Your passport is probably the most important document that you need for your international travels. The passport serves several purposes for travel related government authorities ranging from personal identification to tracking your travel records and history.

In ordinary situations, it takes approximately 5 to 8 weeks for obtaining the passport. Some people also prefer to go through some travel agents for obtaining the passports.

• Passport Issuance Service
  The Indian passport is issued by the CPV Division of the Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for issuance of Indian Passport to the Indian Citizens. This document  is issued from 28 locations across the country and 160 Indian missions (embassies) abroad. An application should be submitted to the passport office that is responsible for the jurisdiction under which your present address falls. Here is a list of passport offices in India, from the official website.

Following are the highlights of the new system.

• VFS (visa services) will be providing visa interview scheduling and logistic services to all US consulates in India - including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkatta.VFS expanded its services centers and now have offices in 12 cities in India.
• TTS Visa services will be discontinued. Those who already have their appointment scheduled thorough TTS visa, will be accepted by the respective consulates. Those who want to make changes after oct 3rd may have to take a new appointment .At this point of time no more information available about this whole process. (Stay tuned, once we get more information we will publish here…)
• VFS administrative service fee reduced to Rs. 276 per application including tax, which is reduced from Rs. 441 previously.
• Under the new system, applicants will be asked to complete their visa forms online using an interactive website that assists applicants in avoiding errors in data entry. Applicants with confirmed appointment will also get a PIN number giving them access to 10 minutes of “free-talk time” by calling a national toll-free number. This talk time can be used to inquire about rules and regulations, and also to track return passport delivery. For the time being, the toll-free number is accessible from MTNL and BSNL lines only.

• Applicants need to pay the application fee before making an appointment. Since many people do not show up for interview and block the interview slots this was a big issue and gape in the early process. Encouraging those applicants who will actually appear for the interview to make an appointment, the visa process is expected to become faster. Embassy hopes that making applicants pay the fee earlier will help overcome this problem.

The new US visa process has 3 steps.

1. All nonimmigrant visa applicants except "Officials travelling on government business" and "Officials of international organisation travelling for official purpose" must pay the Application Fee and VFS Service Charge at a designated branch of HDFC bank before applying for a visa. Click here for more information.
2. Take an appointment and complete the online application via web at VFS website ( www.vfs-usa.co.in) Or via walk-in to VFS service centers.
3. Go to consulate on the day of interview with all the required documents, original receipt of the application fee and a separate demand draft for visa issuance fee. If visa granted you will receive the passport via blue-dart courier.
    

Getting A Visa - Procedure [Top]

There are two main visa categories: Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visa

1. Immigrant Visa: Immigrant visas are for persons who plan to live, work or study and remain permanently in the U.S.

• "K" Visa for the Fiance(e), Spouse and Child(ren) of a U.S. Citizen

• "V" Visa for the Spouse and Child(ren) of a Legal Permanent Resident

2. Non-Immigrant Visa: Visa for visiting United States temporarily. Tourist or medical treatment, business, purpose, Students, Participants in exchange programs, Temporary workers, Performing artists, Professional journalists, and Government representatives, etc.

• Student Visa: There are three type of student visa - J, M and F visa. Read more...
• Work Visa: There are several categories of temporary worker visas. All applicants for such visas, must have a petition approved by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) before applying for the visa. Read more...
• Tourist Visa: Visitors visas are nonimmigrant visas, for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1), or for pleasure/medical treatment (B-2). These visas are for a specifically limited period. Read more...

Prior to confirming a visa interview appointment online or at any US Visa Application Centre, you need to pay the following fees and obtain a Visa Fee Receipt from HDFC Bank. For more details - Application Fee and VFS Service Charge at a designated branch of HDFC bank.

Important: It is recommend that you check the appointment availability before making travel arrangements or paying the visa application and service fees. Click here for an estimate of current availability of visa interview appointments.

1. Take all the documents and reach no earlier than 15 minutes at the consulate.
2. You will first clear security check. You are not supposed to take anything inside except they may allow you take your money pouch or wallet.
3. You will have to submit your passport and Form DS 2019 at the Intake counter - you will get a pink token.
4. You will then have to proceed to counter No 1 with your passport and yellow envelope. At counter No 1 your fingerprints will be taken, first of your left index finger and then of your right index finger. The passport and the envelope will be retained by the officer and one portion of the pink token will be handed over to you.
5. You will then be seated in the visa hall. When your token number is called, you will have to go to the assigned window to be interviewed by a US Consul.

• If  visa is granted:

Your passport will be returned to you within 3/4 working days after your personal interview at the American Consulate.

Your passport will be delivered to you at the current local address of western India noted on the visa form unless you have indicated that you require the same to be returned at your office address of western India.

At the time of delivery of your passport you will be required to handover the Airway Bill issued to you by Blue Dart when collecting your application pack. Blue Dart will not deliver the passport if the Airway Bill is not surrendered.

It is not essential for the passport holder to receive the passport in person, however the receiving person must have the pick up Airway Bill.

You can also track your passport online.

• If visa is denied

• The fees paid by you includes an Issuance Fee of $50 (Rupee equivalent).The Issuance Fee is refundable to you if visa is refused.
   
• The Consul will return you your passport and an envelope containing the Demand Draft for Rs. 2200/- that you have submitted towards the Issuance Fee.
   
• You have to cancel the Demand Draft for Rs.2200/- with your issuing bank.
   
• If you intend to re-apply, you can re-use this Demand Draft provided the draft is still valid at that time.

Check out Frequently asked questions about the visa procedure.

Medical Insurance [Top]

Rates & Coverage: Rates depend on various factors like: Age, medical history of a person, duration of stay, kind of plan and coverage, and premium. Other than these it also depends on the insurance company, and the country you have taken it from e.g. insurance taken from India is normally cheaper than if taken from USA.

Based on people's experience, getting medical insurance from a USA based insurance agency might be a bit expensive, but the advantage is that most of the hospitals and doctors might accept it. In this case you'll get instant coverage. There are several companies in USA which provide medical insurance for international visitors. Moreover, it is convenience, instant and reachable customer support, insurance acceptance, the peace of mind and hassle free claim is certainly better with USA based insurance companies.

www.g1g.com : A USA based insurance provider company. Many visitors of going2usa.com have purchased medical insurance and we havent had any complaints so far.

The total insurance coverage depends on:

• Age: It is one of the major factors determining your premium.
• Maximum Coverage: There are different plans depending on the maximum coverage you want. For e.g. $50,000, $ 100,000 etc.
• Deductible: The minimum amount one has to pay in case of any medical expenses.
• Rider Factor: Your insurance will increase if you plan to indulge in hazardous activities such as rock climbing, skiing etc.