Hi All,
I went to India in mid Nov and came back in 1st week of February in that time, I've got married to a beautiful girl and was able to file I-130 in New Delhi. By the way is this process called DCF?? Anyway so when I was in India I had so much confusion regarding the rules and regulations for filing from New Delhi that I thought I should post this so that it might be helpful to others. Here goes my story:
I went to India on 10 years visitor's visa. I got married in the third week of december, and soon after I started to explore my options regarding how to file for my wife. I hired an agent who helped us prepare the I-130. I asked him about New Delhi and he said that it's been about an year may be more since last he had sent a couple to New Delhi to file it. And since than the rules has changed and it requires at least about 6 months of stay for the US citizen to prove the residency of India. Being and IT Professional I decided to do some research online. And I thought the first place to look for the information was the website for US Embassy in New Delhi. I read thru the requirements and nowhere, I meant nowhere it mentions that US Citizen has to stay for atleast 6 months or even a 3 months to prove the residency, and that bring up my hope. I showed that to my agent and he suggested that if I was willing to spend money and travel to New Delhi than it's worth shot. BTW I am originally from Surat, Gujarat.
Now to prove my residency I had to change my 10 year Visitor's visa to 5 yesar "Entry" Visa on which then I can get the Residency stamp which will allow me to stay for more than six months in India. This process was done by my agent thru FRRO (I think). He said, with this we'll be able to prove our residency. We finished our I-130 paper work and in 3rd week of Jan 08, My wife and I went to US Embassy in New Delhi.
We took the train at 9pm in Surat and reached Delhi next morning. We went to the hotel stayed for the day and tried so hard to relax, because thought of rejection was still in the back of our mind. At that time I was in India for only about two months and few days. The only hope was that the US Embassy's New Delhi web site doesn't mention the 90 days or 180 days requirement anywhere. I also took the print copy of the Residency requirements also as an back up just if they mention about 90 days requirement.
Next day morning, we reached the Embassy at around 10 am. We went to the guard and I told him why were there and showed my US passport. He told us to enter their office (I forgot the name of the office). Anyway we went thru the security and then were taken along a walkway towards as seemed to be the back of the building. We entered one door. There was a security guard as well, he took us to another door inside where we were told to sit. There was only one other couple as well who was there to apply for I-130 I think, though I didn't ask. We waited for about 30 minutes. In a meanwhile I show couple of papers stating the residency requirement on the wall in that waiting area. One of them was exactly same as the one that I printed from online. Another one was also similar but it mentioned that "The Indian residency is usually not proven unless the person has stayed in India for at least 90 days". Even though there was a word "usually" in that sentence, I got really worried about my chances. But since my wife was there as well I acted cool, you know how Men's ego work.
After about 30 minutes, a lady came and asked other coupe to go with her in the room inside. In about 15 minutes they came out and left. They seemed happy so I think they were successful in their purpose. Then were asked to go inside the other room. It was the same lady. She was very polite. Once in her office, she asked for all the required documents. She asked couple of basic questions like when was our wedding, how many people attended it. etc. Then she asked me since how long I was in India, and for a moment I was silent. My worst fear seemed to be becoming true. Then something happened, I told her about more than 2 months. She looked at me, and asked me more than 2 months or less than 3 months. I thought uh oh...this is not good. so I said very politely, and I quote, "hmm...I think more than 2 months but less than 3 months". Then she asked me the date on which I entered India and counted the exact days, the number came out to be about 65/66 days. Then without any expression she asked me where we came from, and I told her that we came from Surat, Gujarat. She asked me how? and I said we took overnight train from Surat and took us about 12-13 hours to get to Delhi. And then she asked us to keep the wedding photos ready, and stepped outside as someone was calling for her. She came back, marked all the details regarding our location, name, etc... with red pen on I-130, probably just making sure that everything was filled correctly.
Then she told us that we need to pay the fee outside at the cashier's window, once she'll get the proof of the payment, the application will be approved and move to Mumbai consulate. I remain calmed even though I knew that our trip to Delhi was a success, from inside I felt like dancing. She then gave us package 3.5, and told us that the earlier we send this forms to VFS office the earlier she's get the interview date. and then We were escorted back to the cashier where we paid the fees and then we got out of the Embassy. We were just excited and thrilled with enjoyment with our success. But I still had confusion regarding package 3.5 cause according to our agent, were not supposed to get anything but the receipt of our payment from the Embassy.
Once back to Surat, I asked my agent regarding 3.5 and he had no idea. But luckily two days later I had to go to Ahmedabad to attend my friend's wedding, so I've decided to goto VFS office in Ahmedabad and ask them about it. Staff at VFS office were very polite as well, and the lady working their told us that package 3.5 was the old process and I should be getting the package from Mumbai Consulate instead. And I think that lady was right because my wife received the package from Mumbai Consulate which contained everything that was in package 3.5 and additional letter which had our case number on it. My agent called this form DSL forms for some reason, I don't know. Does this mean that I successfully filed I-130 from New Delhi??
Anyway, My wife filled out a form from this package and sent it to Mumbai Consulate. Does anyone know what are the next steps? Will she now get the interview date or is there any other process that she'll have to get thru?
I think New Delhi was just the first step towards her getting the VISA to US. I hope that the rest of the process go smoothly as well.
I posted this thread because I think, there's so much confusion regarding filing I-130 from New Delhi, and I thought this post might be helpful.
Full Version: I filed I-130 in New Delhi for my wife
VisaJourney.com > Marriage Based Immigration (K1, K2, K3, etc) to the USA > Direct Consular Filing (DCF) General Discussion
Thank you very much for sharing this information.
If possible, can you please elaborate how did you or your agent go about doing the following you say?
>>>
Now to prove my residency I had to change my 10 year Visitor's visa to 5 yesar "Entry" Visa on which then I can get the Residency stamp which will allow me to stay for more than six months in India. This process was done by my agent thru FRRO (I think).
