DCF in New Delhi / Mumbai India

[GoChicago 4]

Sharing my experience at the USCIS office New Delhi.

Background:

Before 2004 - Acquired US Citizenship through Parents' naturalization.

2004 - Came to India

2006 - Met my future wife

June 2012 - First job started

2013 - Married my wife

Mid-January 2014 - Visited InfoPass site to schedule an appointment at the USCIS office, New Delhi. System showed appointments up to 3 weeks in advance. Appointment booked for Wednesday, February 19th, 9:30 AM

Feb 18 2014 - Flew to New Delhi. Evening flight. Took an EasyCab to reach the hotel (Hotel Ashok, Chanakyapuri). This hotel is perhaps the closest one to the Embassy complex. Cab fare was Rs. 380 (Rs. 270 + 90 for airport parking)

Feb 19 - 8:45 AM - Walked to the Embassy from the hotel. Took about 10 minutes. Entrance is from gate number 6 (here). Though they said on the website that they don't have any mobile storage facility, there is in fact a mobile collection center right outside the gate.

There was a long line of visa interviewees, but we were let in immediately through an adjacent entrance for US Citizens. It was about 9:10 now, and the guard said there were people inside so we would have to wait. After about 20 minutes, we were escorted by the guard to the USCIS office. They took our passports, made entries in a register and gave them back to us after a few minutes. Inside there are two windows, but only one agent was manning one of the windows when we were there.

After a few minutes, she called my name. We explained that we were there to file an I-130 petition. She collected the following documents:

• 1-130 Petiton
• G-325a for each of us
• Copy of my US Passport
• Copy of wife's Indian passport
• Copy of my OCI card
• A single photo for each of us (US Passport size, doesn't matter if it is matte or glossy)

As proof of residency in India-

• Copy of my 6 month's salary slips
• Copy of latest Indian tax return
• Copy of 1 year's bank statement showing the salary being credited to my account
• She then asked for the tax return for the year before that - I explained I was a student, and she asked for my degree certificate. I asked if I could scan and send it later, and she said that would be alright. Advice: Take 2 years' proofs if you have them, as 1 years' seem to be insufficient for a quick and certain approval.

As proof of our relationship -

• Marriage certificate
• A few photos of the wedding ceremony (ours was registered so she took photos of the registrar and us along with our parents and of the wedding reception as well)

She also took a copy of my job offer letter in USA.

Then she asked us to be seated and went inside to get the documents checked by her seniors. She was gone for about 45 minutes. This was a rather tense 45 minutes. Then she came back and called us to the window. She gave me a small paper, and asked me to go and pay the fee to the Embassy cashier. I went with the guard to the cashier, who was not there at the window. After a few minutes, a white guy also got in line behind me. After another couple of minutes, he asked me if I was being attended, and then banged loudly on the glass. The Indian cashier showed up, and as expected, asked if he could help the white guy. The guy said that I was there before him, and only then did the cashier take the slip of paper and my draft, and after almost 10 minutes, came back with a large receipt.

I took the receipt and went back with the guard to the USCIS office. There, I gave the receipt to the lady at the counter, and she made a copy of it and attached it to the petition. She gave the original back to me. Then she asked my for my email address which she wrote down on the petition, and reminded me to scan and send my degree certificate as soon as possible. She gave a sheet with contact details, and asked us to get in touch if we didnt hear anything after a month.

11:45 AM: We left the office and hurried back to the hotel. Luckily, I had a scan of the certificate in my email account, and quickly forwarded that to the USCIS address, and asked them to acknowledge the By 1 PM, I got an acknowledgement saying documents were received.

After this the wait began. I had read stories of people who inquired getting to know that many petitions were approved in a week (and it also says so on the website). So after 2 weeks, I sent them an email asking about the status. They replied saying it is "pending under administrative processing" and that they would update me regarding any further developments. I got a bit tense after hearing the words "administrative processing" - no idea what that meant. Did it mean that my petition was not straightforward? Or had it been sent back to the US for a more senior official to review? No idea. Decided to wait.

Finally, On March 13th (22 days after filing at Delhi) I got an email from the US Consulate Mumbai. The email had the following text:

Your immigrant visa case is now ready for final processing. Please carefully follow the interview preparation steps below.

