ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: SouthChennai- Hotel to stay
One more to add..:whistle:

New Woodlands
Visa GrantMaleIndia10/27/2010 0:14
Asia: SouthChennai- Hotel to stay
Following are the Good Hotels to stay near the consulate.Some of them has Complimentary Drop off to the Consulate too..:yes:

Ramada Raj Park

Days Inn Deccan Plaza

Sea Shell Residency hotel(As Suggested by JinyAndJony)

Good Luck for the Consulate Interviews.:star:
Visa GrantMaleIndia10/27/2010 0:10
Asia: SouthVISA Received but sealed packet - Corner cut?
Looks like this is the "New" Common Design of the envelope..:yes:
Visa GrantMaleIndia11/5/2010 5:45
Asia: SouthHotels in Chennai???

Any suggestions on which hotel is good to stay at that is very close to the Chennai embassy??

Thanks


You can check the below Link

Chennai- Hotel to stay

Good Luck..:thumbs:
Visa GrantMaleIndia12/2/2010 6:58
Asia: SouthOCI Application

Yes but during 2008 I was collecting forms (and even practicing filling them out) to be used in 2009!

And from 1984-2005 I was constantly filling out visa forms several times a year during my long stay in India!

Hopefully 2012 will be my first year with no govt visa/immigration forms since 1983! :thumbs: If the world doesn't end first...:unsure:


:lol:
ROFL..:lol:
Visa GrantMaleIndia1/5/2011 0:50
Asia: SouthOCI Application
:ot:
Except for yr 2008, u have been filing Govt.forms right from 2006 to this year..:lol:
:ot2:
Visa GrantMaleIndia1/4/2011 3:25
Asia: SouthChennai Consulate - Visa approved
Congrats :thumbs:
ARMANI KHANMalePakistan5/12/2010 11:03
Asia: Southwrong info/address on ID

Parents are rough, I'm sorry that you have to deal with this, since the process is already stressful enough. I imagine it might be an issue, unless they still have residence/work in the address...Your husband might want to get a new ID with the correct address, and not tell his father...

Hope it all works out


yes, you are right! it's so far away he needs the car to get there and of course his father insists on going anytime he leaves for anything other than few minutes (i.e. walking distance to a shop on the block)... it's like he is prisoner. just to give his CV/resume to school he told them he was going to pick up his awards he left there many years previous (which he did while there so he would not be lying - i detest liars so suggested that).
his previous teacher got a job for him very close to home so he doesnt need car for that either. he only teaches 2hrs a day right now so even if he were not needed for a day, could slip away, go by bus, wait (the rush is terrible), and apply for new ID, he would not get back to the home in time... it would be many hours.

the job itself has caused uproar in and of itself :-( "what we provide is not good enough for you? we dont provide food, shelter, clothing for you?" {sigh} what to expect after they take his money, say they will bank it, it will be there for him when he needs it, then when he asks for it for visa they say "no". guess it's only there for him for things they feel acceptable, and being married to an american is not an acceptable thing.
sorry for the rant, so frustrated and angry!

ok so back to topic....
is it possible to order him a new ID from here but get it shipped to him there? NADRA has a website and seems like it can be ordered thru mail... they may not give it to him when it arrives but doesnt matter (?), it would be issued (or would whatever ID in hand be valid one?). for long time he didnt have his ID anyway, they woudlnt let him have it, only a paper copy of it. they are afraid their boys will run from the home.

thing worries me about another new one
it might look like that address is trying to be hidden since he just got a new one within the last year already - would it better just to leave alone and explain to them situation, would they understand? does this kind of garbage happen more often than i think? (seems crazy to me but maybe it is not as uncommon as i think?! are parents over there usually this nuts?)
am i worrying for nothing? seems to me if that area is notoriously known area for bad people we're in for longer wait than normal! is it going to throw him into much longer background check?
is there a place on the form for changing address to say "never lived at that address"? that could correct the ID and answer WHY we didnt put that address on the forms because i refused to put that one sicne he never lived there and has never even visited there!