<<<
Many thanks!
If possible, can you please elaborate how did you or your agent go about doing the following you say?
>>>
Now to prove my residency I had to change my 10 year Visitor's visa to 5 yesar "Entry" Visa on which then I can get the Residency stamp which will allow me to stay for more than six months in India. This process was done by my agent thru FRRO (I think).
<<<
Many thanks!
QUOTE(VISH @ Feb 18 2008, 04:01 PM) 
Hi All,
I went to India in mid Nov and came back in 1st week of February in that time, I've got married to a beautiful girl and was able to file I-130 in New Delhi. By the way is this process called DCF?? Anyway so when I was in India I had so much confusion regarding the rules and regulations for filing from New Delhi that I thought I should post this so that it might be helpful to others. Here goes my story:
I went to India on 10 years visitor's visa. I got married in the third week of december, and soon after I started to explore my options regarding how to file for my wife. I hired an agent who helped us prepare the I-130. I asked him about New Delhi and he said that it's been about an year may be more since last he had sent a couple to New Delhi to file it. And since than the rules has changed and it requires at least about 6 months of stay for the US citizen to prove the residency of India. Being and IT Professional I decided to do some research online. And I thought the first place to look for the information was the website for US Embassy in New Delhi. I read thru the requirements and nowhere, I meant nowhere it mentions that US Citizen has to stay for atleast 6 months or even a 3 months to prove the residency, and that bring up my hope. I showed that to my agent and he suggested that if I was willing to spend money and travel to New Delhi than it's worth shot. BTW I am originally from Surat, Gujarat.
Now to prove my residency I had to change my 10 year Visitor's visa to 5 yesar "Entry" Visa on which then I can get the Residency stamp which will allow me to stay for more than six months in India. This process was done by my agent thru FRRO (I think). He said, with this we'll be able to prove our residency. We finished our I-130 paper work and in 3rd week of Jan 08, My wife and I went to US Embassy in New Delhi.
We took the train at 9pm in Surat and reached Delhi next morning. We went to the hotel stayed for the day and tried so hard to relax, because thought of rejection was still in the back of our mind. At that time I was in India for only about two months and few days. The only hope was that the US Embassy's New Delhi web site doesn't mention the 90 days or 180 days requirement anywhere. I also took the print copy of the Residency requirements also as an back up just if they mention about 90 days requirement.
Next day morning, we reached the Embassy at around 10 am. We went to the guard and I told him why were there and showed my US passport. He told us to enter their office (I forgot the name of the office). Anyway we went thru the security and then were taken along a walkway towards as seemed to be the back of the building. We entered one door. There was a security guard as well, he took us to another door inside where we were told to sit. There was only one other couple as well who was there to apply for I-130 I think, though I didn't ask. We waited for about 30 minutes. In a meanwhile I show couple of papers stating the residency requirement on the wall in that waiting area. One of them was exactly same as the one that I printed from online. Another one was also similar but it mentioned that "The Indian residency is usually not proven unless the person has stayed in India for at least 90 days". Even though there was a word "usually" in that sentence, I got really worried about my chances. But since my wife was there as well I acted cool, you know how Men's ego work.
After about 30 minutes, a lady came and asked other coupe to go with her in the room inside. In about 15 minutes they came out and left. They seemed happy so I think they were successful in their purpose. Then were asked to go inside the other room. It was the same lady. She was very polite. Once in her office, she asked for all the required documents. She asked couple of basic questions like when was our wedding, how many people attended it. etc. Then she asked me since how long I was in India, and for a moment I was silent. My worst fear seemed to be becoming true. Then something happened, I told her about more than 2 months. She looked at me, and asked me more than 2 months or less than 3 months. I thought uh oh...this is not good. so I said very politely, and I quote, "hmm...I think more than 2 months but less than 3 months". Then she asked me the date on which I entered India and counted the exact days, the number came out to be about 65/66 days. Then without any expression she asked me where we came from, and I told her that we came from Surat, Gujarat. She asked me how? and I said we took overnight train from Surat and took us about 12-13 hours to get to Delhi. And then she asked us to keep the wedding photos ready, and stepped outside as someone was calling for her. She came back, marked all the details regarding our location, name, etc... with red pen on I-130, probably just making sure that everything was filled correctly.
Then she told us that we need to pay the fee outside at the cashier's window, once she'll get the proof of the payment, the application will be approved and move to Mumbai consulate. I remain calmed even though I knew that our trip to Delhi was a success, from inside I felt like dancing. She then gave us package 3.5, and told us that the earlier we send this forms to VFS office the earlier she's get the interview date. and then We were escorted back to the cashier where we paid the fees and then we got out of the Embassy. We were just excited and thrilled with enjoyment with our success. But I still had confusion regarding package 3.5 cause according to our agent, were not supposed to get anything but the receipt of our payment from the Embassy.
Once back to Surat, I asked my agent regarding 3.5 and he had no idea. But luckily two days later I had to go to Ahmedabad to attend my friend's wedding, so I've decided to goto VFS office in Ahmedabad and ask them about it. Staff at VFS office were very polite as well, and the lady working their told us that package 3.5 was the old process and I should be getting the package from Mumbai Consulate instead. And I think that lady was right because my wife received the package from Mumbai Consulate which contained everything that was in package 3.5 and additional letter which had our case number on it. My agent called this form DSL forms for some reason, I don't know. Does this mean that I successfully filed I-130 from New Delhi??
Anyway, My wife filled out a form from this package and sent it to Mumbai Consulate. Does anyone know what are the next steps? Will she now get the interview date or is there any other process that she'll have to get thru?
I think New Delhi was just the first step towards her getting the VISA to US. I hope that the rest of the process go smoothly as well.
I posted this thread because I think, there's so much confusion regarding filing I-130 from New Delhi, and I thought this post might be helpful.
