ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: SouthIndia PCC need help!

Hi All,

My wife just went in to the local police station to apply for a PCC (local and passport office version) and they are being really rude to her. They demand an original marriage cert. to apply for the PCC. She gave them a copy but the officer said he cannot take this as evidence. I thought the PCC was to verify that my wife has no criminal record within that city/country, and not to verify the she is my wife!

I wouldn't have any problem providing the original MC but it is with the NVC and I dont think I can just ask them for send it back! To apply for a new cert. will take 2-3 weeks! Do any of you have and suggestions? This will delay the interview date by 2 months at least! Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.


Hi Soza,
Did you or your wife sent the DS-230 package already because it seems like you did but your timeline is not updated.
Yes, Gujarat stuff is very annoying. They bothered my wife as well.
First, your wife needs to apply for Passport PCC. Tell your wife to take NOA1, NOA2, Document Coversheet and the reciept for I-864 AOS bill, Document Coversheet and the reciept for DS-230 IV-bill, the instructions from NVC website that includes obtaining Police certificate, her Passport, her Driver's License or some kind of Photo ID, Copy of Marriage Certificate. I attached the checklist for DS-230. She can show that as well.
Also, attach a cover letter to obtain PCC.
Yes, it's true that the money talks.
If They give her hard time, call NVC and complain to them about the situation.
Good luck :thumbs:

Attached Files


inzangoMaleIndia5/11/2010 15:44
Asia: SouthFiancee Visa Received - After the second re-file of K-1
:dance: Congratulations on your visa and good luck with you new life in the us. :dance: :dance: :dance:
bridget and alenFemaleIraq4/28/2010 3:31
Asia: SouthRomantic Bollywood movies...with english subtitles
It's not Hindi but I really like "the other end of the line" it's about an american that falls in love with an indian girl over the phone....it's so good. Also from Amritsar to LA is good, you can find it in english or subtitled as well. In english it's "Bride and Predjudice" I believe.

Also, go on Netflix.com and you can browse their categories. they have an impressive selection of indian movies.
ms_jinga_lalaFemaleIndia1/31/2010 15:44
Asia: SouthRomantic Bollywood movies...with english subtitles
I really liked Umrao Jaan. It's old and heartbreaking, but the story line was so good. The movie was captivating. I also liked Yuvraaj. If you're looking for other movies with a slight love theme you can try Ghajini. I have more but they are packed up right now coz I move on Saturday! Yay me!

Edited by ms_jinga_lala, 28 January 2010 - 08:43 PM.

ms_jinga_lalaFemaleIndia1/28/2010 20:42
Asia: SouthFiancee Visa Received - After the second re-file of K-1
Congratulations! Always good to hear news like this!
ms_jinga_lalaFemaleIndia4/23/2010 20:51
Asia: SouthNepal 2yr GC holder needs India visa?
Hey Pattu,

You are right about traveling from India to Nepal they don't need anything however when you are going from abroad you are required to have a visa.

Third

Sorry I have not been on VJ in a while - what a change!!! It will take some time to get used to the new look... :)

Anyway, Govi and I are planning on taking a vacation in India in May-June and he still has the 2yr conditional GC. I went on the USCIS website and it doesn't look like he will have any problems coming back to the US, but I am wondering if he will need an India visa - as a USC I definitely do. He has a Nepali passport and normally Nepalis can enter India without a visa, however he was telling me some friends(Nepali LPRs) have had problems entering India without a visa.


ThirdMaleIndia3/18/2010 20:30
Asia: SouthMumbai Consulate
I almost forgot, they took her DS230 part 1, and they wanted passport pics. When my wife submitted her passport pic, they claimed it was photoshopped. That was a complete lie since she had those pics done beforehand by a photographer and printed out there. Of course VFS, like the crooks they are, will do passport pictures for 200 rupees and submit those. My wife had no choice but to just get it done.
BaltarNot TellingIndia2/2/2010 13:45
Asia: SouthMumbai Consulate
My wife did her K3 interview in Mumbai in December. VFS is pretty much a cartel there, wired only to make money.

