Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Loss of VISA in abroad
u went indian embassy and applied ur passport in person...
Well, I will try to give you the detailed procedure as far as I remember.
First and Foremost thing is that you need to file a complaint at the local police. Call 911 and then tell them that you lost your passport(include all that you lost.. ur i-94 and if any thing else like ssn etc etc). They will ask you when and where you lost it. Dont answer that I lost it a month back or so. IT looks odd as you are supposed to register a complaint as soon as you lost it..) Better you tell them that you do not have any idea as you dont check the passport regularly and since you had some work with the passport a couple of days back you tried to find the passport where you generally keep it but in vain. (Hope you got my intention here.)
Then tell them that you need copies of the case. There will be 2 types. (similar to notorized and non notorized). So have some 10 copies of non notorized ones and 10 copies of notorized ones. You may not need that many but just to be on the safer side. You can ask them and they will help you out. For the case letters, and u went to the police station(there is a concerned dept for this and ask them(when you are reporting tht you lost ur passport) they will tell you where to go.
and depending upon the location, the Indian Embassy location changes. I am sending you the link for the Houston Embassy and in that link.. you can see the other locations and its jurisdiction.
http://www.cgihouston.org/ReplacePassport.html
In the above link, there are other necessary things in detail. Follow the procedure given in the link and it should be simple. You can even call them and ask them if any doubts.Since the I-94 is also attached to the passport, it is always safe to apply for duplicate I-94. The fee is bit high.. (close to 200 dollars) and you need to contact USCIS for this. But the thing is though the procedure is simple, it takes a long time (close to 8 months or more) but you will get a receipt as a proof of applying for i-94. this is important as you can show this in case any one asks you.
Finally.. the indian embassy will issue you a new passprt with a validity of one year and you need to apply for extension. So the complete procedure takes around one month or more. Then when you go to India first apply for extension of the passport and then go for the VISA stamping.
Well, I will try to give you the detailed procedure as far as I remember.
First and Foremost thing is that you need to file a complaint at the local police. Call 911 and then tell them that you lost your passport(include all that you lost.. ur i-94 and if any thing else like ssn etc etc). They will ask you when and where you lost it. Dont answer that I lost it a month back or so. IT looks odd as you are supposed to register a complaint as soon as you lost it..) Better you tell them that you do not have any idea as you dont check the passport regularly and since you had some work with the passport a couple of days back you tried to find the passport where you generally keep it but in vain. (Hope you got my intention here.)
Then tell them that you need copies of the case. There will be 2 types. (similar to notorized and non notorized). So have some 10 copies of non notorized ones and 10 copies of notorized ones. You may not need that many but just to be on the safer side. You can ask them and they will help you out. For the case letters, and u went to the police station(there is a concerned dept for this and ask them(when you are reporting tht you lost ur passport) they will tell you where to go.
and depending upon the location, the Indian Embassy location changes. I am sending you the link for the Houston Embassy and in that link.. you can see the other locations and its jurisdiction.
http://www.cgihouston.org/ReplacePassport.html
In the above link, there are other necessary things in detail. Follow the procedure given in the link and it should be simple. You can even call them and ask them if any doubts.Since the I-94 is also attached to the passport, it is always safe to apply for duplicate I-94. The fee is bit high.. (close to 200 dollars) and you need to contact USCIS for this. But the thing is though the procedure is simple, it takes a long time (close to 8 months or more) but you will get a receipt as a proof of applying for i-94. this is important as you can show this in case any one asks you.
Finally.. the indian embassy will issue you a new passprt with a validity of one year and you need to apply for extension. So the complete procedure takes around one month or more. Then when you go to India first apply for extension of the passport and then go for the VISA stamping.
US VISAS information
B1: Visitor for Business
DS-156 (application form).
Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
One passport-size photo.
Older passports containing previous visas.
Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
US$100 non-refundable application fee.
Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
Proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in U. S.
Proof of ties/residence in a country outside U.S. which they have no intention of abandoning.
Evidence which shows purpose of trip.
Domestic Employees accompanying or following to join employers in order to perform their duties in the U.S. must present a copy of their employment contract(s) and proof of a minimum of one year of employment with that employer as a domestic employee.
. F1: Student
DS-156 (application form).
DS-158 (contact information and work history).
Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
One passport-size photo.
Older passports containing previous visas.
Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
US$100 non-refundable application fee.
Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
USCIS Form I-20
Proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in U.S.
Proof of ties/residence in country outside the U.S. which have no intentions of abandoning.
Important information about SEVIS fees and the 30-day policy
H1: Temporary Worker of Distinguished Merit and Ability
DS-156 (application form).
Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
One passport-size photo.
Older passports containing previous visas.
Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
US$100 non-refundable application fee.
Reciprocity fee (if applicable)
Form I-797 - either I-797A or I-797B. I-797C is not acceptable.
Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
Recent paystub/payslip.
Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
Copy of approved LCA if applicable.
If previously under J-1 in U.S. applicant needs waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule.
Evidence of qualifications must be original or certified copy. Consular officers in Canada may refuse to issue a visa to H-1B applicants if their education and /or work experience is solely or predominantly from a country other than the U.S. or Canada.
H1A: Nurses (Temporary)
DS-156 (application form).
Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
One passport-size photo.
Older passports containing previous visas.
Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
US$100 non-refundable application fee.
Form I-797 - either I-797A or I-797B. I-797C is not acceptable.
Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
Recent paystub/payslip.
Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
Copy of approved LCA if applicable.
If previously under J-1 in U.S. applicant needs waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule.
Evidence of qualifications must original or certified copy. Consular officers in Canada may refuse to issue a visa to H-1Bapplicants if their education and /or work experience is solely or predominantly from a country other than the U.S. or Canada.
H1B: Distinguished Merit (Other than Nurse)
DS-156 (application form).
Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
One passport-size photo.
Older passports containing previous visas.
Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
US$100 non-refundable application fee.
Form I-797 - either I-797A or I-797B. I-797C is not acceptable.
Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
Recent paystub/payslip.
Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
Copy of approved LCA if applicable.
If previously under J-1 in U.S. applicant needs waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule.
Evidence of qualifications must original or certified copy. Consular officers in Canada may refuse to issue a visa to H-1B applicants if their education and/or work experience is solely or predominantly from a country other than the U.S. or Canada.
H2: Temporary Worker Performing Agricultural Services
DS-156 (application form).
Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
One passport-size photo.
Older passports containing previous visas.
Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
US$100 non-refundable application fee.
Reciprocity fee (if applicable)
Form I-797 - either I-797A or I-797B. I-797C is not acceptable.
Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
Recent paystub/payslip.
Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
Copy of approved LCA if applicable.
If previously under J-1 in U.S. applicant needs waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule.
Evidence of qualifications must original or certified copy. Consular officers in Canada may refuse to issue a visa to H-1B applicants if their education and /or work experience is solely or predominantly from a country other than the U.S. or Canada.
L1: Inter-Company Transferee (Executive, Manager)
Related Information: NAFTA and L-Visas
DS-156 (application form).
Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
One passport-size photo.
Older passports containing previous visas.
Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
$100 U.S. non-refundable application fee.
Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
Form I-797 - either I-797A or I-797B. I-797C is not acceptable.
Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
Recent paystub/payslips.
Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
Proof applicant employed 1 out of 3 years abroad by the employer in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity.
Proof employer abroad still exists.
Waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule if previously under J1 status.
M1: Visitor for Vocational/Technical Training
DS-156 (application form).
DS-158(contact information and work history).
Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
One passport-size photo.
Older passports containing previous visas.
Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
US$100 non-refundable application fee.
Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
USCIS Form I-20
Proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in U.S.
Proof of ties/residence in country outside U.S. which have no intentions of abandoning.
Important information about SEVIS fees and the 30-day policy
DS-156 (application form).
Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
One passport-size photo.
Older passports containing previous visas.
Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
US$100 non-refundable application fee.
Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
Proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in U. S.
Proof of ties/residence in a country outside U.S. which they have no intention of abandoning.
Evidence which shows purpose of trip.
Domestic Employees accompanying or following to join employers in order to perform their duties in the U.S. must present a copy of their employment contract(s) and proof of a minimum of one year of employment with that employer as a domestic employee.
. F1: Student
DS-156 (application form).
DS-158 (contact information and work history).
Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
One passport-size photo.
Older passports containing previous visas.
Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
US$100 non-refundable application fee.
Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
USCIS Form I-20
Proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in U.S.
Proof of ties/residence in country outside the U.S. which have no intentions of abandoning.
Important information about SEVIS fees and the 30-day policy
H1: Temporary Worker of Distinguished Merit and Ability
DS-156 (application form).
Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
One passport-size photo.
Older passports containing previous visas.
Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
US$100 non-refundable application fee.
Reciprocity fee (if applicable)
Form I-797 - either I-797A or I-797B. I-797C is not acceptable.
Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
Recent paystub/payslip.
Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
Copy of approved LCA if applicable.
If previously under J-1 in U.S. applicant needs waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule.
Evidence of qualifications must be original or certified copy. Consular officers in Canada may refuse to issue a visa to H-1B applicants if their education and /or work experience is solely or predominantly from a country other than the U.S. or Canada.
H1A: Nurses (Temporary)
DS-156 (application form).
Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
One passport-size photo.
Older passports containing previous visas.
Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
US$100 non-refundable application fee.
Form I-797 - either I-797A or I-797B. I-797C is not acceptable.
Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
Recent paystub/payslip.
Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
Copy of approved LCA if applicable.
If previously under J-1 in U.S. applicant needs waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule.
Evidence of qualifications must original or certified copy. Consular officers in Canada may refuse to issue a visa to H-1Bapplicants if their education and /or work experience is solely or predominantly from a country other than the U.S. or Canada.
H1B: Distinguished Merit (Other than Nurse)
DS-156 (application form).
Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
One passport-size photo.
Older passports containing previous visas.
Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
US$100 non-refundable application fee.
Form I-797 - either I-797A or I-797B. I-797C is not acceptable.
Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
Recent paystub/payslip.
Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
Copy of approved LCA if applicable.
If previously under J-1 in U.S. applicant needs waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule.
Evidence of qualifications must original or certified copy. Consular officers in Canada may refuse to issue a visa to H-1B applicants if their education and/or work experience is solely or predominantly from a country other than the U.S. or Canada.
H2: Temporary Worker Performing Agricultural Services
DS-156 (application form).
Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
Proof of legal status in Canada: original or certified copy.
One passport-size photo.
Older passports containing previous visas.
Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
US$100 non-refundable application fee.
Reciprocity fee (if applicable)
Form I-797 - either I-797A or I-797B. I-797C is not acceptable.
Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
Recent paystub/payslip.
Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
Copy of approved LCA if applicable.
If previously under J-1 in U.S. applicant needs waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule.
Evidence of qualifications must original or certified copy. Consular officers in Canada may refuse to issue a visa to H-1B applicants if their education and /or work experience is solely or predominantly from a country other than the U.S. or Canada.
L1: Inter-Company Transferee (Executive, Manager)
Related Information: NAFTA and L-Visas
DS-156 (application form).
Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
One passport-size photo.
Older passports containing previous visas.
Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
$100 U.S. non-refundable application fee.
Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
Form I-797 - either I-797A or I-797B. I-797C is not acceptable.
Current employment letter indicating the nature of work, duration and salary.
Recent paystub/payslips.
Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S.
Proof applicant employed 1 out of 3 years abroad by the employer in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity.
Proof employer abroad still exists.
Waiver of 2 year foreign residence rule if previously under J1 status.
M1: Visitor for Vocational/Technical Training
DS-156 (application form).
DS-158(contact information and work history).
Valid Passport (at least 6 months).
One passport-size photo.
Older passports containing previous visas.
Documents substantiating previous legal status in U.S.
US$100 non-refundable application fee.
Reciprocity fee (if applicable).
USCIS Form I-20
Proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in U.S.
Proof of ties/residence in country outside U.S. which have no intentions of abandoning.
Important information about SEVIS fees and the 30-day policy
types of visas
Non-immigrant Visas
Types of Visas
The Consular Section issues many types of visas. The following are some of the more common types of non-immigrant visas:
A and G Visas (Official Visas)
B Business/Visitor Visas
C Visas (Alien in transit)
C1/D (Alien crewmember in transit)
F and M Student Visas
I Visas (Foreign Info Media)
J and Q Exchange Visitor Visas
H and L Temporary Worker Visas
O Visas for Persons of Extraordinary Ability
P Visas for Artists or Entertainers in a Culturally Unique Program
R Visas (Alien in Religious Operation)
TD Visas (NAFTA derivative - spouse/child of TN)
TN NAFTA Professional
The Consular Section also issues various immigrant visas including employment based immigration visas, family based immigrant visas, K and V visas.