I went to India in mid Nov and came back in 1st week of February in that time, I've got married to a beautiful girl and was able to file I-130 in New Delhi. By the way is this process called DCF?? Anyway so when I was in India I had so much confusion regarding the rules and regulations for filing from New Delhi that I thought I should post this so that it might be helpful to others. Here goes my story:
I went to India on 10 years visitor's visa. I got married in the third week of december, and soon after I started to explore my options regarding how to file for my wife. I hired an agent who helped us prepare the I-130. I asked him about New Delhi and he said that it's been about an year may be more since last he had sent a couple to New Delhi to file it. And since than the rules has changed and it requires at least about 6 months of stay for the US citizen to prove the residency of India. Being and IT Professional I decided to do some research online. And I thought the first place to look for the information was the website for US Embassy in New Delhi. I read thru the requirements and nowhere, I meant nowhere it mentions that US Citizen has to stay for atleast 6 months or even a 3 months to prove the residency, and that bring up my hope. I showed that to my agent and he suggested that if I was willing to spend money and travel to New Delhi than it's worth shot. BTW I am originally from Surat, Gujarat.
Now to prove my residency I had to change my 10 year Visitor's visa to 5 yesar "Entry" Visa on which then I can get the Residency stamp which will allow me to stay for more than six months in India. This process was done by my agent thru FRRO (I think). He said, with this we'll be able to prove our residency. We finished our I-130 paper work and in 3rd week of Jan 08, My wife and I went to US Embassy in New Delhi.
We took the train at 9pm in Surat and reached Delhi next morning. We went to the hotel stayed for the day and tried so hard to relax, because thought of rejection was still in the back of our mind. At that time I was in India for only about two months and few days. The only hope was that the US Embassy's New Delhi web site doesn't mention the 90 days or 180 days requirement anywhere. I also took the print copy of the Residency requirements also as an back up just if they mention about 90 days requirement.
Next day morning, we reached the Embassy at around 10 am. We went to the guard and I told him why were there and showed my US passport. He told us to enter their office (I forgot the name of the office). Anyway we went thru the security and then were taken along a walkway towards as seemed to be the back of the building. We entered one door. There was a security guard as well, he took us to another door inside where we were told to sit. There was only one other couple as well who was there to apply for I-130 I think, though I didn't ask. We waited for about 30 minutes. In a meanwhile I show couple of papers stating the residency requirement on the wall in that waiting area. One of them was exactly same as the one that I printed from online. Another one was also similar but it mentioned that "The Indian residency is usually not proven unless the person has stayed in India for at least 90 days". Even though there was a word "usually" in that sentence, I got really worried about my chances. But since my wife was there as well I acted cool, you know how Men's ego work.
After about 30 minutes, a lady came and asked other coupe to go with her in the room inside. In about 15 minutes they came out and left. They seemed happy so I think they were successful in their purpose. Then were asked to go inside the other room. It was the same lady. She was very polite. Once in her office, she asked for all the required documents. She asked couple of basic questions like when was our wedding, how many people attended it. etc. Then she asked me since how long I was in India, and for a moment I was silent. My worst fear seemed to be becoming true. Then something happened, I told her about more than 2 months. She looked at me, and asked me more than 2 months or less than 3 months. I thought uh oh...this is not good. so I said very politely, and I quote, "hmm...I think more than 2 months but less than 3 months". Then she asked me the date on which I entered India and counted the exact days, the number came out to be about 65/66 days. Then without any expression she asked me where we came from, and I told her that we came from Surat, Gujarat. She asked me how? and I said we took overnight train from Surat and took us about 12-13 hours to get to Delhi. And then she asked us to keep the wedding photos ready, and stepped outside as someone was calling for her. She came back, marked all the details regarding our location, name, etc... with red pen on I-130, probably just making sure that everything was filled correctly.
Then she told us that we need to pay the fee outside at the cashier's window, once she'll get the proof of the payment, the application will be approved and move to Mumbai consulate. I remain calmed even though I knew that our trip to Delhi was a success, from inside I felt like dancing. She then gave us package 3.5, and told us that the earlier we send this forms to VFS office the earlier she's get the interview date. and then We were escorted back to the cashier where we paid the fees and then we got out of the Embassy. We were just excited and thrilled with enjoyment with our success. But I still had confusion regarding package 3.5 cause according to our agent, were not supposed to get anything but the receipt of our payment from the Embassy.
Once back to Surat, I asked my agent regarding 3.5 and he had no idea. But luckily two days later I had to go to Ahmedabad to attend my friend's wedding, so I've decided to goto VFS office in Ahmedabad and ask them about it. Staff at VFS office were very polite as well, and the lady working their told us that package 3.5 was the old process and I should be getting the package from Mumbai Consulate instead. And I think that lady was right because my wife received the package from Mumbai Consulate which contained everything that was in package 3.5 and additional letter which had our case number on it. My agent called this form DSL forms for some reason, I don't know. Does this mean that I successfully filed I-130 from New Delhi??
Anyway, My wife filled out a form from this package and sent it to Mumbai Consulate. Does anyone know what are the next steps? Will she now get the interview date or is there any other process that she'll have to get thru?
I think New Delhi was just the first step towards her getting the VISA to US. I hope that the rest of the process go smoothly as well.
I posted this thread because I think, there's so much confusion regarding filing I-130 from New Delhi, and I thought this post might be helpful.
I think for that I had to get him few passport size photos, and my passport. I think he wrote a letter stating that I live in some place in India and requesting to change the status of my visa so that I can stay more than six months. Now I'm not sure about the exact proceedure....but If you hire any agent in India and tell him that you need to get the residency stamp from FRRO, he/she should know how to do that. I think it's a very common proceedure.
QUOTE(book_keeper @ Feb 18 2008, 09:19 PM)
Thank you very much for sharing this information.
If possible, can you please elaborate how did you or your agent go about doing the following you say?
