In a recent trend, we have noticed an alarming number of refusals of R-1 (Religious Worker) and F-2 (dependent of F-1 student) visa applications at consular posts in India. The following factors may influence the decision for F-2 applicants: Evidencing relationship to the F-1 applicant;Establishing independent nonimmigrant intent: Until about a year and half ago,…

On Aug 6, 2019, we reported on the three ways an immigrant visa applicant can submit civil documents, affidavits of support and other supporting documents to National Visa Center (NVC). This article can be found here. In the current article, we discuss the submission of documents at a U.S. consular post in India, based on an…

For all U.S. immigrant visa applicants who have opted for consular processing, after the petition is approved, the file is transferred to the NVC. The NVC will contact the petitioner / beneficiary when the case is ready for processing. Following this, the petitioner / beneficiary will have to choose an agent, remit the applicable fee,…

Subscribers to our bulletin and regular visitors to www.murthyindia.com are aware that all non-immigrant U.S. visa applicants need to complete form DS160 as part of applying for a U.S. visa. While completing the form DS160, applicant(s) need to provide their email ID. This email ID is generally used by the Department of State to communicate with the…

We are often contacted by U.S. non-immigrants who have unknowingly accrued unlawful presence on account of a truncated I-94. In general, when one enters the United States pursuant to a petition-based visa, s/he would be issued an I-94 for the validity of the I-797. Similarly, U.S. B1 / B2 travellers are issued I-94 for six…

The average wait times for most categories of non-immigrant visa appointments in India ranges between 3 and 5 weeks. If an applicant needs to travel urgently, and if s/he falls under one of the following categories, the applicant may make a request for expedited appointment. The U.S. Embassy / Consulate, at its discretion may approve…

At Murthy Immigration Services, we often receive inquiries from F-1 Students, who have stayed more than five months in India and seeking to return to the U.S. to complete the course. In accordance with prevailing U.S. immigration laws, a student’s record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is terminated if the Student…

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates across India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata) were closed on Wednesday, December 5, 2018. December 5, 2018 was observed as a day of mourning due to the passing of the former President George H.W. Bush. All consular appointments for Mumbai have been rescheduled to Wednesday, December 12, 2018…

A detailed article on “Understanding The Hindu Marriage Act Helpful for U.S. immigration” is available on www.murthy.com. In this article, we clarify the importance of religious ceremonies that make the marriage complete and legally binding under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. At Murthy Immigration Services, we receive inquiries to understand if the registration of marriage…

Effective May 29, 2018, the consular exchange rate has been revised to ₹70 to one US$. This revision in exchange rate will affect the Indian rupee equivalent for all application fees paid on or after May 29, 2018. The revision is applicable across all non-immigrant and immigrant visa applications, and American Citizenship services. Effectively, the…