when he told his father he wanted to fix this he said he would be in trouble for putting false address. it freaks me out whenever he tries to fix anything they have messed up like this then they threaten that he will be in trouble... like they kept him from registering our marriage for many months, telling him only people who run from their homes register it any other way than just through mosque (guilt - dont shame the family by making people think you ran from home) and so on, etc and then after the time period had passed then told him he would be jailed if he tried to do it (there is only a 1000rs fine to pay if you register it after the time period, NOT jail!). they are always doing a constant mindplay to get him to do what they want.
he finally realizes they will never be for the marriage and has stopped takign 'advice' but it has been a veyr long year. anyway.....
----------------

something else is wrong on the ID... blood type. i'm not certain why it's on there or for what it is used? identity verfication? blood tranfusion in an accident? IDK but i am concerned because my husband's is wrong due to his parent's belief`that all children have their father's blood :wacko:. this is another one of those 'uneducated' things :blink:
i'm not sure how it is handled in an extreme emergency but would assume if time were limited they would take the word of a relative and not bother with blood typing :-(
on all the boys IDs his parents insisted on putting the father's blood type ... "they are his sons, they have his blood type" :blink: my husband does NOT have his father's blood type, in fact, if he were given that blood type he could be killed. :crying: :(

------

so a new id is definitely needed, just how to get one? nadra thru mail?



nabNot Telling010/27/2010 12:09
Asia: Southwrong info/address on ID
for those in households ruled by parents, especially stubborn and uneducated parents {sigh} how do you deal with them when they insist on crazy things such as this (I'm pulling my freaking hair out because it seems at every step they are sabotaging, sometimes purposely).

my husband went to get his new id, becasue the old one had an address at which he had never lived; he has lived at the home he is at now all his life, it is even on his birth certificate. when he came of age his father got his ID with this other address because it is "more prestigious" :wacko: so i demanded he get a new correct ID. he got a new ID, and now both addresses appear :huh:

i threw a fit but he is apologetic and trying to explain to me 'sorry but father was screaming in the place and he was just trying to keep his father calm and make peace.... :(

here is the really big issue.... not only is this area NOT the "prestigious" area from his father's childhood any longer, it is a notorious drug dealer area NOW.
this will be a mess during background check becasue of course i only listed the ONE address he has ever lived, the family home, so it will look like he is hiding this address. the grandfather's generation (and previous) lived in that area, had homes and businesses, but has been gone since his grandfather's death and all the properties split, and his father got the property he has now.

is this mess even going to be fixable (and how to fix?) or going to completely make him inelible to enter usa?

please just answer question i've asked... i'm in no mood today for normal VJ BS

Edited by nab, 27 October 2010 - 08:49 AM.

nabNot Telling010/27/2010 8:46
Asia: SouthDon't want my kids issued Indian Entry Visas.... HELP
I think with an Entry Visa your kids would need to be registered at the local FFRO if staying more than 14 days.

There are many restrictions on the Tourist Visas that hadn't been there before including not being able to re-enter India within a 90 day window from leaving - for eaxmple, if you entered India on May 1st and left May 3rd you would not be permited to re-enter India again [without special permission, a special visa endorsement and by registering at an FRRO office] until September...This is all fallout from the terrorism issues. It's been a nightmare for a lot of people using DEL airport because Indian border agents were not letting people get connecting flights had they gone thru Indian border control for a long lay over or as part of an intenarary that had stops in India intermixed with other countries [especially Nepal]. Supposedly, the layover/connecting flight issue thing has been fixed - as well as the tourists doing 3 days here, 2 days there, 3 days here type tour packages in South Asia that fly from BOM or DEL.

By getting the Entry Visa I guess the thought is fairly simple - those with direct ties to India will not need to go thru the 90 day restriction period. I can imagine India's consulates and embassies around the world do not want to continually need to offer special endorsements to spouses/kids/grandkids who may need to visit more frequently for family reasons.

In your specific case - I read some of the other threads you've had - I COMPLETELY understand why you want them to have tourist visas. I'm not sure if having merely a tourist visa would stop any nightmare situations from happening given money talks in India when something needs to be fixed...a tourist visa could magically turn into a PIO under the right scenarios/connections, if you know what I mean.
catknitFemaleIndia10/20/2010 17:07
Asia: SouthDisgusted with Pakistani Embassy / Nadra
If you never plan to return to Pakistan then the consequences are zero.
nickbitsMaleCanada12/30/2010 10:19
Asia: SouthYet another 221g from New Delhi on K-1

My fiance had his interview and got a 221g on a white piece of paper requesting more evidence of relationship. I guess they didn't like the fact we met in December and got engaged in January. We didn't have the formal engagement at the time of filing petition; however, we had an engagement party before the interview. The CO didn't bother to look at our engagement album but issued a 221g. I guess they were right at asking for more proof so we are planning to submit engagement pics, more pics with his family, palace receipt and requested notarized letters from us and his parents.