>>>
Now to prove my residency I had to change my 10 year Visitor's visa to 5 yesar "Entry" Visa on which then I can get the Residency stamp which will allow me to stay for more than six months in India. This process was done by my agent thru FRRO (I think).
<<<
Many thanks!
If possible, can you please elaborate how did you or your agent go about doing the following you say?
>>>
Now to prove my residency I had to change my 10 year Visitor's visa to 5 yesar "Entry" Visa on which then I can get the Residency stamp which will allow me to stay for more than six months in India. This process was done by my agent thru FRRO (I think).
<<<
Many thanks!
QUOTE(VISH @ Feb 18 2008, 04:01 PM)
Hi All,
I went to India in mid Nov and came back in 1st week of February in that time, I've got married to a beautiful girl and was able to file I-130 in New Delhi. By the way is this process called DCF?? Anyway so when I was in India I had so much confusion regarding the rules and regulations for filing from New Delhi that I thought I should post this so that it might be helpful to others. Here goes my story:
I went to India on 10 years visitor's visa. I got married in the third week of december, and soon after I started to explore my options regarding how to file for my wife. I hired an agent who helped us prepare the I-130. I asked him about New Delhi and he said that it's been about an year may be more since last he had sent a couple to New Delhi to file it. And since than the rules has changed and it requires at least about 6 months of stay for the US citizen to prove the residency of India. Being and IT Professional I decided to do some research online. And I thought the first place to look for the information was the website for US Embassy in New Delhi. I read thru the requirements and nowhere, I meant nowhere it mentions that US Citizen has to stay for atleast 6 months or even a 3 months to prove the residency, and that bring up my hope. I showed that to my agent and he suggested that if I was willing to spend money and travel to New Delhi than it's worth shot. BTW I am originally from Surat, Gujarat.
Now to prove my residency I had to change my 10 year Visitor's visa to 5 yesar "Entry" Visa on which then I can get the Residency stamp which will allow me to stay for more than six months in India. This process was done by my agent thru FRRO (I think). He said, with this we'll be able to prove our residency. We finished our I-130 paper work and in 3rd week of Jan 08, My wife and I went to US Embassy in New Delhi.
We took the train at 9pm in Surat and reached Delhi next morning. We went to the hotel stayed for the day and tried so hard to relax, because thought of rejection was still in the back of our mind. At that time I was in India for only about two months and few days. The only hope was that the US Embassy's New Delhi web site doesn't mention the 90 days or 180 days requirement anywhere. I also took the print copy of the Residency requirements also as an back up just if they mention about 90 days requirement.
Next day morning, we reached the Embassy at around 10 am. We went to the guard and I told him why were there and showed my US passport. He told us to enter their office (I forgot the name of the office). Anyway we went thru the security and then were taken along a walkway towards as seemed to be the back of the building. We entered one door. There was a security guard as well, he took us to another door inside where we were told to sit. There was only one other couple as well who was there to apply for I-130 I think, though I didn't ask. We waited for about 30 minutes. In a meanwhile I show couple of papers stating the residency requirement on the wall in that waiting area. One of them was exactly same as the one that I printed from online. Another one was also similar but it mentioned that "The Indian residency is usually not proven unless the person has stayed in India for at least 90 days". Even though there was a word "usually" in that sentence, I got really worried about my chances. But since my wife was there as well I acted cool, you know how Men's ego work.
After about 30 minutes, a lady came and asked other coupe to go with her in the room inside. In about 15 minutes they came out and left. They seemed happy so I think they were successful in their purpose. Then were asked to go inside the other room. It was the same lady. She was very polite. Once in her office, she asked for all the required documents. She asked couple of basic questions like when was our wedding, how many people attended it. etc. Then she asked me since how long I was in India, and for a moment I was silent. My worst fear seemed to be becoming true. Then something happened, I told her about more than 2 months. She looked at me, and asked me more than 2 months or less than 3 months. I thought uh oh...this is not good. so I said very politely, and I quote, "hmm...I think more than 2 months but less than 3 months". Then she asked me the date on which I entered India and counted the exact days, the number came out to be about 65/66 days. Then without any expression she asked me where we came from, and I told her that we came from Surat, Gujarat. She asked me how? and I said we took overnight train from Surat and took us about 12-13 hours to get to Delhi. And then she asked us to keep the wedding photos ready, and stepped outside as someone was calling for her. She came back, marked all the details regarding our location, name, etc... with red pen on I-130, probably just making sure that everything was filled correctly.
Then she told us that we need to pay the fee outside at the cashier's window, once she'll get the proof of the payment, the application will be approved and move to Mumbai consulate. I remain calmed even though I knew that our trip to Delhi was a success, from inside I felt like dancing. She then gave us package 3.5, and told us that the earlier we send this forms to VFS office the earlier she's get the interview date. and then We were escorted back to the cashier where we paid the fees and then we got out of the Embassy. We were just excited and thrilled with enjoyment with our success. But I still had confusion regarding package 3.5 cause according to our agent, were not supposed to get anything but the receipt of our payment from the Embassy.
Once back to Surat, I asked my agent regarding 3.5 and he had no idea. But luckily two days later I had to go to Ahmedabad to attend my friend's wedding, so I've decided to goto VFS office in Ahmedabad and ask them about it. Staff at VFS office were very polite as well, and the lady working their told us that package 3.5 was the old process and I should be getting the package from Mumbai Consulate instead. And I think that lady was right because my wife received the package from Mumbai Consulate which contained everything that was in package 3.5 and additional letter which had our case number on it. My agent called this form DSL forms for some reason, I don't know. Does this mean that I successfully filed I-130 from New Delhi??
Anyway, My wife filled out a form from this package and sent it to Mumbai Consulate. Does anyone know what are the next steps? Will she now get the interview date or is there any other process that she'll have to get thru?
I think New Delhi was just the first step towards her getting the VISA to US. I hope that the rest of the process go smoothly as well.