Types of Visas
The Consular Section issues many types of visas. The following are some of the more common types of non-immigrant visas:
A and G Visas (Official Visas)
B Business/Visitor Visas
C Visas (Alien in transit)
C1/D (Alien crewmember in transit)
F and M Student Visas
I Visas (Foreign Info Media)
J and Q Exchange Visitor Visas
H and L Temporary Worker Visas
O Visas for Persons of Extraordinary Ability
P Visas for Artists or Entertainers in a Culturally Unique Program
R Visas (Alien in Religious Operation)
TD Visas (NAFTA derivative - spouse/child of TN)
TN NAFTA Professional
The Consular Section also issues various immigrant visas including employment based immigration visas, family based immigrant visas, K and V visas.
cost of living in US
hi,
It actually depends on how you reach US. Where ur stay is arranged an dby whom. If u r coming here on H1 and ur employer can arrange for accomodation. He is also expected to take care of ur health insurance. In US u need a car for even gettng milk and grocerires as you have shops miles away some times. you also might have to go long distances for Indian grocery shops. There is not much of public transportation in USA as such except in big cities.
So generally the essential expenses are
1. Housing - depending on area it is 1000-1200 USD- usually shared between 2-3 bachelors.
2.Electricity - upto 75USD
3.Water - upto 50USD
4.Health Insurance is mostly borne by the employer initilly for 5-6 months.
5.Groceries for one - 75-100USD moderately. However if sharing with 2/3 guys per person expenses can come down.
6.Phone calls to India can be upto 25 USD per month
7.Local phones - not much
8.internet-50USD per month
9. Plus enetertainment
10.plus travelling expenses
11.plus many more
It actually depends on how you reach US. Where ur stay is arranged an dby whom. If u r coming here on H1 and ur employer can arrange for accomodation. He is also expected to take care of ur health insurance. In US u need a car for even gettng milk and grocerires as you have shops miles away some times. you also might have to go long distances for Indian grocery shops. There is not much of public transportation in USA as such except in big cities.
So generally the essential expenses are
1. Housing - depending on area it is 1000-1200 USD- usually shared between 2-3 bachelors.
2.Electricity - upto 75USD
3.Water - upto 50USD
4.Health Insurance is mostly borne by the employer initilly for 5-6 months.
5.Groceries for one - 75-100USD moderately. However if sharing with 2/3 guys per person expenses can come down.
6.Phone calls to India can be upto 25 USD per month
7.Local phones - not much
8.internet-50USD per month
9. Plus enetertainment
10.plus travelling expenses
11.plus many more
Interview Tips for those Applying for F1 VISA to USA
Sample questions
Q: How many universities did you apply for?
Q: Which Universities (both admits and rejects) did you apply to?
Q: Which universities accepted you?
Q: Why did you choose specific university?
Q: Why do you want to study in USA?
Q: Where did you do your bachelor's degree from?
Q: What is your Undergraduate GPA/Percentage?
Q: Can you tell me some details about your university?
Q: Can you mention the names of some professors?
Q: Have you ever been to the US?
Q: How can you prove that you will come back after finishing your studies?
Q: Why do you wish to study in the US and not in India?
Q: Could you please show me your GRE/TOEFL scorecard?
Q: What will you do after completing MS?
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
Q: Do you know anyone (in USA) or in your University?
Q: What do you plan to study at the university?
Q: What will you do if your visa is rejected?
Q: Will you come back to home during summers?
Q: What will you do after coming back to home?
Q: (If you have changed the field of specialization, e.g., you have bachelor's degree in Mechanical engineering and are going for masters in computer science) Why do you want to change your major?
Q: What steps have you taken to ensure that you will be able to perform well in the new field you wish to change to?
Q: Why do you think the university is giving scholarship to you?
Q: (If you are currently working) Why are you leaving your current job?
Q: (If you are going for higher studies after working for sometime) Can I see your work experience certificate(s)?
Q: Did you receive any scholarships?Q: Why haven't you received any scholarship?
Q: Have you received any loans?
Q: Do you have any relatives in USA?
Q: Who is sponsoring you?
Q: What does your father do?
Q: What is your father's annual income?
Q: How many brothers and sisters do you have?
Q: Are your parents retired If yes, how will they pay for your education expenses?
Q: Could you please show me the passbook or bank statements?Q: Where did your brother/parents complete their studies?