My wife submitted her documents, consulate fees and whatever to VFS an pay their courier fees (you have to pay their fees, whether you intend to pick up the visa at vfs or actually wait for them to courier it.) there is a 3 day window to do this - it needs to be submitted no earlier than 10 days and no later than 7 days before interview. If I remember correctly, they took her medical, birth cert, passport with PCC, and marriage certificate, vfs courier fee and consulate fee (for consulate they have to be bank draft, while courier fee can be paid in cash). When we got our marriage certificate back, the top was wrinkled with a rip and had fingerprint smudges all over it from people who don't know how to wash their hands. Since it's not the consulate officer's marriage and birth certificate, they really don't care.

With that said, I heard afterwards from other people that you can take the docs with you to interview and not submit anything to VFS, but I didn't hear this from anyone official, and no matter what you ask vfs, they will just dodge the question and say to submit it with them so they can make money so I am not sure if this is actually true.

On the day of the interview, you can either go to VFS before your interview and wait in their lounge until they get a bus ready and ferry people to the consulate, or you can wait in the line outside the consulate to get in. You have to pay some fee to get in their lounge and buy dog food to eat (masala sandwiches and stale coffee), and they will send everyone to the bus just 15 minutes before the interview. Me and my wife paid the 500 some rupees and waited in the lounge together, then we both went on the bus. The only advantage to this is that they let bus people skip the line that everyone else waits to get in the consulate, which means you get to AC quicker and then just wait in there until they call you.

They do not allow the US citizen in there for the interview. USC would either have to wait outside or wait in their lounge. Also, they do not allow backpacks or hand-bags in the consulate - the only thing the beneficiary is allowed to carry to the consulate is a plastic bag with all the documents. This is something that none of them will tell you or have written down anywhere on their bulletin boards or their rules unless you try to walk in there. Cellphones, purses, electronics, metals, anything that can be used to record anything is not allowed.

When my wife went in the consulate, I waited outside the consulate for 5 hours so carry your PSP. There's no place to sit, there's guards around that just harass people and the typical mumbai people just everywhere. At first we waited outside the door, then they tell us to move to the sidewalk, then about a hour later, they tell us to go across the street, then a hour later they will push you further away.. The only real advantage to waiting outside is so my wife can tell them that i am waiting out side, and when my wife said that, the consulate officer wrote it down and we think that made a huge difference in the interview since she approved the visa.

Once the visa is approved, the consulate will keep your passport to put the visa sticker in it. Consulate will then give the mysterious yellow envelope that stays sealed until beneficiary get to POE and the beneficiary's passport to VFS. You then go to VFs around 4pm to stand in another long line to get your documents. The beneficiary is the only person allowed to go in VFS to pick everything up, and they wont allow metal objects, cellphones, bags, etc in there. They will ask for her ID, so the beneficiary will either need to bring a second ID (since VFS has their passport) or present a photocopy of the passport to establish ID.


Hope this helps..
BaltarNot TellingIndia2/2/2010 13:34
Asia: SouthRomantic Bollywood movies...with english subtitles
Heena

Mohabbatein


Chandani

Salaam Namaste

Salaam-e-Ishq
MokshaFemaleIndia1/30/2010 22:17
Asia: SouthTransfered to California Service Center
Hi,
On December 3rd we got a letter saying that our I-485 had been transfered to the California Service Center for faster processing(live in South Carolina). As I understand, this is a good sign and may not require an interview. My question is: how long should this take before we receive any more information. We have not received any more information since December.
Marc & SolikaMaleCambodia5/19/2010 9:03
Asia: SouthColored slips at the Interview

Thanks folks--I was hoping for bright blue or orange slips but I guess that's not to be.

PLEASE PRAY FOR ME. :blush:



They just told my wife that she is approved. No slips. The visa was mailed about 3 days after the interview by VFS. Those three days wait was painful after the interview till we got the passports in hand !!
Ready2KlNot TellingIndia5/6/2010 13:03
Asia: SouthSpouse's name NOT added to Indian passport

Thanks for your reply.