I posted this thread because I think, there's so much confusion regarding filing I-130 from New Delhi, and I thought this post might be helpful.
I went to India in mid Nov and came back in 1st week of February in that time, I've got married to a beautiful girl and was able to file I-130 in New Delhi. By the way is this process called DCF?? Anyway so when I was in India I had so much confusion regarding the rules and regulations for filing from New Delhi that I thought I should post this so that it might be helpful to others. Here goes my story:
I went to India on 10 years visitor's visa. I got married in the third week of december, and soon after I started to explore my options regarding how to file for my wife. I hired an agent who helped us prepare the I-130. I asked him about New Delhi and he said that it's been about an year may be more since last he had sent a couple to New Delhi to file it. And since than the rules has changed and it requires at least about 6 months of stay for the US citizen to prove the residency of India. Being and IT Professional I decided to do some research online. And I thought the first place to look for the information was the website for US Embassy in New Delhi. I read thru the requirements and nowhere, I meant nowhere it mentions that US Citizen has to stay for atleast 6 months or even a 3 months to prove the residency, and that bring up my hope. I showed that to my agent and he suggested that if I was willing to spend money and travel to New Delhi than it's worth shot. BTW I am originally from Surat, Gujarat.
Now to prove my residency I had to change my 10 year Visitor's visa to 5 yesar "Entry" Visa on which then I can get the Residency stamp which will allow me to stay for more than six months in India. This process was done by my agent thru FRRO (I think). He said, with this we'll be able to prove our residency. We finished our I-130 paper work and in 3rd week of Jan 08, My wife and I went to US Embassy in New Delhi.
We took the train at 9pm in Surat and reached Delhi next morning. We went to the hotel stayed for the day and tried so hard to relax, because thought of rejection was still in the back of our mind. At that time I was in India for only about two months and few days. The only hope was that the US Embassy's New Delhi web site doesn't mention the 90 days or 180 days requirement anywhere. I also took the print copy of the Residency requirements also as an back up just if they mention about 90 days requirement.
Next day morning, we reached the Embassy at around 10 am. We went to the guard and I told him why were there and showed my US passport. He told us to enter their office (I forgot the name of the office). Anyway we went thru the security and then were taken along a walkway towards as seemed to be the back of the building. We entered one door. There was a security guard as well, he took us to another door inside where we were told to sit. There was only one other couple as well who was there to apply for I-130 I think, though I didn't ask. We waited for about 30 minutes. In a meanwhile I show couple of papers stating the residency requirement on the wall in that waiting area. One of them was exactly same as the one that I printed from online. Another one was also similar but it mentioned that "The Indian residency is usually not proven unless the person has stayed in India for at least 90 days". Even though there was a word "usually" in that sentence, I got really worried about my chances. But since my wife was there as well I acted cool, you know how Men's ego work.
After about 30 minutes, a lady came and asked other coupe to go with her in the room inside. In about 15 minutes they came out and left. They seemed happy so I think they were successful in their purpose. Then were asked to go inside the other room. It was the same lady. She was very polite. Once in her office, she asked for all the required documents. She asked couple of basic questions like when was our wedding, how many people attended it. etc. Then she asked me since how long I was in India, and for a moment I was silent. My worst fear seemed to be becoming true. Then something happened, I told her about more than 2 months. She looked at me, and asked me more than 2 months or less than 3 months. I thought uh oh...this is not good. so I said very politely, and I quote, "hmm...I think more than 2 months but less than 3 months". Then she asked me the date on which I entered India and counted the exact days, the number came out to be about 65/66 days. Then without any expression she asked me where we came from, and I told her that we came from Surat, Gujarat. She asked me how? and I said we took overnight train from Surat and took us about 12-13 hours to get to Delhi. And then she asked us to keep the wedding photos ready, and stepped outside as someone was calling for her. She came back, marked all the details regarding our location, name, etc... with red pen on I-130, probably just making sure that everything was filled correctly.
Then she told us that we need to pay the fee outside at the cashier's window, once she'll get the proof of the payment, the application will be approved and move to Mumbai consulate. I remain calmed even though I knew that our trip to Delhi was a success, from inside I felt like dancing. She then gave us package 3.5, and told us that the earlier we send this forms to VFS office the earlier she's get the interview date. and then We were escorted back to the cashier where we paid the fees and then we got out of the Embassy. We were just excited and thrilled with enjoyment with our success. But I still had confusion regarding package 3.5 cause according to our agent, were not supposed to get anything but the receipt of our payment from the Embassy.
Once back to Surat, I asked my agent regarding 3.5 and he had no idea. But luckily two days later I had to go to Ahmedabad to attend my friend's wedding, so I've decided to goto VFS office in Ahmedabad and ask them about it. Staff at VFS office were very polite as well, and the lady working their told us that package 3.5 was the old process and I should be getting the package from Mumbai Consulate instead. And I think that lady was right because my wife received the package from Mumbai Consulate which contained everything that was in package 3.5 and additional letter which had our case number on it. My agent called this form DSL forms for some reason, I don't know. Does this mean that I successfully filed I-130 from New Delhi??
Anyway, My wife filled out a form from this package and sent it to Mumbai Consulate. Does anyone know what are the next steps? Will she now get the interview date or is there any other process that she'll have to get thru?
I think New Delhi was just the first step towards her getting the VISA to US. I hope that the rest of the process go smoothly as well.
I posted this thread because I think, there's so much confusion regarding filing I-130 from New Delhi, and I thought this post might be helpful.
Technically you're right. It doesn't mention anything about that, the stay of how long the person intends to stay. We will have to see how best to go about this actually. 
Thanks for your reply, Vish.
Did you provide any other evidence to prove your long term residence. The US Embassy website asks for additional evidence as below. Since I will be staying with my parents and do not plan to take up a job, I was wondering if you have any suggestions for other forms of evidence.
