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Waiting period
US authorities are looking to streamline application processes for non-immigrant visas to America. They have taken several steps to speed up the processes involved and aim to clear visa applications within 6 days, thereby doing away with the current waiting period of two to six months and increasing the availability of appointments over the next three months.
They even suggest that applicants who have appointments in 2007, to consider moving their appointments to 2006. In late September, prospective applicants were looking at appointments in February or March; appointments are now available across India within the next ten days.
Visa processing
In 99% of cases, visa processing is completed at the time of the interview wherein a person is either issued a visa or given a reason why the authorities are unable to do the same. The large majority of all visa applicants in India receive their visa on the first try. In a few cases, additional processing maybe required and applicants are duly informed about the delay.
221(g)
When additional processing is required, the authorities often resort to Section 221(g) under the US Immigration and Nationality Act. In such cases, the authorities are unable to take immediate action on a visa case due to some reason such as failing to bring in the correct documentation.
Student visas
Those applying for student visas, like F-1, for the first time may do so only within 90 days of their 'report by' date on the I-20. If within the 90 days, you may visit the VFS web site www.vfs-usa.co.in to schedule a visa appointment. In addition to this site, the US embassy web site www.newdelhi.usembassy.gov contains complete information on the documents and other requirements for applying for student and any other types of visas.
For any applicant who already has an appointment but needs to travel before that, appointments can be rescheduled for within a week at New Delhi and Chennai. Rescheduling can be done at the VFS website www.vfs-usa.co.in
Interviews
Applicants are encouraged to be well prepared for their first interview. Further, the decision in the case will be based primarily on oral answers during the interview and not so much on the documentation that is brought, though they are important as well.
During the interview, applicants for visitor and student visas must demonstrate that they have a residence in india and that they intend to return to at the end of their stay in the us. When considering applications, authorities do keep in mind the possibility of misusing a visa, but they also realize that the vast majority of indians are committed to their country, and fully intend to return.
If an applicant’s first interview is unsuccessful, but they believe that they can present additional information that will reinforce their intention to return to India, they can always schedule for a new appointment.
Applicants are usually encouraged to apply in the district where they currently reside. Even in cases where due to work reasons a person has relocated to a different city, applicants are encouraged to apply in the same place.
Visit visa
While on a visit visa, it is possible to attend job interviews as long as an individual does not actually begin working without first obtaining the proper classification that permits work in the United States. No employment of any kind is permitted on a visitor visa, including part-time work at a fast food restaurant, working at the local library, or any other similar money-earning activities.
There is no requirement for traveling to the US in order to maintain a visit visa in valid status as in the case of green cards where in holders need to travel at least once a year to the US to maintain their status.
Consulate in Hyderabad
The US authorities have reached an agreement with the Indian Government regarding setting up a consulate in Hyderabad by 2008 to provide visa services for the people of Andhra Pradesh.
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