample - Itinerary of Services for Client 3. Sample - Market Analysis Report

U.S. Student Visa F1, M1 and J1 Getting Student Visa Student Visa Overview Why America ? Top 6 reasons to Study in America Steps by Step Approach of Student Visa Required Qualifying Tests and Exams Finding a United States University Alphabetical List of known US Universities Obtaining Student Visa Stamp Student Visa Stamping Process Student Visa FAQ's Maintaining your Student Visa Status Checklist, getting ready to come to America Foreign Students in USA- Check list Financial Aid for International Students Student Visa Overview Hundreds of thousands of people come to the United States from around the world for a higher education to improve their skills and broaden their minds. Numerous programs provide a wide variety of opportunities. There are three major types of student visas that an international student can come on to the United States to study. Student visas are issued for the period it takes the visitor to complete his/her course of study, program or work assignment. The 3 Types of non-Immigrant Student Visa 1. F1 Visa: Academic Studies For people who want to study or conduct research at an accredited U.S. College or University. In order to be qualified for getting an F1, you must be accepted by an recognized university as a full time student. You must also prove the sufficient proof of financial support during this stay in United States. Except for the training required by the course a F-1 holder cannot work in the United States.

2. J Visa: Academic Studies as an Exchange Visitor For people who will be participating in an exchange visitor program in the U.S. The J Visa is the primary visa for educational and cultural exchange programs. Check out the details about working in the U.S. with your program sponsor. 3. M Visa: Non-Academic or Vocational Studies For people who want to study or train at non-academic institutions in the U.S. such as vocational schools. Steps to Acquiring a Student Visa This section seeks to help students going to the U.S. for further studies on F1 visa: Step 1: Take The Required Academic Test for Planned Education Figure out what test you need to take Register for the test Take and pass the test in home country Step 2: Register at an accredited U.S. College or University Find a University you would like to Attend in the United States See tips on finding a suitable university for you. Apply to the College/University Fulfil all formalities of registration Obtain an I-20 (After all your registration formalities has been completed the College/University will send you an I-20 which you will need while applying for the visa.) Step 3: Apply for the Student Visa You will apply for the student visa and go through a visa interview at a US consulate in your home country. See below for the required documents that goes along with the visa application. If your immediate family is coming to USA with you on a Student Dependant Visa, then apply for their visa at the same time as yours. Visa will be issued for the duration mentioned on your form I-20. (In practice most students get five-year visas irrespective of the duration mentioned on the I-20).

If you are refused a visa, you can apply again and again. There is no limit to the number of times you can apply for a visa. Having relatives or family in the US does not disqualify you for a US visa. Step 4: Get the Visa Stamped Step 5: Communicate with your College/University for important information and key dates. H4 visa is for the dependent family members of H1 visa holders who would like to join the H1 holder in the United States to stay for the H1 Visa period. Immediate family members like spouse and children under 21 yrs can qualify for this visa and can apply at the homecountry US Consulate. If you are applying for your visa along with your spouse, who is applying for H1 simultaneously, then you can submit both of your applications together. As a H-4 visa holder, you're not authorized to be employed in the US and are not eligible to get a Social Security Number. Although, you can get a drivers license, open bank account(s) and are eligible for an ITIN (Tax ID for IRS Tax purposes). H4 Visa Tips Note: While providing the information to take visa interview and filing online application form visa applicants should indicate clearly in their Last Name and Given Name. Its often seen in the case of South Indian names that passport issuing authorities write the whole name in the Last Name field. Applicants should check their passport and if the whole name is given in one line, they should get the same changed from passport office before applying for a visa.) It is advisable to get your spouse's name endorsed on your passport beforehand. If after marriage your last name has changed, then it's better to endorse the change in your passport beforehand. Otherwise you will have to continue your maiden name here. Make sure that the wedding album has sufficient marriage photographs. All the snaps must be very clear and easy to identify both the bride, and the bridegroom. Photographs showing some marriage rituals are must. **Example: Few photographs around the agni ceremony, if your marriage is hindu marriage. Upon receiving your visa, carefully check for any kind of mistakes like name, date of birth, type of visa, validity date, etc. Health Insurance for H4 visa to USA L1 Visa