Step 1: Obtain your Police Clearance Certificate from the Regional Passport Office.

Step 2: Complete your medical examination with an approved panel physician from the list available at

http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/medical_examination2.html.

Step 3: Complete Form DS-260 online at http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_5164.htmland print the confirmation page to bring to your interview. Please do this for any derivative spouse and children who will be applying for a visa. If your petition did not go through the NVC process (for example, you filed your petition overseas), your invoice ID number will be the principal applicant’s date of birth (YYYYMMDD).

Step 4: Go to http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in.Create a user account and select your passport/visa pick-up location.

Step 5: Only after completing Steps 1-4, log in to http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in to schedule two appointments:

One appointment for biometric fingerprint and photo collection at the Visa Application Center (VAC) and

one appointment at the Consulate.

For information regarding fees or supporting documents, please visit:http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/ivinterview_preparation.html. You may also send your inquiries via email to support-india@ustraveldocs.com. Our call centers are open 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Mondaythrough Friday and 9.00 am to 6.00 pm on Sunday. From within India, please dial 91-120-4844644 or 91-40-4625-8222. From the United States, please call 1-703-520-2239

At the bottom it had the case number BMBXXXXXXXXXX, which you need to complete the online application.

So, we will now wait for the PCC, get the medical done and then schedule the interview! In my opinion, the USCIS guys did their job pretty well. The Indian lady at the office is quite courteous and informative, and you will definitely notice the difference if you have been interacting with Indian officials for PCC, passport etc! (Both Indians, but surprisingly the one working for the US Govt is way more polite and helpful) Now lets see what kind of an experience we get at Mumbai.

Other notes-

• If you decide to email them, send the email in the morning (before 12 PM). They usually reply in the afternoon (1 PM to 4PM).
• Cell phones can be stored outside the entrance to the Embassy
• There are very few autos around the embassy area, and no place to park cars. If you live far away, a radio cab is your best bet. Otherwise, book a hotel like The Ashok which is within walking distance
• Take excess records.. if they ask for 6 months, take 1 years' worth. They are mainly concerned with the residency requirement, rather than anything else, so take as much proof covering as long a timespan as possible.
• Following the residency condition, they want to make sure your marriage is bonafide, so also take proof of that
• We made a last minute scramble to arrange the translated birth certificate for my wife, as well as her LC, but the agent didn't look at any of those.

[mumbaissh 0]

Thanks for the detailed description. I am an American who has been living in Mumbai for over a year, and my (British) partner (we're getting married in May), will be applying soon. Please keep use posted.

[GoChicago 4]

Medical Check-up Experience

Hello,

On March 20th we went to Mumbai for my wife's medical checkup. The clinic's name is Rele Clinic. It is located just across from Girgaum Chowpatty. The building is across the street from Reliance Jewels. By taxi, it will cost you about Rs. 60 from CST.

We called to make an appointment. The receptionist's name is Raghu. He is a nice and polite guy and will answer all your questions.

On reaching the clinic, at about 11 AM, my wife was asked for her passport, 2 photographs (US PP Size), interview letter (the email from the consulate), and medical reports. For medical reports, we had just taken a certificate from her doctor on his prescription pad stating the types and dates of her vaccinations. It is important to have stated on the records whether or not you have had Varicella (Chicken Pox).

Then, they proceeded to measure height/weight, check vision, took a blood sample, administered two vaccines (Dtap and Flu), had ECG taken, and then she went for her X-ray. All this was done in about half an hour. The x-ray takes a while, and we were done by 12:30. Since we had come from out of town, we asked them to provide the results on the same day (you have to collect the results in person, they are not allowed to courier them). After some hesitation, they obliged, and asked us to call them before coming at around 3 PM. We paid Rs 3700 for checkup, xray and 2 vaccines.

We left the clinic. Some ways up the street, there was a nice Parsi Restaurant where we had lunch. Afterwards we walked to the Malabar Hill garden (Hanging Garden / Kamla Nehru Udyan) and spent some time there. At 3:15 we went back and the results were ready.