Now I am just afraid that we will be put in AP and it will be the end. I been reading so many scary stories. =( Any help?


Oh I am sorry to read about this.I had not kept up with visajourney.

But yes I think you are doing the right thing by planning to submit more proof and whatever you can lay your hands on at this point which can substantiate your case.I hope you guys are not put in the AP limbo,and it all gets sorted out soon.
Best wishes Posted Image
JohnAnweshaFemaleIndia10/17/2010 13:11
Asia: SouthChennai Consulate - Visa approved

Just been to Chennai Consulate with my fiancée and got her visa approved. Thank God everything went smooth. If anybody have questions regarding Chennai procedures shoot a message and I can answer to the best of my knowledge.

:dance:

Big congratulations :)

So happy to see nice happy approval posts! Makes me get carried away that mine will be a breeze too ,yayy for you guys!

Anwesha
JohnAnweshaFemaleIndia5/12/2010 11:03
Asia: SouthHotels in Chennai???

Any suggestions on which hotel is good to stay at that is very close to the Chennai embassy??

Thanks


whatever you do, DONT stay at the seaside hotel near apollo. it is awful. I would highly recommend the Residency hotel in T-nagar. It is ~3500-4000 rs/nite, but a really really good, clean place. very close to the embassy. good luck!
hobokenworkingmanMaleIndia12/2/2010 11:03
Asia: SouthUS citizen travel restrictions ?

If you enter India on a Tourist Visa you cannot re-enter India for a period of 60 days from your exit of India.

In other words, if you entered on a Tourist visa from the USA, then left to Thailand, you will not be able to come back to India from Thailand for 60 days.

There are two exceptions to this 60 day rule.

1) Get special permission to re-enter India from the Ministry of External Affairs
2) Get a PIO or OCI Card. Both these statuses have no 60-day restriction. Only Tourist Visas have 60-day restriction.


It will probably be much easier for your husband to get a PIO card, this can take less than 20 days to receive at the Indian Consulates in the USA.


Nice Job!!! :thumbs:
Er NealMaleIndia10/10/2010 7:19
Asia: SouthChennai Consulate - Visa approved
Congratulations!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:
Er NealMaleIndia10/29/2010 14:46
Asia: SouthWhere to register marriage
i agree with all abobe suggestions..... :thumbs:
Er NealMaleIndia11/4/2010 10:47
Asia: SouthWhat to do with the X-Ray

The X-Ray has never been asked for by anyone at POE. :no: Only useful case would be, like And_Sam said, if you had some illness and the doc here wanted an old X-Ray for comparison. However that usually never happens. Docs just want to take new X-Rays and work off them. Hubby brought his but I don't even remember if it is buried in a suitcase here somewhere or thrown away!:lol:


:thumbs:
Er NealMaleIndia11/4/2010 10:49
Asia: SouthWhich is faster??

Non immigrant visas are faster but "slower", way more hassel and more costly in the long run.

Just a few reasons why to go with the an immigrant visa instead of a K3! Or K1.
The K1/K3 has to adjust status which cost a bit.
Have to go thru the cost and hassles of getting a I-693 also.
K3 /K1normally has to do biometrics and have a AOS interview. Time off from work cost the petitioner. PLUS the hassles of submitting the paperwork and going for the interview. Tain’t fun.. Especially if denied or questioned. Ever done a Stokes interview?
That’s the second interview if they are in doubt of your relationship.
Also a possibility of being deported. Yeah doesn’t happen much but it happens.
K1/K3 have to wait about 90 days after they file to get EAD or GC so they can get SSN and be able to work.
CR-1 can work as soon as they get the GC and SS card in the mail. Normally with 6 weeks.
Can’t do a LOT of things without SSN. Like work or get a drivers license in some states.
Some K visas don’t get GC for a LONG time.
If petitioner goes belly up before you get GC you stand a better chance of being deported.
If the petitioner loses his/her job after the embassy interview you don’t have to worry about getting a co sponsor for the adjusting status interview.

CRs get their GC and SS card in the mail within 6 weeks of arrival.
No biometrics , dealing with civil surgeons, AOS interviews, going to SSA for SS card. CRs can start working WAY sooner than K visas.

I'm not sure what the actual time difference is at this time but if it's less than 2 months it wouldn't be worth what the K visas require.


Excellent detailed info..... :thumbs:
Er NealMaleIndia11/4/2010 11:08
Asia: SouthVISA Received but sealed packet - Corner cut?

