United States

Spouse Visa Process

The process for obtaining a dependent (spouse) visa to the USA from India typically involves several steps.

The first step is to determine if you (the sponsor) meet the eligibility criteria to sponsor your spouse for a visa. This includes being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and meeting certain financial requirements.

The sponsor (U.S. citizen or permanent resident) needs to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the United States Citizenship and aImmigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the relationship between the sponsor and the spouse seeking the visa.

After USCIS receives the petition, they will review it. If everything is in order and the relationship is deemed genuine, they will approve the petition.

Once the petition is approved, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will assign a case number and invoice ID number. The NVC will also provide instructions for submitting visa application forms and supporting documents.

The spouse seeking the visa must complete the DS-260 form online (Immigrant Visa Electronic Application) and submit it along with the required supporting documents, such as passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, police clearance certificates, and medical examination reports.

After submitting the required documents and forms, the spouse will be scheduled for an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in India. During the interview, a consular officer will ask questions to verify the legitimacy of the relationship and assess the spouse's eligibility for the visa.

If the interview goes well and the officer approves the visa, the spouse will receive the visa packet, which includes the immigrant visa and a sealed immigrant visa packet. They will also receive instructions on how to enter the United States.

Once the visa is issued, the spouse can travel to the United States. Upon arrival, they will present the visa packet to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry. The officer will inspect the documents and admit the spouse as a lawful permanent resident.

Work Visa to United States

The process for obtaining a work visa for the USA from India depends on the type of visa you are applying for. The most common work visas for the USA include the H-1B visa, L-1 visa, and O-1 visa.

In most cases, you will need a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor your visa. The employer will typically initiate the visa application process on your behalf.

Work visas in the USA are categorized based on the type of work you will be doing. Common work visas include: • H-1B Visa: For specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge. • L-1 Visa: For intracompany transferees, allowing multinational companies to transfer employees to the USA. • O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field.

For H-1B visas, the employer must obtain a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This involves attesting to certain labor conditions, including prevailing wage levels and working conditions.

Once the employer has completed the necessary paperwork, they will file a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf. The required form varies depending on the visa type (e.g., Form I-129 for H-1B visas).

After USCIS receives the petition, they will review it and either approve or deny it. Processing times vary depending on the visa type and current workload.

Depending on the visa category and your individual circumstances, you may be required to attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in India. This is more common for certain visa types, such as the L-1 visa.

If the petition is approved and you have attended the interview (if required), you will receive your work visa. The visa will be stamped in your passport, allowing you to travel to the USA for employment.

Once you have your visa, you can travel to the USA and begin working for your sponsoring employer. Upon arrival, you may be required to present additional documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.

Visitor Visa to United States

The process for obtaining a visitor visa (B-1/B-2 visa) to the USA from India involves several steps.

Determine if you are eligible for a visitor visa. The B-1 visa is for business purposes, such as attending conferences or meetings, while the B-2 visa is for tourism, visiting family, or medical treatment. You must demonstrate strong ties to your home country to show that you intend to return after your visit.

Complete the online DS-160 form (Nonimmigrant Visa Application) on the website of the U.S. Department of State. This form gathers information about you and the purpose of your visit.

Pay the non-refundable visa application fee. The fee amount may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

Schedule an interview appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate in India. Wait times for interview appointments can vary, so it's advisable to schedule your appointment well in advance.

Gather the required documents for your visa interview, which typically include: • Passport valid for travel to the USA. • Printed confirmation page of the DS-160 form. • Visa application fee payment receipt. • Photo meeting the specified requirements. • Proof of ties to your home country, such as employment documents, property ownership, or family ties. • Any additional documents requested by the embassy or consulate, such as travel itinerary or invitation letters.

Attend your scheduled visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. A consular officer will interview you to determine your eligibility for the visa. Be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of your visit, ties to your home country, and other relevant details.

Depending on the embassy or consulate, you may be required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph, at the time of your interview.

After the interview, the consular officer will decide whether to approve or deny your visa application. If approved, your passport will be returned to you with the visa stamped inside. Processing times may vary.

Once you have received your visa, you can travel to the USA within the validity period of the visa. At the port of entry, you will present your passport with the visa stamp to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, who will determine whether to admit you into the country.