US Visa for Indians [Two Experiences]

US Visa for Indians

US Visa for Indians is a coveted Visa as it makes the rather weak passport moderately stronger for traveling. US Visa opens the door to multiple countries esp. if you’re planning a trip to Latin America. Saves time, money, and a lot of trips to the embassy.

Fortunately or Unfortunately I have two separate experiences of getting US Visa on my Indian passport in two different countries – Ecuador and Colombia. It is recommended though that one applies for US Visa from their home country.

Here is the Common information:

Website: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

Cost: USD 160

Mode of Payment: Online

Processing Time: It depends on the availability of interview slots but once the Visa is approved it usually takes 5 working days

Visa Type: B2 Tourism/Medical Treatment

Documents: Form 160, photograph

Process:

• Fill the form 160
• make a payment
• submit your form online
• choose a date to submit fingerprints and a date for interview (It happens on the same day in Ecuador)
• passport would be retained by the embassy only in case Visa is approved

Embassy Quito, Ecuador:

Visa Requested: 30 days

Visa Issued: 6 months with two entries permitted

Validity: 6 months

Also Read: Ecuador Visa for Indians

Interview Questions:

• • ‘Who is sponsoring your trip’

• • ‘What if you run out of money’

• • ‘Why US’

• • How long have you been traveling (5 months then)

• • How long in Ecuador

• • When do you plan to go back

• • Why did you quit your job

• • What did you do back in India

• • How are you funding your trip

• • How much have you saved (had about $3700)

• • What does your family do

• • Where do your parents live

• • Where do you live, do you live with them?

• • Where in US are you going to travel (I had given a friend’s address in Tennessee)

• How do you know this friend in US (Met while traveling and hosted him for a few days in Mumbai)

Visa approved. Within 5 working days I got an email asking me to collect my passport.

I was excited about the Visa, the family I was staying with were equally happy and we had a tiny celebration as well, the day i got my Visa approved.

It was fairly easy to collect my passport but what I noticed upon getting my passport was disheartening. Unlike the usual Visa, I had gotten only 6 months on my Visa with two entries allowed.

It was still good enough for my plans though.

Embassy Bogota, Colombia:

After getting mugged in Colombia, I had to do the entire process again of getting the US Visa. It was essential for me as I wanted to go to one more country from here and I couldn’t have entered Colombia again without a valid US Visa.

After much thought I applied for a fresh US Visa. There is no other way out even though I had a copy of the previous Visa. 

I filled the form, got a date for submitting finger prints then another date for interview.

Both these dates were difficult to get as all the slots seemed to be full. I checked everyday to see if there was an earlier date available. This way I lost less time in the process.

Interview:

The interview revolved around the mugging incident. The lady was empathetic and kind.

In the end, she told me my Visa is approved.

I collected my passport after five working days and to my surprise I had received a 10 year Visa this time.

Owing to the US Visa I was able to travel to below countries Visa free:

• Colombia (90 days)
• Mexico (180 days )
• Belize (I got Visa for 10 days but one could apply for 30 days)
• Guatemala (90 days)

Tips for any Indian applying for a US Visa –

• • The fingerprinting and interview slots were not available for the next month or so. I took the earliest date and kept checking everyday to see if an earlier date was available. I was able to save a lot of time this way.

• • Everyone was dressed very smartly (most people were in business formals) but I’m not sure if it makes any difference. I went there in my backpacking clothes and hiking shoes.

• Be honest and confident in your interview. They are experienced in this and can see through lies.

Overall experience: 

US Visa in both countries was a very comfortable experience. Everyone spoke english, the processes are in place so nobody is lost upon seeing an Indian passport. The email ids are very responsive and they even have a skype number one could call for any questions. Makes life so much easier for a traveler.

NOTE: I offer personalised Visa consulting service where I can help you with your Visa interview, cover letter, and make a custom itinerary for you as per your requirements. Drop me an email at thesolespeaks@gmail.com for information.

Any aspect of Visa process you think I missed out or could elaborate on?