Having availed an opportunity to visit USA on Tourist visa B2 for six months, thanks to my Son, Mahesh & Daughter-in law, Akila, I could stay at his residential Apartment situated in Arlington town near Boston, the capital of the State of Massachusetts, during the period 10.06.10 to 02.12.10 & observe the mode of life, Indians leading there with family & children. Prior to giving you all a brief on the same, let me narrate a few formalities I was directed upon to comply before boarding the Flight on 9th June’10 at Coimbatore Peelamedu Airport.
2.0 Status of Visitors like me at US.
2.1 Non- Immigrants :
2.0 Status of Visitors like me at US.
2.1 Non- Immigrants :
Normally obtained quickly but limited in both the time spent in the US & the activity engaged in.Most have to show they have a permanent residence at Native country away from USA which they have no intention of abandoning & must overcome a presumption that they are seeking to immigrate to the US.However, these limitations do not apply to persons seeking to enter the US as H1 temporary workers or L1incorporate transferee.Most common types of N.I.Status are-
2.1.1- Visitor for business or pleasure:B-1 or B-2
2.1 Academic student :F-1
2.2 Non-academic student :M-1
2.3 Temporary worker :H-1
2.4 Non-professional temporary worker :H-2
2.5 Trainee :H-3
2.6 Exchange visitor : J-1
2.7 Finance : K
2.8 Intra corporate Transferee : L-1
Non-citizens of USA either as Non-immigrants (temporary) or as Immigrants (permanent).
3.0 Applying for Visa- ON-LINE.
It is the only way of seeking Visa either throughTravel Agents or by our own children sponsoring for the visit. Obviously, my son, being my sponsor, helped me in getting it done through Skype-chat. Just within a few hours of chat across the Globe, application was filed separately for self & Rajam with Photos submitted & pasted. Confirmation copy intimating the date of the interview for visa was also received.Photos for visa have certain specifications laid down which could be taken at selected Photo studios only, Savitri studio of Ram Nagar, Coimbatore was one of them. on 5th April, process for visit started by scanning &sending our old & new Passports to Mahesh for applying for Visa.Special set of Photos were taken at Savitri studio,Ram Nagar on 9th April.Applications for visa – ON LINE, was launched on 11th. Under guidance from Mahesh & Akila. 30th April was the date given in confirmation by the US Consulate, Chennai.
3.1.Preliminary things complied prior to departure!
Processing of visa documents then commenced at both ends. Mahesh was working OVERTIME for Sponsor documents at his end while I was doing Affidavits supported by certificates from Bhaskaran, CA at RS Puram. The entire documents were then got ready just before our departure for Visa interview on 30th. We left for Chennai on 28th & stayed for 2 days.Interview was simple & fast without asking for any documents in support.The person, obviously American took interview in Tamil without needing the help of translators, as requested by us during our application, to our pleasant surprise & wished us 'Vanakkam' at the end. Since the visa granted will be sent by Couriers unlike collecting it earlier across the counter the same day evening, we could leave the office of Consulate by 12.00 Hrs itself. Back home, we received by courier- Blue Dart, the Passports duly granting visa for 10 years with Multiple entries on 5th May.
2.1.1- Visitor for business or pleasure:B-1 or B-2
2.1 Academic student :F-1
2.2 Non-academic student :M-1
2.3 Temporary worker :H-1
2.4 Non-professional temporary worker :H-2
2.5 Trainee :H-3
2.6 Exchange visitor : J-1
2.7 Finance : K
2.8 Intra corporate Transferee : L-1
Non-citizens of USA either as Non-immigrants (temporary) or as Immigrants (permanent).
3.0 Applying for Visa- ON-LINE.
It is the only way of seeking Visa either throughTravel Agents or by our own children sponsoring for the visit. Obviously, my son, being my sponsor, helped me in getting it done through Skype-chat. Just within a few hours of chat across the Globe, application was filed separately for self & Rajam with Photos submitted & pasted. Confirmation copy intimating the date of the interview for visa was also received.Photos for visa have certain specifications laid down which could be taken at selected Photo studios only, Savitri studio of Ram Nagar, Coimbatore was one of them. on 5th April, process for visit started by scanning &sending our old & new Passports to Mahesh for applying for Visa.Special set of Photos were taken at Savitri studio,Ram Nagar on 9th April.Applications for visa – ON LINE, was launched on 11th. Under guidance from Mahesh & Akila. 30th April was the date given in confirmation by the US Consulate, Chennai.
3.1.Preliminary things complied prior to departure!