They gave us 1 small (A4 sized) and 1 large (A3 sized envelope) and told us to present the small one to the consular officer, and the large one to the CBP officer at Port of Entry in the US. They also gave a copy of the worksheet that they filled out containing the history of vaccinations given.

By 3:45 we were done.

Now just waiting for PCC.

[delhidcf 0]

What kind of information did you provide to USCIS Delhi in email while inquiring the status of your I-130 ? I sent them an email requesting status for my wife's I-130 with the petition date, but no response from them.

[GoChicago 4]

What kind of information did you provide to USCIS Delhi in email while inquiring the status of your I-130 ? I sent them an email requesting status for my wife's I-130 with the petition date, but no response from them.

They said they have very few cases under process, so they don't use any file numbers. The full names of petitioner (you) and beneficiary (wife) should do. They don't work on Fridays, and they must be getting significant email on Mondays, so I think you would get a response on Tuesday afternoon. They have mentioned that you need to give them 2 days to respond, but they generally respond the next day.

Edited March 24, 2014 by GoChicago

[delhidcf 0]

I forgot to provide my wife's (beneficiary's name) in the email, should I send them an updated email or just wait for their response.

[GoChicago 4]

I forgot to provide my wife's (beneficiary's name) in the email, should I send them an updated email or just wait for their response.

I think the petitioner name is sufficient. At worst, they would reply saying they need the beneficiary name as well. I think they are obligated to reply because of certain rules. How long has it been? So far I think it takes exactly 22 days (Petition submission to Interview email) as it took same for me and for another person who had posted on VJ.

[delhidcf 0]

My wife and I filed the petition on March 12th, 2014 so 12 days as of today.

I think the petitioner name is sufficient. At worst, they would reply saying they need the beneficiary name as well. I think they are obligated to reply because of certain rules. How long has it been? So far I think it takes exactly 22 days (Petition submission to Interview email) as it took same for me and for another person who had posted on VJ.

Edited March 24, 2014 by delhidcf

[GoChicago 4]

My wife and I filed the petition on March 12th, 2014 so 12 days as of today.

You will likely get a reply as follows:

Dear Sir/Madam:

Thank you for your inquiry.

Please be advised that the case is pending under administrative processing. Further this office will keep you informed regarding any further development on your case.

We appreciate your patience.

Although they say so, they don't keep you informed if approved - you will directly get an email from Mumbai IV. I don't know what they do in other cases (not approved / needs to be sent to US for further processing).

[delhidcf 0]

I got the following reply just now. It is under administrative processing. What is administrative processing ? I have seen most cases with approved response from USCIS Delhi.

Dear Sir/Madam:

Thank you for your inquiry.

Please be advised that we do not give or generate any case numbers at USCIS, New Delhi office. For any further inquiry you may always mention the name of the petitioner and beneficiary for case reference.

Further the case is pending under administrative processing and this office will keep you informed regarding any further development on your case.

We appreciate your patience.



Sincerely,

USCIS/ New Delhi, India

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

[GoChicago 4]

I got the following reply just now. It is under administrative processing. What is administrative processing ? I have seen most cases with approved response from USCIS Delhi.

Relax, I got the same reply, and mine was approved. There is a new law called "Adam Walsh check" where they do a background check on you in USA. They do this for everyone now, so I think that's what it means. After I got that email I decided to wait until 1 month was over, but on 22nd day I got the email from Mumbai. Hope same will be the case for you.

[delhidcf 0]

Thanks for your responses. When did this law come into effect ? I googled for "Adam Walsh check" and it seems to be active since July 27th 2006.

[GoChicago 4]

Hello, sharing experience for Mumbai CR-1 interview.

