New Visa rules for USA

The US consular offices in India recently adopted changes in their visa application process. These changes create one worldwide standard for US visa application.

Application form:

All visa applicants need to log into the new website www.ustraveldocs.com/in and create an account. The application form needs to be filled online on this website.

Payments:

Visa applicants will be able to pay fees using cash, electronic fund transfers or payment via mobile phone. Applicants will also be able to make payments at more than 1,800 Axis, Citibank and Bank of America locations throughout India, replacing the existing relationship with HDFC Bank.

Appointment:

A new online appointment system will enable the scheduling of both individual and group appointments. Travel companies will also have the option to purchase bulk appointment receipts, which they can use to schedule appointments as necessary. Each applicant will require two appointments, one for fingerprints/photos and one for the visa interview itself. (Interviews can also be scheduled on the phone). Before appearing for a visa interview, applicants will go to a separate facility to provide fingerprints and photos (for the first-timers only). For those, who already have had visas before; need not go through this again. Applicants will have a visa interview only after submitting fingerprints and photos. These interviews will occur after 1-14 days after the fingerprint/photo visit.

Delivery:

Visa applicants and their authorised representatives will now be able to collect their visas at no cost from one of 33 convenient and secure Blue Dart locations around India. Home delivery service will be available for an additional fee.

Interview Waiver:

Effective immediately, Indian visa applicants renewing a Business/Tourism (B1 and/or B2) visa may apply for a waiver of the personal interview. B1/B2 visa holders with visas that are still valid or that have expired within the past 48 months may request this interview waiver during the online visa application process. Under this new system, all documents associated with interview waiver applications can be submitted to 11 of the Blue Dart locations used for visa pickup. If your existing visa was granted after November 1, 2008, you may not need to go to one of the fingerprint/ photo facilities, meaning one can renew their visa without ever visiting any of the US Consulates or the Embassy. Children of 7 years and below are not required to appear for a non- immigrant visa interview at any post in India.

TT BUREAU