US Visa Application Process

1. Tourism
2. Medical treatment
3. Business
4. Employment
5. Education 

Immigrant Visas:

United States issued a limited number of Immigrant Visas to foreign citizens who wish to live the United States permanently.  

Official Website for Visa Application Process

For details about the Visa application process to the United States in India, you have to log on to http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/index.html?firstTime=No.

Immigrant Visas

Foreign nationals who wish to live in the United States for keeps should acquire an immigrant Visa. If you wish to become a permanent resident of the United States, you should get an immigrant Visa. Immigrant Visa categories

As a foreign citizen, you need to be sponsored by any one of the following:

1. US citizen (family) (petition I-130 should be filed for an Alien Relative)
2. US permanent resident
3. Prospective employer

Your sponsor should kickstart the process of your immigration to the US by submitting a petition on your behalf with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. According to the official website of the US Department of State, the maximum number of immigrant Visas are approved from the employment and family-based categories.

The following table shows details of the various categories of sponsors

Limited Immigrant Visas

It is important to note that the United States allows only a certain number of limited immigrant Visas every year for each country.

It is important to note that both the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai and the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi accept applications for immigrant Visas in India.

Applicants for immigrant Visas should complete the following procedures before attending the appointments at the Consulate.

How to Obtain Police Clearance Certificate

You should get a Police Clearance Certificate duly issued from the Regional Passport Office. A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is valid for one year from the issue date. You must submit a new PCC in case the one you had submitted is invalid. It is important to note that you should produce a PCC from a foreign country in case you lived there for over a year after attaining 18 years. In case you fail to submit a PCC, you will have to postpone your appointment at the Consulate.

Medical Tests

You should complete the process of medical examination conducted by approved physicians.

Fill Out Form DS‑260 Online

You should complete DS-260 form at https://ceac.state.gov/ceac. You should have your Invoice ID Number and beneficiary ID number. The Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee Bill Invoice contains Beneficiary ID and Invoice ID numbers. Read the guidelines on completing form Ds 260 carefully before filling out the form as the call center cannot assist you on it.

Print the confirmation page - DS 260

Appointment Categories

Log in to www.ustraveldocs.com/in and click on the option of Schedule Appointment. You should fix your appointments based on the following categories:

Category Particulars

Category 1 Appointment at Visa Application Center(VAC)The Kentucky Consular Center or National Visa Center set up your Visa interview

Category 2 Consulate Appointment  

1. Applying for Returning Resident status
2. Applying for Boarding Foil if you lose your green card

Missed Appointments

In case you missed your appointment at the US Consulate, you can reschedule a Category 3 appointment.

Fees

Visa fees is non-refundable. You have to get a bank draft (rupee) in favour of ËœU.S. Consulate General, Mumbai and payable in Mumbai in case your appointment has not been set up via NVC. Also, please check the rate of exchange (consular) before your interview.

Pending Immigrant Visas

Under section Section 221(g) of the INA Act, your Visa application can be put on hold for lack of adequate information and documentation or in some cases, for further administrative processes.

The following table shows steps to be taken under various conditions:

• Choose a pickup location to get your passport
• You have to bring the following documents for your appointment at the Visa Application Centre
• DS 260 confirmation
• 1 photo in case an applicant is below 14 year
• Confirmation of appointment (page)
• A valid US passport (6 months more than your duration of stay)
• Each individual with a Visa should submit a separate application
• You have to submit the following documents for your Visa interview at the US Consulate
• Old and current passports
• DS-260 confirmation
• Medical report
• Supporting documents
• Police Clearance Certificate

How to Apply for Non-immigrant Visas

The following procedures should be followed for applying for Non-immigrant Visas

• Visa Type:
   You should select your Visa type. Go through details of all the Nonimmigrant Visas
• DS-160:
   Fill out the DS-160 form which is an Electronic Application for Nonimmigrant Visa. Read the guidelines for filling out form DS-160. You cannot make changes after the said form is submitted. Also, the call center cannot assist you for completing your form DS-160. It is important to note that you require your DS 160 number to schedule appointment
• Visa fees:
   You should pay your Visa fee. Log on to the page on Payment Options to see how to make your Visa payment. Create your profile. You need your receipt number to book appointments
• Schedule Appointment:
  You should one appointment at the Visa Application Center (VAC) and another at the Consulate. You should get your photos and fingerprints taken at your nearest Visa Application Centre one day before the interview at the US Consulate. You need your passport number, 10-digit barcode number (DS-160 page) and fee receipt number to book an appointment
• Visa Application Centre appointment:
  The following documents have to be submitted for your appointment at the Visa Application Centre
  • DS-160 confirmation
  • A valid passport (6 months more than the duration of stay in the US)
  • Appointment confirmation page
  • 1 photo if applicant is below 14 years
• Visa interview at Consulate:
  You have to bring the following documents for your interview at the Consulate.
  • Old and current passports
  • DS 160 confirmation (page)
  • Appointment confirmation
  • Old and current passports