>>>
Evidence of Residence
Proof of such residency will include a U.S. passport with an appropriate long-term, valid Indian visa and a Registration Report and Residential Permit issued by the Foreigner’s Regional Registration Office (FRRO) of the Government of India. Additional evidence should include, but is not limited to, on-going employment in India, taxes paid in India, rent/property receipts, and utility receipts in India.
<<<
Thanks!
Did you provide any other evidence to prove your long term residence. The US Embassy website asks for additional evidence as below. Since I will be staying with my parents and do not plan to take up a job, I was wondering if you have any suggestions for other forms of evidence.
>>>
Evidence of Residence
Proof of such residency will include a U.S. passport with an appropriate long-term, valid Indian visa and a Registration Report and Residential Permit issued by the Foreigner’s Regional Registration Office (FRRO) of the Government of India. Additional evidence should include, but is not limited to, on-going employment in India, taxes paid in India, rent/property receipts, and utility receipts in India.
<<<
Thanks!
No I didn't provide any other evidence of residency. The only thing was the residency stamp by FRRO, that states that I have a permission to stay in India for more than six months. I'd say make sure to take the wedding photos, one invitation card as a proof if it was a traditional wedding and make sure you have your paper work in order and I think you should be fine. Also I would recommend that you stay in India for at least two months before you try. So Good luck, hope everything will work out for you.....
And please wish us luck that my wife get thru rest of the Visa process early and smoothly....:-)
And please wish us luck that my wife get thru rest of the Visa process early and smoothly....:-)
QUOTE(book_keeper @ Feb 18 2008, 11:42 PM)
Thanks for your reply, Vish.
Did you provide any other evidence to prove your long term residence. The US Embassy website asks for additional evidence as below. Since I will be staying with my parents and do not plan to take up a job, I was wondering if you have any suggestions for other forms of evidence.
>>>
Evidence of Residence
Proof of such residency will include a U.S. passport with an appropriate long-term, valid Indian visa and a Registration Report and Residential Permit issued by the Foreigner’s Regional Registration Office (FRRO) of the Government of India. Additional evidence should include, but is not limited to, on-going employment in India, taxes paid in India, rent/property receipts, and utility receipts in India.
<<<
Thanks!
Did you provide any other evidence to prove your long term residence. The US Embassy website asks for additional evidence as below. Since I will be staying with my parents and do not plan to take up a job, I was wondering if you have any suggestions for other forms of evidence.
>>>
Evidence of Residence
Proof of such residency will include a U.S. passport with an appropriate long-term, valid Indian visa and a Registration Report and Residential Permit issued by the Foreigner’s Regional Registration Office (FRRO) of the Government of India. Additional evidence should include, but is not limited to, on-going employment in India, taxes paid in India, rent/property receipts, and utility receipts in India.
<<<
Thanks!
>>>
And please wish us luck that my wife get thru rest of the Visa process early and smoothly....:-)
<<<
Vish, this is by default on VJ community:) All the very best!!
And please wish us luck that my wife get thru rest of the Visa process early and smoothly....:-)
<<<
Vish, this is by default on VJ community:) All the very best!!
Did you get a case number by any chance?
Wanted to confirm with you:
when filing for I-130 what documents did you take along?
My list:
I-130
G-325 (Mine & Spouse) (4 copies each)
Marriage Certificate
My Passport + OCI Passport (proof of residenct in India)
My job letter (in India)
Wedding Invitation Card
Spouse Birth Certificate
Please confirm
Immigration guys of mine is stating that it will take around 60days from the day I file for I-130... what is your guys saying..
ps: I am from Gujarat as well.. Ahmedabad to be exact!
Wanted to confirm with you:
when filing for I-130 what documents did you take along?
My list:
I-130
G-325 (Mine & Spouse) (4 copies each)
Marriage Certificate
My Passport + OCI Passport (proof of residenct in India)
My job letter (in India)
Wedding Invitation Card
Spouse Birth Certificate
Please confirm
Immigration guys of mine is stating that it will take around 60days from the day I file for I-130... what is your guys saying..
ps: I am from Gujarat as well.. Ahmedabad to be exact!
two weeks after filing in Delhi, my wife recieved package 3 I think, which also conatained the letter with the case number. This package was sent from Mumbai Consular. She sent back form to Mumbai, and now waiting for the package 4 I think, which will have the Interview date.
I think you should also take wedding photos as well. In my case, since I din't have OCI, I had to get the Residency stamp from FRRO. so I think your list seems to be fine....
The lady who interview us in New delhi told us that it'll be about 3-4 months for my wife to get the visa from the day of filing I-130. My agent suggested about 4-5 months. So I'm not sure how long she'll have to wait. But I hope she'll get it soon...
any way best of luck Sahana, hope it'll work out for you.
I think you should also take wedding photos as well. In my case, since I din't have OCI, I had to get the Residency stamp from FRRO. so I think your list seems to be fine....
The lady who interview us in New delhi told us that it'll be about 3-4 months for my wife to get the visa from the day of filing I-130. My agent suggested about 4-5 months. So I'm not sure how long she'll have to wait. But I hope she'll get it soon...
any way best of luck Sahana, hope it'll work out for you.
QUOTE(Sahana @ Feb 19 2008, 07:17 AM)
Did you get a case number by any chance?
Wanted to confirm with you:
when filing for I-130 what documents did you take along?
My list:
I-130
G-325 (Mine & Spouse) (4 copies each)
Marriage Certificate
My Passport + OCI Passport (proof of residenct in India)
My job letter (in India)
Wedding Invitation Card
Spouse Birth Certificate
Please confirm
Immigration guys of mine is stating that it will take around 60days from the day I file for I-130... what is your guys saying..
ps: I am from Gujarat as well.. Ahmedabad to be exact!
Wanted to confirm with you:
when filing for I-130 what documents did you take along?