Yes, it's like that for all. Nothing to worry about. Whatever you do, don't let it get torn in any other places.


thanks for the great info.
Er NealMaleIndia11/4/2010 11:00
Asia: SouthHAPPY DIWALI TO ALL INDIANS

U forgot approval :lol:

anyways happy Diwali all :star:


That i did already in post#1.Here it contains all words which start from letter 'S'. Btw happy diwali to you too and i hope you got ur approval very fast.. :lol:
Er NealMaleIndia11/5/2010 3:45
Asia: SouthHAPPY DIWALI TO ALL INDIANS
I Pray to God to give U
Shanti,
Shakti,
Sampati,
Swarup,
Saiyam,
Saadgi,
Safalta,
Samridhi,
Sanskar,
Swaasth,
Sanmaan,
Saraswati,
aur SNEH.
SHUBH DIWALI...

With Best Regards,
Er Neal
Er NealMaleIndia11/4/2010 10:44
Asia: SouthHAPPY DIWALI TO ALL INDIANS
HAPPY DIWALI to Everyone!

"May you all attain full inner illumination! May the supreme light of lights enlighten your understanding! May you all attain the inexhaustible spiritual wealth of the Self! May you all prosper gloriously on the material as well as spiritual planes!"

For all those not very familiar with this festival, it is called the Festival of Lights in the Hindu religion, which celebrates the fight and win of good over evil (The old book of Ramayana depicts how Rama defeated the evil King Ravana twenty days before this, and returned home to his capital after 14 years on this day when the whole city celebrated his return).

Hindus and all Indians in general celebrate it by lighting up their homes with candles and lights, burst a lot of firecrackers, buy new clothes and exchange gifts and sweets with friends and family.

Practically speaking, it is now also known as the start of the financial year in the Hindu calendar where traditionally, all merchants used to tally up their books and square off all credits/debts. Another tradition is to do a sort of spring cleaning (wrong season, i know) of the home and start everything afresh, leaving all old grudges of the year aside, personal or professional.

Wish you all a good day and a great year going forward, with all our petitions coming to fruition and are able to be with our loved ones.

"Let this DIWALI burn all your bad times and enter you in good times!"


Thanks
Er Neal
Er NealMaleIndia11/4/2010 1:55
Asia: Southplane ticket to india
Yup...air india website is too expensive. Its better to book flight from any travel agent.
Er NealMaleIndia11/17/2010 11:29
Asia: Southplane ticket to india
yes makemytrip.com has reasonable rate and good service.
Er NealMaleIndia11/4/2010 10:51
Asia: SouthAirline Consolidators?

Try Priceline.com .......Got good deal week ago :dance: :dance:

In priceline.com ,i think there is no gurantee for your preferable time for flight.Means you have to just provide them the date and they will give you flight on any time.It can be early morning or may be late night.If you are ready to fly at any time then go with priceline.com ,you will get very good deal.
Er NealMaleIndia11/4/2010 10:58
Asia: SouthDon't want my kids issued Indian Entry Visas.... HELP
All above are right... :thumbs:
Er NealMaleIndia11/4/2010 11:05
Asia: SouthTravel to Pakistan

Any idea which airlines are most economical? Also, do you think that they will allow you to bring gifts for pets on the plane?



I agree Emirate is better then PIA. If you go with PIA its NON stop and will save you about 5-7 hours. Emirates go to dubai and then to Pakistan....

Edited by IT_1, 16 October 2010 - 10:54 AM.

IT_1Not Telling010/16/2010 10:54
Asia: SouthUS citizen travel restrictions ?
If you enter India on a Tourist Visa you cannot re-enter India for a period of 60 days from your exit of India.

In other words, if you entered on a Tourist visa from the USA, then left to Thailand, you will not be able to come back to India from Thailand for 60 days.

There are two exceptions to this 60 day rule.

1) Get special permission to re-enter India from the Ministry of External Affairs
2) Get a PIO or OCI Card. Both these statuses have no 60-day restriction. Only Tourist Visas have 60-day restriction.


It will probably be much easier for your husband to get a PIO card, this can take less than 20 days to receive at the Indian Consulates in the USA.

Edited by bobby_kvisa, 10 October 2010 - 02:54 AM.

bobby_kvisaMaleIndia10/10/2010 2:54
Asia: SouthYet another 221g from New Delhi on K-1
What exactly did the embassy ask you for on the 221g white slip of paper ?
bobby_kvisaMaleIndia10/6/2010 13:07
Asia: SouthWhat to do with the X-Ray
They were supposed to take the medical report from you at the time of the interview. I think it is inserted inside of the sealed brown visa file that they give you when you receive the visa.

