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US eases visa process for Indians

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The US has eased the visa application process for eligible Indians wishing to visit the country.

Children under seven years of age are no longer required to appear for a nonimmigrant visa interview after a completed visa form is submitted. Additionally, no extra visa fees will be charged for applicants if they are reapplying after their visa application was earlier put on hold or pending.

The US Consulate in Mumbai now has a total of 40 windows to streamline visa processing and reduce the waiting time for a visa interview with a consular officer from three hours to one hour.

Indian nationals are not part of the US Visa Waiver program and, therefore, if they wish to visit the US they need to apply for a visitor visa prior to travel.

The US Visa Waiver Program eases foreign travel to the US by enabling nationals of 36 participating countries to travel to the US for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Countries currently part of the visa waiver program include Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Germany, and France.

Citizens of countries under the visa waiver program are still required to apply for the online Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application. ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. You will need to submit the ESTA if:
  • You are a citizen or eligible national of a Visa Waiver Program country.
  • You are currently not in possession of a visitor's visa.
  • Your travel is for 90 days or less.
  • You plan to travel to the US for business or pleasure.
If you would like to apply for a US visa WorkPermit.com can help. WorkPermit.com is a specialist visa consultancy with over twenty years of experience dealing with visa applications. We can help with a wide range of visa applications to your country of choice. Please feel free to contact us for further details.