Documents taken to consulate:

1. Appointment letter x2
2. DS-260 confirmation x2
3. Current and last passport x1 copies each
4. 2x2" passport Photos
5. PCC 2x original , 1 copy
6. Marriage certificate, original + copy
7. Birth Certificate, original + copy
8. Medical Reports (small envelope)
9. AOS (See below)
10. Hard-bound, big, wedding album (only photos of two receptions, and registration (no traditional ceremony))
11. All loose photos taken to Delhi + few more of post-marriage life
12. Greeting cards received for wedding
13. Wedding invitations

AOS:

• I-864 for me (USC Petitioner living in India):
  • Tax return & Transcript for 2013
  • Letter showing exemption for previous 2 years
  • Income: Offer Letter for $90K (which I had accepted)
  • Assets: $10,000 worth in cash and deposits in India
  • Domicile - Bank Account ($300 balance), Credit Card both opened 1 yr prior
  • 2 more offers for $100K and $85K (which I did not accept)
• I-864 for father (USC living in India)
  • Tax transcripts for last 3 years
  • $100K in deposits in US
  • $150K value of house in US (Title / sale deed)
  • Domicile: License, Bank Account, House, Credit Card
• I-864A for mother (zero income assets split with father)

Interview experience:

Day 1: OFC (fingerprint) appointment, 3 PM. Done within 10 minutes. They attach a label to your DS-260 confirmation page saying OFC is done.

Day 2: 7:30 AM appointment for CR-1.

6:50 AM: Arrived at consulate. Position in line: 18th.

7:00 AM: Let in. Stapler not allowed (it was allowed in Delhi). Asked to go out and re-enter.

8:00 AM: Indian lady at counter asks for documents,

• Took the appointment confirmation, PCC, medical, Checked the dd ($230 in INR), Xerox of marriage certificate and birth certificate, the I-864 (petitioner) I-864 (joint sponsor) and I-864A (household member of joint sponsor) form
• What does your husband do? -> Software Developer
• Where is your father in law (joint sponsor)? -> In India
• Asked to give DD to cashier, and bring back the receipt. After that, asked to wait.

8:30 AM - Interview with American man

• Told to take oath -> read the paper nervously
• When did you meet your husband? -> 2006, married in 2013. Did not want to see any photographs! Already had the photos submitted at Delhi
• When do you plan to go to the US? -> May 10th..
• (looked at the job offers and discussed with some other lady) -> He Googled the names of the recruiters and confirmed that they worked at the respective companies.
• Joint sponsor form kept, but did not look through it or ask any questions. I guess the offers were sufficient.
• Do you have the bookings of the flight? -> We had taken a chance and booked the tickets (worst case, lose a few bucks in change/cancellation). Showed the e-ticket printouts.
• Visa approved! Asked to pay USCIS Immigrant Fee ($165) once passport/visa is received.

8:55 AM - out of the consulate. CEAC online status: Administrative Processing

10:30 AM - CEAC Status : Issued. USTravelDocs passport status: Passport is with Post

Next Day 11 AM: USTravelDocs passport status: Passport is being processed for delivery

======================================================================

Total time: Just 43 days from I-130 filed to Visa issued.

Points of concern validated:

• Registered marriage is OK. You don't HAVE to have a ceremony. Of course, we had photos of our relationship of 7 years prior to marriage, but these were not seen.
• Possible to have I-864 accepted with credible job offers (for petitioner) alone. We had three offers, though
• I-864 Joint sponsor living in India with assets / house in US acceptable. (No questions asked regarding that affidavit though)

Inferences:

• If you are an honest couple with a genuine marriage, and documentation a reputable source of income once you enter the US, other stuff doesn't really matter.

[GoChicago 4]

Hi,

Today we received the Passport with visa stamp and Mysterious Brown Envelope (MBE). MBE has a corner cut open (deliberately by the Consular Staff, there is a sheet outside the envelope stapled to the sheets inside through the open corner). I was able to peek in from there and noticed:

At the top of the I-864 there is a "For office use" area:

• My I-864 was marked "Petitoner" and "DOES NOT MEET the requirements"
  
• Father's was marked "1st Joint Sponsor" and "MEETS the requirements"
  

Further, all the documents I had presented along with my affidavit were returned and Father's were kept.

Hence, the earlier assumption that a job offer alone will suffice for income may not hold true. I would recommend a joint sponsor in such cases.

However, joint sponsor residing outside of US seems OK.

[vbgeet21 0]

my friend,

your experience is very informative.

how to get your Police Clearance Certificate from the Regional Passport Office?

please let me know how you got it.

do we have to approch Passport office in India where we stay for PCC?

Thanks