Q: You have xx brothers and sisters so your father's savings are for all, how will he finance you?Q: Where do your parents live (if they live in USA)?
Q: How will you finance your education funds for 2 years or 3 years? (Generally you have to prove that you can fund the first year of your education but we suggest that you be prepared with this answer).
Q: Do you have a brother / sister, or any other relative already at this university?Sensitive technologiesThere may be delays in obtaining visas for those persons working or studying in sensitive technologies. It applies to both Students and Exchange Visitors.
Foreign scientists who apply for a non-immigrant visa to work or study sensitive technologies listed on the Technology Alert List have been subjected to inter-agency security review procedures since 1998. The Technology Alert List outlines technological fields that are considered sensitive and critical to national security, and provides procedures consuls must follow with regard to applicants involved in sensitive fields.
These review procedures require the names of these applicants to be checked through law enforcement, intelligence and other federal agencies before a visa can be issued to an otherwise qualified applicant.
Since September 11, 2001, consulates have been working diligently with other U.S. government agencies in an extensive and ongoing review of visa issuing practices as they relate to the security of US borders and US as a nation. As a result, more non-immigrant visa applicants are now subjected to additional inter-agency security reviews.
Consulates are working with the involved agencies to achieve quicker processing of the applicants subject to these procedures, without compromising national security. Visas continue to be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Q: How many universities did you apply for?
Q: Which Universities (both admits and rejects) did you apply to?
Q: Which universities accepted you?
Q: Why did you choose specific university?
Q: Why do you want to study in USA?
Q: Where did you do your bachelor's degree from?
Q: What is your Undergraduate GPA/Percentage?
Q: Can you tell me some details about your university?
Q: Can you mention the names of some professors?
Q: Have you ever been to the US?
Q: How can you prove that you will come back after finishing your studies?
Q: Why do you wish to study in the US and not in India?
Q: Could you please show me your GRE/TOEFL scorecard?
Q: What will you do after completing MS?
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
Q: Do you know anyone (in USA) or in your University?
Q: What do you plan to study at the university?
Q: What will you do if your visa is rejected?
Q: Will you come back to home during summers?
Q: What will you do after coming back to home?
Q: (If you have changed the field of specialization, e.g., you have bachelor's degree in Mechanical engineering and are going for masters in computer science) Why do you want to change your major?
Q: What steps have you taken to ensure that you will be able to perform well in the new field you wish to change to?
Q: Why do you think the university is giving scholarship to you?
Q: (If you are currently working) Why are you leaving your current job?
Q: (If you are going for higher studies after working for sometime) Can I see your work experience certificate(s)?
Q: Did you receive any scholarships?Q: Why haven't you received any scholarship?
Q: Have you received any loans?
Q: Do you have any relatives in USA?
Q: Who is sponsoring you?
Q: What does your father do?
Q: What is your father's annual income?
Q: How many brothers and sisters do you have?
Q: Are your parents retired If yes, how will they pay for your education expenses?
Q: Could you please show me the passbook or bank statements?Q: Where did your brother/parents complete their studies?
Q: You have xx brothers and sisters so your father's savings are for all, how will he finance you?Q: Where do your parents live (if they live in USA)?
Q: How will you finance your education funds for 2 years or 3 years? (Generally you have to prove that you can fund the first year of your education but we suggest that you be prepared with this answer).
Q: Do you have a brother / sister, or any other relative already at this university?Sensitive technologiesThere may be delays in obtaining visas for those persons working or studying in sensitive technologies. It applies to both Students and Exchange Visitors.
Foreign scientists who apply for a non-immigrant visa to work or study sensitive technologies listed on the Technology Alert List have been subjected to inter-agency security review procedures since 1998. The Technology Alert List outlines technological fields that are considered sensitive and critical to national security, and provides procedures consuls must follow with regard to applicants involved in sensitive fields.
These review procedures require the names of these applicants to be checked through law enforcement, intelligence and other federal agencies before a visa can be issued to an otherwise qualified applicant.
Since September 11, 2001, consulates have been working diligently with other U.S. government agencies in an extensive and ongoing review of visa issuing practices as they relate to the security of US borders and US as a nation. As a result, more non-immigrant visa applicants are now subjected to additional inter-agency security reviews.
Consulates are working with the involved agencies to achieve quicker processing of the applicants subject to these procedures, without compromising national security. Visas continue to be reviewed on a case by case basis.
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