My list:
I-130
G-325 (Mine & Spouse) (4 copies each)
Marriage Certificate
My Passport + OCI Passport (proof of residenct in India)
My job letter (in India)
Wedding Invitation Card
Spouse Birth Certificate
Please confirm
Immigration guys of mine is stating that it will take around 60days from the day I file for I-130... what is your guys saying..
ps: I am from Gujarat as well.. Ahmedabad to be exact!
Hello Book keeper,
You might want to read this, this is what my husband wrote to the Chicago consulate of India, enquiring about which visa to get if he would like to go for DCF, and this is their answer.
You might want to read this, this is what my husband wrote to the Chicago consulate of India, enquiring about which visa to get if he would like to go for DCF, and this is their answer.
QUOTE
From: Chicago <chicago@travisaoutsourcing.com
Date: Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Subject: Re: Travisa Outsourcing (India) - Feedback from: XYZ - Other
To: xyz@gmail.com
You need to apply for an Entry Visa. Attach a copy of your wife's Indian passport (the photo page, and visa in the U.S. if she has it), as well as a copy of marriage certificate. Also if you have any children, they will also need Entry visas.
Thanks,
Erin Ralston
Travisa Outsourcing - Chicago
http://www.travisaindia.com
Tel: 312-346-2367
Fax: 312-346-2930
XYZ@gmail.com wrote:
Travisa Feedback
The following comments were submitted by Joe at 02/21/2008 8:58am EST.
Jurisdiction: Chicago
Hello consulate officer,
I am a US citizen, living in Indiana. And I am looking for guidance. I am married to an Indian woman and I would like to go and stay in India for around 8 to 9 months. Is there any provision that I can apply for a residential visa since I am married to an Indian? My main concern is to apply for immigration visa to USA for my wife, and for that purpose I can't take visitor's visa. As per US embassy in Delhi is concern, it specifically asks for any other visa, like business or residential visa, other than tourist visa, for a Direct Consular filling. For applying I need to be in India for at least 6 months and not with a tourist visa. Hope you can show me a direction of what I should file for and what all are the requirements for that. Thank you for giving me your time --XYZ
Date: Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Subject: Re: Travisa Outsourcing (India) - Feedback from: XYZ - Other
To: xyz@gmail.com
You need to apply for an Entry Visa. Attach a copy of your wife's Indian passport (the photo page, and visa in the U.S. if she has it), as well as a copy of marriage certificate. Also if you have any children, they will also need Entry visas.
Thanks,
Erin Ralston
Travisa Outsourcing - Chicago
http://www.travisaindia.com
Tel: 312-346-2367
Fax: 312-346-2930
XYZ@gmail.com wrote:
Travisa Feedback
The following comments were submitted by Joe at 02/21/2008 8:58am EST.
Jurisdiction: Chicago
Hello consulate officer,
I am a US citizen, living in Indiana. And I am looking for guidance. I am married to an Indian woman and I would like to go and stay in India for around 8 to 9 months. Is there any provision that I can apply for a residential visa since I am married to an Indian? My main concern is to apply for immigration visa to USA for my wife, and for that purpose I can't take visitor's visa. As per US embassy in Delhi is concern, it specifically asks for any other visa, like business or residential visa, other than tourist visa, for a Direct Consular filling. For applying I need to be in India for at least 6 months and not with a tourist visa. Hope you can show me a direction of what I should file for and what all are the requirements for that. Thank you for giving me your time --XYZ
This basically confirms with my post, as I also had to convert my Visitor's visa to Entry visa for DCF in Delhi............
QUOTE(silent @ Feb 24 2008, 09:14 PM)
Hello Book keeper,
You might want to read this, this is what my husband wrote to the Chicago consulate of India, enquiring about which visa to get if he would like to go for DCF, and this is their answer.
You might want to read this, this is what my husband wrote to the Chicago consulate of India, enquiring about which visa to get if he would like to go for DCF, and this is their answer.
QUOTE
From: Chicago <chicago@travisaoutsourcing.com
Date: Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Subject: Re: Travisa Outsourcing (India) - Feedback from: XYZ - Other
To: xyz@gmail.com
You need to apply for an Entry Visa. Attach a copy of your wife's Indian passport (the photo page, and visa in the U.S. if she has it), as well as a copy of marriage certificate. Also if you have any children, they will also need Entry visas.
Thanks,
Erin Ralston
Travisa Outsourcing - Chicago
http://www.travisaindia.com
Tel: 312-346-2367
Fax: 312-346-2930
XYZ@gmail.com wrote:
Travisa Feedback
The following comments were submitted by Joe at 02/21/2008 8:58am EST.
Jurisdiction: Chicago
Hello consulate officer,
I am a US citizen, living in Indiana. And I am looking for guidance. I am married to an Indian woman and I would like to go and stay in India for around 8 to 9 months. Is there any provision that I can apply for a residential visa since I am married to an Indian? My main concern is to apply for immigration visa to USA for my wife, and for that purpose I can't take visitor's visa. As per US embassy in Delhi is concern, it specifically asks for any other visa, like business or residential visa, other than tourist visa, for a Direct Consular filling. For applying I need to be in India for at least 6 months and not with a tourist visa. Hope you can show me a direction of what I should file for and what all are the requirements for that. Thank you for giving me your time --XYZ
Date: Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Subject: Re: Travisa Outsourcing (India) - Feedback from: XYZ - Other
To: xyz@gmail.com
You need to apply for an Entry Visa. Attach a copy of your wife's Indian passport (the photo page, and visa in the U.S. if she has it), as well as a copy of marriage certificate. Also if you have any children, they will also need Entry visas.
Thanks,
Erin Ralston
Travisa Outsourcing - Chicago
http://www.travisaindia.com
Tel: 312-346-2367
Fax: 312-346-2930
XYZ@gmail.com wrote:
Travisa Feedback
The following comments were submitted by Joe at 02/21/2008 8:58am EST.