L1 visa is an intra company transfer visa. It is a permit to work for a company in USA, to which you are transferred from the parent or the sister concern company of your country. What are the required conditions? L1 visa is filed by your company, and needs to be approved by the USCIS. The requirements for L1 visa are: It can be issued only to an L1-A(Executive, Manager) or to a person with L1-B(specialized knowledge worker). Individuals cannot apply for an L1 visa. Your employer must file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf for L1 sponsorship. The person must have worked for at least one year within the past three years and you will be performing duties in the U.S. for the same employer or an affiliate. Maximum limit for L1(A) visa is 7 years for executives, and managers. And 5 years for people with specialized skills L1(B). The L-1 petition must specify, that both the U.S. and the parent company involved are qualified organizations. A letter from US based company, justifying the need of the person. Can a L1 visa be issued, if the person is chosen to set up a office in USA? Yes, one can also be given L1 visa, if he is sent to set up an office in US for his company. In this situation the conditions to be fulfilled are: The concerned company must have proofs for sufficient funds, in order to maintain a US office. The company has to give the proof of the infra structure in USA, in order to run the business. Difference between the L-1A Visa and the L-1B Visa The L-1A Visa is for Managers and Executives. A benefit of being on an L-1A visa is the ability to apply for a Green Card (Permanent Residence), without going through the process of Labor Certification, after only one year in L-1A status. The L-1B Visa is for key employees (accountants, computer programmers, etc.). Dependent family members of L1 visa holders can obtain L2 visa. Immediate family members like spouse and children under 21 yrs can qualify for this visa. A L-2 visa holder can: Reside in the U.S. for the duration of the L-1 visa holder's authorized duration of stay.

Work in the U.S. with EAD (work authorization) approved from the USCIS. Study full-time study in the U.S. Travel in and out of the U.S. as many times as they want. Note: All above are subject to principal's L1 validity. Documents required for L2 visa CEAC Barcode printout. This is the application confirmation page, you will get once you complete US Visa application form DS-160 online. [ See a Sample ] Application visa fee original receipt issued by HDFC bank. Copy of interview appointment letter which you get at the time of setting appointment with VFS. Valid passport of each applicant. One photograph : 2 and 2 inches square (50 mm square) for each applicant, showing full face, without head covering, against a light background. To be used in the application Form. US consulates are very particular about the Photographs specification. Must follow these guidelines for photographs. Check out the Guidelines for Photographs required for US visa. Demand draft for visa issuance fee. For current visa fees rates, mode of payment, and other details visit If the applicant is below 14 yrs of age, Original Birth Certificate of this applicant (child) is required. Your original marriage certificate. Entire wedding photo album. A copy of of each sides marriage invitation card. All 36 pages of the principal applicant's(L1 holder's) passport (if not applying with principal applicant). If a copy of the passport is submitted, it should be a GOOD copy and the photo must be clearly identifiable Copy of spouse's L1 approved petition. Form I-129 (if Form I-797 is a blanket permit, copy of Form I-797 and I-129) of the Principal Applicant, and letter from employer that describes the relationship with the Principal Applicant and the purpose of travel. Spouse's(L1 holder's), employment verification letter.

Pay stubs from principal applicant's L1's current place of work. Copy of L1 holder;s income tax return. Demand draft for visa issuance Fee. (Note: While providing the information to take visa interview and filing online application form visa applicants should indicate clearly in their Last Name and Given Name. Its often seen in the case of South Indian names that passport issuing authorities write the whole name in the Last Name field. Applicants should check their passport and if the whole name is given in one line, they should get the same changed from passport office before applying for a visa.) If you are applying for your visa along with your spouse, who is applying for L1 simultaneously, then submit both your applications together. It is advisable to get your spouse's name endorsed on your passport beforehand. If after marriage your last name has changed, then it's better to endorse the change in your passport beforehand. Otherwise you will have to continue your maiden name here. Make sure that the wedding album has sufficient marriage photographs. All the snaps must be very clear and easy to identify both the bride, and the bridegroom. Photographs showing some marriage rituals are must. **Example: Few photographs around the agni ceremony, if your marriage is hindu marriage. Upon receiving your visa, carefully check for any kind of mistakes like name, date of birth, type of visa, validity date, etc. FAQ: What if consulate hold my case under Section 221(g)? If your visa was not issued under Section 221(g) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act, it means that your case requires further administrative action. It is not a pure refusal it means that it is on hold. The consular officer will return you your passport. You may return to the Consulate on any working day with the required additional documents. Please follow the instructions that were given to you at the time your case was put on hold. The application fee paid to schedule the initial interview remains valid for the subsequent interview up to one year from date of payment. Can a L2 visa holder work in USA? Yes, once you are physically present in USA, you need to apply for work authorization card known as EAD with USCIS. Check more details about how to apply for EAD.