Processing of visa documents then commenced at both ends. Mahesh was working OVERTIME for Sponsor documents at his end while I was doing Affidavits supported by certificates from Bhaskaran, CA at RS Puram. The entire documents were then got ready just before our departure for Visa interview on 30th. We left for Chennai on 28th & stayed for 2 days.Interview was simple & fast without asking for any documents in support.The person, obviously American took interview in Tamil without needing the help of translators, as requested by us during our application, to our pleasant surprise & wished us 'Vanakkam' at the end. Since the visa granted will be sent by Couriers unlike collecting it earlier across the counter the same day evening, we could leave the office of Consulate by 12.00 Hrs itself. Back home, we received by courier- Blue Dart, the Passports duly granting visa for 10 years with Multiple entries on 5th May.
3.2.Later, while we were at Palakkad we got a call from Akila saying that our Air tickets had been booked by flight leaving on 9th June for Mumbai towards Boston & also return ticket for 2nd Dec. Date of departure was advanced to avail benefits of economic deal booked on line thro’ Vayoma. Then, the process of shopping, arranging suit-cases, etc. was hurried which went upto the day of departure.
Here is the program of our flights, onward, booked on line-
Air Sahara Flight S2646
Depart Coimbatore, IN (CJB)
09-Jun-10 (Wed) 08:20p
Arrive Mumbai, IN (BOM)
09-Jun-10 (Wed) 10:05p
Flight Time 01hr 45min Economy
Aircraft Boeing 737-700
Stops nonstop
Here is the program of our flights, onward, booked on line-
Air Sahara Flight S2646
Depart Coimbatore, IN (CJB)
09-Jun-10 (Wed) 08:20p
Arrive Mumbai, IN (BOM)
09-Jun-10 (Wed) 10:05p
Flight Time 01hr 45min Economy
Aircraft Boeing 737-700
Stops nonstop
Air France Flight AF217
Depart Mumbai, IN (BOM)
10-Jun-10 (Thu) 02:25a
Arrive Paris Charles de Gaulle Apt, FR (CDG)
10-Jun-10 (Thu) 08:05a
Flight Time 10hr 10min Economy
Aircraft Boeing 777-200
Stops nonstop
Air France Flight AF332
Depart Paris Charles de Gaulle Apt, FR (CDG)
10-Jun-10 (Thu) 01:40p
Arrive Boston Logan International Apt, US (BOS)
10-Jun-10 (Thu) 03:05p
Flight Time 07hr 25min Economy
Aircraft Boeing 747-400
Stops nonstop
Depart Mumbai, IN (BOM)
10-Jun-10 (Thu) 02:25a
Arrive Paris Charles de Gaulle Apt, FR (CDG)
10-Jun-10 (Thu) 08:05a
Flight Time 10hr 10min Economy
Aircraft Boeing 777-200
Stops nonstop
Air France Flight AF332
Depart Paris Charles de Gaulle Apt, FR (CDG)
10-Jun-10 (Thu) 01:40p
Arrive Boston Logan International Apt, US (BOS)
10-Jun-10 (Thu) 03:05p
Flight Time 07hr 25min Economy
Aircraft Boeing 747-400
Stops nonstop
3.3.Size and weight limits :
The baggage THAT CHECKED-IN @ 2 Nos.per passenger must not exceed 158 cm/62 in. (height + length + width) and 23 kg.
• For baggage that 4weighs between 23 and 32 kg/70 lb. or measures more than 158 cm/62 in., must purchase an additional baggage allowance.
• For baggage weighing more than 32 kg/70 lb., prior authorization is required.
To avoid purchasing an additional baggage allowance, it is recommended to use flight baggage allowance calculator.
In case of Hand luggages & 2 Nos per passenger- it shall not exceed 12 Kgs each, measuring ???3.4. B1, B2 Visa Information
If you wish to come to USA for any of the following purpose, you can apply for B1 or B2 Visitor VISA. (Visiting your relatives/friends, medical treatment, Attending seminar or business purpose, company sponsored training).
Business related visitors should apply for B1. Others can apply for B2.
The purpose of the VISIT should be short term and the applicant should have permanent residence in the home country. To obtain B1/B2 VISA, the visitor should show strong evidance to prove that their intention is just to visit USA and their stay in US will only be temporary. Also, they should submit the documents to prove that they have strong base in their home country and will return from US within the permitted time.
The new visitor VISA regulations restricts the change of status from B1/B2 to other status.
3.5.Documents for B2 Visitor Visa/Documents from Sponsor
• Letter from the Sponsor - (Sample Letter)
• Passport, VISA copies (visitors and Spouse's)
• H1B approval copy or Green Card copy
• Letter from the employer (Just salary and your Job title)
• Affidavit of support (Form - I-134) - Should be notarized. (Notary public will be available in the nearest bank). Form Tips: If a permanent resident, give the Alien # or just fill it up as H1B.)