Jurisdiction: Chicago
Hello consulate officer,
I am a US citizen, living in Indiana. And I am looking for guidance. I am married to an Indian woman and I would like to go and stay in India for around 8 to 9 months. Is there any provision that I can apply for a residential visa since I am married to an Indian? My main concern is to apply for immigration visa to USA for my wife, and for that purpose I can't take visitor's visa. As per US embassy in Delhi is concern, it specifically asks for any other visa, like business or residential visa, other than tourist visa, for a Direct Consular filling. For applying I need to be in India for at least 6 months and not with a tourist visa. Hope you can show me a direction of what I should file for and what all are the requirements for that. Thank you for giving me your time --XYZ
Hey VISH,
I'm from Gujarat as well, near Bardoli, near Surat.
I did same procedure as you did except I did most of the work of transferring my Tourist visa to residency visa and passport inquiry and all the messy details. All of this can be done at "Lal Killa" or Red Fort in Surat.
I filed on Feb 19th and didn't receive any package and when my wife tried to inquire at Mumbai embassy they gave her the letter from package with case number. DSL forms were filled out and mailed next day. I just checked the recently updated visa list for MAY and I didn't see our case # on it. So, hopefully it will be in the first week of June.
In mean time I am trying to prepare the sponsor documents and I am having some minor problems with it. Since you are a step ahead of us please keep us updated on what we can expect next.
Are you in US now, if yes where? Im in NC by the wat.
I'm from Gujarat as well, near Bardoli, near Surat.
I did same procedure as you did except I did most of the work of transferring my Tourist visa to residency visa and passport inquiry and all the messy details. All of this can be done at "Lal Killa" or Red Fort in Surat.
I filed on Feb 19th and didn't receive any package and when my wife tried to inquire at Mumbai embassy they gave her the letter from package with case number. DSL forms were filled out and mailed next day. I just checked the recently updated visa list for MAY and I didn't see our case # on it. So, hopefully it will be in the first week of June.
In mean time I am trying to prepare the sponsor documents and I am having some minor problems with it. Since you are a step ahead of us please keep us updated on what we can expect next.
Are you in US now, if yes where? Im in NC by the wat.
Expect a letter stating the Interview date. Prepare your I-864, I think u've already started the thread on this one, so u should be fine. Also your wife should take the proof of communications (email, phone call bills, mailed letters etc...), marriage pics, etc...
Also she needs to start taking care of PCC (police clearance), which sometimes takes 15 days or more. if she doesn't have passport, she'll need that.
Ok I guess that's it...can't think much right now.....it's bit late.....but if you have any questions, send me the message and I'll try to answer it with best of my knowlege.......
good luck....
Also she needs to start taking care of PCC (police clearance), which sometimes takes 15 days or more. if she doesn't have passport, she'll need that.
Ok I guess that's it...can't think much right now.....it's bit late.....but if you have any questions, send me the message and I'll try to answer it with best of my knowlege.......
good luck....
QUOTE(Yoguess @ Apr 15 2008, 01:57 AM)
Hey VISH,
I'm from Gujarat as well, near Bardoli, near Surat.
I did same procedure as you did except I did most of the work of transferring my Tourist visa to residency visa and passport inquiry and all the messy details. All of this can be done at "Lal Killa" or Red Fort in Surat.
I filed on Feb 19th and didn't receive any package and when my wife tried to inquire at Mumbai embassy they gave her the letter from package with case number. DSL forms were filled out and mailed next day. I just checked the recently updated visa list for MAY and I didn't see our case # on it. So, hopefully it will be in the first week of June.
In mean time I am trying to prepare the sponsor documents and I am having some minor problems with it. Since you are a step ahead of us please keep us updated on what we can expect next.
Are you in US now, if yes where? Im in NC by the wat.
I'm from Gujarat as well, near Bardoli, near Surat.
I did same procedure as you did except I did most of the work of transferring my Tourist visa to residency visa and passport inquiry and all the messy details. All of this can be done at "Lal Killa" or Red Fort in Surat.
I filed on Feb 19th and didn't receive any package and when my wife tried to inquire at Mumbai embassy they gave her the letter from package with case number. DSL forms were filled out and mailed next day. I just checked the recently updated visa list for MAY and I didn't see our case # on it. So, hopefully it will be in the first week of June.
In mean time I am trying to prepare the sponsor documents and I am having some minor problems with it. Since you are a step ahead of us please keep us updated on what we can expect next.
Are you in US now, if yes where? Im in NC by the wat.
Question about pictures.
We took our picture album to Delhi and they kept about 5 or so pictures from our album. Do you think my wife need to carry the album with her to Mumbai as well or we are fine?
We took our picture album to Delhi and they kept about 5 or so pictures from our album. Do you think my wife need to carry the album with her to Mumbai as well or we are fine?
QUOTE(Yoguess @ Apr 16 2008, 12:25 AM)
Question about pictures.
We took our picture album to Delhi and they kept about 5 or so pictures from our album. Do you think my wife need to carry the album with her to Mumbai as well or we are fine?
We took our picture album to Delhi and they kept about 5 or so pictures from our album. Do you think my wife need to carry the album with her to Mumbai as well or we are fine?
First, you might need to check the embassy as we filled in Mid March and submitted our package 3 on April 4th, our Interview date is set for second week of June.. Hence you have filled in Feb it must be soon.. call the embassy up...
For us too, they had collected the snaps.. we are planning to take folling as a proof of our relationship:
Engagmenet Pictures
Wedding/Reception Pictures
Honeymoon Pictures
Vacation Travel in India (twice)
Vacation Travel oustide of India (once)
Pictures with Family, & Friends during many occassions..
Many misc. pictures of prior marriage such as Navratri, Family gathering and much more
Credit Cards & Bank statement in joint name
Wedding Cards (Bride and Grooms Side)
Wedding Guest List
Hotel Bills (Wedding & Reception)
Hotel Bills (Guest who had stayed in the hotels)
Hope this would be sufficient,,,,,,
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