Someone else can chime in about whether the medical report is supposed to be part of the visa file or not. But I would carry it with you to the USA - it is possible the POE needs to collect that - it might need to be part of your entire file for things such as Removal of Conditions, etc.
bobby_kvisaMaleIndia10/12/2010 8:43
Asia: SouthAirline Consolidators?
You can try using websites like like Expedia, Travelocity, Kayak & so forth.

To fly to India there are some specific websites such as MakeMyTrip.com and Yatra.com

Good luck !
bobby_kvisaMaleIndia10/19/2010 10:45
Asia: SouthHAPPY DIWALI TO ALL INDIANS

I Pray to God to give U
Shanti,
Shakti,
Sampati,
Swarup,
Saiyam,
Saadgi,
Safalta,
Samridhi,
Sanskar,
Swaasth,
Sanmaan,
Saraswati,
aur SNEH.
SHUBH DIWALI...

With Best Regards,
Er Neal


U forgot approval :lol:

anyways happy Diwali all :star:
hindustani24MaleIndia11/5/2010 0:21
Asia: SouthUS citizen travel restrictions ?

If you enter India on a Tourist Visa you cannot re-enter India for a period of 60 days from your exit of India.

In other words, if you entered on a Tourist visa from the USA, then left to Thailand, you will not be able to come back to India from Thailand for 60 days.

There are two exceptions to this 60 day rule.

1) Get special permission to re-enter India from the Ministry of External Affairs
2) Get a PIO or OCI Card. Both these statuses have no 60-day restriction. Only Tourist Visas have 60-day restriction.


It will probably be much easier for your husband to get a PIO card, this can take less than 20 days to receive at the Indian Consulates in the USA.


That was a really helpful information.
Thank you. Can you tell me how to get this PIO card ? As in what documents will be required ?
ak205FemaleIndia10/10/2010 10:40
Asia: SouthUS citizen travel restrictions ?
Hello everyone

My husband is a US citizen. He is planning to visit me(India) in Dec.

I have heard that if he goes anywhere from India he cannot come back to India again at that time and he has to only return back to US from there.Is this true?
We are planning to go somewhere near Thailand but just confused on this part whether he can go and then come back to India again or not.

Thanks for the help.
ak205FemaleIndia10/10/2010 2:39
Asia: SouthWhere to register marriage

I am an American. My husband is an Indian citizen. We are beginning the visa process but do I need to register our marriage in the US? If so, where do I do this? Our marriage has been registered with the courts in India. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!


Hi if you are filing for your husband from US i dont think you have to register the marriage in US.
You can start the process if you have registered your marriage in India.
ak205FemaleIndia10/14/2010 0:05
Asia: SouthChennai- Hotel to stay
he hee..thanks..

pls treat this thread as closed now.. yea, i stayed at sea shells - had to fight with them to change the stinking room though..
JinyAndJonyMaleIndia10/27/2010 0:17
Asia: SouthChennai- Hotel to stay

Also btw--Pras reached the Consulate straight from Guntur after all-night-as-passenger in a hired vehicle--without any freshen-up--and they tentatively (pending the medical, which she had to reschedule) approved her K-1.


thx Saddle.. in my case, i will be travelling from Bglr. And looks like have to travel twice.. one for the medical and later for interview..

want to do the medical early enuf; besides will get a feel of chennai before i go for the interview :)
JinyAndJonyMaleIndia9/13/2010 22:24
Asia: SouthChennai- Hotel to stay
hey, having interview in US Consulate, Chennai on third week of Oct.

Anybody who has any recent experience or knowledge of Chennai help, please?

what wud be the good n affordable places to stay nearby to consulate. Don't want too pricy ones..but still looking for a safe and secure place with no theft / stinking room and good enough hygiene..dats abt it. and yea, have to manage to be in presentable shape next day..

Edited by JinyAndJony, 11 September 2010 - 11:26 AM.

JinyAndJonyMaleIndia9/11/2010 11:24
Asia: SouthVISA Received but sealed packet - Corner cut?
People I received the passport stamped and the 'sealed envelope', but i see that packet's corner is cut and stapled.. is that hows its meant to be(for identifying its conetents as docs) or is this a problem??!! :help: :help:
JinyAndJonyMaleIndia10/20/2010 7:09