• Recent Bank Statement ($5000 balance in your saving account may be considerable amount)
• Recent Pay stubs (Supporting document)
• Previous Year Tax return copies (If available - Supporting document)
3.6.Documents from visitor
• VISA request letter - (Sample Letter)
• VISA application form. - (Form DS-156)
On January 11, 2002, the U.S. Secretary of State announced the introduction of a new form, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-157). It was announced that all male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality and regardless of where they apply, must complete this new form, DS-157. The form must be submitted in addition to the usual Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-156), previously known as Form OF-156.The DS-156 application form may be obtained via autofax at , document 6306. All male applicants between 16-45 years of age must also submit form DS-157 (supplemental non-immigrant visa application.) Form DS-157
• Passport
• Two photographs 1 and 1/2 inches square (37x37 mm) for each applicant
• If working, copy of the employment letter / leave approval letter (This is really a strong supporting document)
• Recent Bank Statement(Supporting document)
• Property documents or Property estimation letter from the auditor (Supporting document)
• VISA fees (Please contact the respective consulate for current fees details)
Medical Insurance
It is advisable to have medical insurance while visiting US. Medical and hospital expenses are too expensive in US. If there is any emergency situation, the visitor will be able to get the treatment without having the insurance, but the visitor will be responsible to pay the full amount. One day of hospitalization may cost around $5000 to $10,000 depending upon the treatment.
In our case, we sougfht the help of one Auditor as mentioned above for our certificate- cum- affidavits.
Items to be carried in check-in as well as on hand shall confirm to the regulations laid down by US FLIGHT CARRIERS, totally avoiding prohibited as well as restricted items.
The baggage THAT CHECKED-IN @ 2 Nos.per passenger must not exceed 158 cm/62 in. (height + length + width) and 23 kg.
• For baggage that 4weighs between 23 and 32 kg/70 lb. or measures more than 158 cm/62 in., must purchase an additional baggage allowance.
• For baggage weighing more than 32 kg/70 lb., prior authorization is required.
To avoid purchasing an additional baggage allowance, it is recommended to use flight baggage allowance calculator.
In case of Hand luggages & 2 Nos per passenger- it shall not exceed 12 Kgs each, measuring ???3.4. B1, B2 Visa Information
If you wish to come to USA for any of the following purpose, you can apply for B1 or B2 Visitor VISA. (Visiting your relatives/friends, medical treatment, Attending seminar or business purpose, company sponsored training).
Business related visitors should apply for B1. Others can apply for B2.
The purpose of the VISIT should be short term and the applicant should have permanent residence in the home country. To obtain B1/B2 VISA, the visitor should show strong evidance to prove that their intention is just to visit USA and their stay in US will only be temporary. Also, they should submit the documents to prove that they have strong base in their home country and will return from US within the permitted time.
The new visitor VISA regulations restricts the change of status from B1/B2 to other status.
3.5.Documents for B2 Visitor Visa/Documents from Sponsor
• Letter from the Sponsor - (Sample Letter)
• Passport, VISA copies (visitors and Spouse's)
• H1B approval copy or Green Card copy
• Letter from the employer (Just salary and your Job title)
• Affidavit of support (Form - I-134) - Should be notarized. (Notary public will be available in the nearest bank). Form Tips: If a permanent resident, give the Alien # or just fill it up as H1B.)
• Recent Bank Statement ($5000 balance in your saving account may be considerable amount)
• Recent Pay stubs (Supporting document)
• Previous Year Tax return copies (If available - Supporting document)
3.6.Documents from visitor
• VISA request letter - (Sample Letter)
• VISA application form. - (Form DS-156)
On January 11, 2002, the U.S. Secretary of State announced the introduction of a new form, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-157). It was announced that all male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality and regardless of where they apply, must complete this new form, DS-157. The form must be submitted in addition to the usual Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-156), previously known as Form OF-156.The DS-156 application form may be obtained via autofax at , document 6306. All male applicants between 16-45 years of age must also submit form DS-157 (supplemental non-immigrant visa application.) Form DS-157
• Passport
• Two photographs 1 and 1/2 inches square (37x37 mm) for each applicant
• If working, copy of the employment letter / leave approval letter (This is really a strong supporting document)
• Recent Bank Statement(Supporting document)
• Property documents or Property estimation letter from the auditor (Supporting document)
• VISA fees (Please contact the respective consulate for current fees details)
Medical Insurance
It is advisable to have medical insurance while visiting US. Medical and hospital expenses are too expensive in US. If there is any emergency situation, the visitor will be able to get the treatment without having the insurance, but the visitor will be responsible to pay the full amount. One day of hospitalization may cost around $5000 to $10,000 depending upon the treatment.
In our case, we sougfht the help of one Auditor as mentioned above for our certificate- cum- affidavits.
Items to be carried in check-in as well as on hand shall confirm to the regulations laid down by US FLIGHT CARRIERS, totally avoiding prohibited as well as restricted items.
Now comes my next Part of interaction with you all shortly please!
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