I've read a few reviews where the applicant has been questioned as to why the spouse's name is missing. However, it was a one-off question and they weren't hassled about it.

I hope it's no big issue.

I did call an agent today. They said it would take 20-25 days at the very earliest.


I have read a few cases where they did not have any issues without the spouse's name. I would agree on the timeline of 20-25 days and its always a risk dealing with indian government agencies and giving your passport to them at this stage. In our case they said it would take 10 days but our file got misplaced and it eventually took us about 3 weeks. The only reason we had to add the spouse name was because that was a requirement before we could apply for our infant daughter's indian passport.
Ready2KlNot TellingIndia4/20/2010 9:32
Asia: SouthFiancee Visa Received - After the second re-file of K-1
Thank you sachinky, Sara and others,
You have been very helpful and always there.
It is a BIG RELIEF!!

I salute you and the vj community.
isitashamNot TellingIndia4/18/2010 8:40
Asia: SouthFiancee Visa Received - After the second re-file of K-1
We finally received the visa from New Delhi for my fiancee and she will be joining me soon along with her children........ yes, it was a long wait and took two K-1 filings.
My BIG THANK YOU to the VJ community who was always there to support and provide guidance whenever needed. I was double-minded whether to be present for the interview with my fiancee but you all advised me to be there - it definitely made a difference.
Thank you again.
isitashamNot TellingIndia4/17/2010 17:29
Asia: SouthSpouse's name NOT added to Indian passport

Could this potentially be a problem? Has anyone encountered any questions during their interview? Any experience regarding this issue?
I'd appreciate any advice/thoughts/opinions regarding this.
Thanks!


I don't think it is an issue. Your passport was issued before you got married, right? It should't be an issue at all.
In my fiancee's case, her passport still has her late husband's name on it.
US passports don't even have a place for spouse's or parents name unlike Indian passports.

I suggest, Don't worry about getting it changed at this late stage. Just be prepared to answer the question if at all it is asked.
Good luck.
isitashamNot TellingIndia4/20/2010 4:56
Asia: SouthFiancee Visa Received - After the second re-file of K-1
Congrats!!! :dance:

BTW did they let you go inside on the interview?
IqhaFemaleIndia4/27/2010 13:19
Asia: SouthPakistan - INTERVIEW EXPEREINCE
Congrats :dance: and Godd luck :thumbs:
zeha14Not TellingPakistan4/17/2010 0:15
Asia: SouthPakistan - INTERVIEW EXPEREINCE


HI guys as you all knows that yesterday i had my interview at islamabad embassy
and Thx God we are approved and officer said they will send us visa within 7 to 10 days
so we enter into shuttle service from there we took shuttle tickets worth 500 rs for just 10 mins drive embassy that was very annoying ....we reached at embassy abt 7 30 and guard ask to go in yellow line which is for immigrants visa after security check they allowed us to enter in da embassy at 8 am than again a security check than we go to the finger printing room and a usa lady behind da glass was working in da computer and a pakistani guy was helping the people to ensure they give figer prints correctly after we went to waiting lounge and after 10 mins we were called on window 5 and pakistani guy ask us in which language u want to give ur interview we said urdu he said ok plz wait ...after some time abt 20 mins they asked us to come on window 7 there again pakistani guy asked us to singn da ds 230 form and pass all original documents to me and medical reports than he put purple sticker on da back of our passports and confirm our cell number and than give us 4 purple token having the same serial number as on passport and told us u have to show american express office these tokens to get ur passport and than he said plz wait ur final interview will be taken by visa officer ......after 10 minutes i see back on da window 3 lady officer was checking our documents after some time she moved from her chair and come back after 15 mins and asked us to come at window 3.
we went there
she was smiling and a pakistani lady translator was standing with her she was nice as well
than he ask questions from us
1.y u want to go usa
2.who is ur sponsor ?
where does he lives
3.how long he is being in usa now
4.after how many years he usually visit pakistan
5.how many children he have
6. wat are their names
7.when he 1st came to usa y he choose nc to live
so these all were questions and my dad gave all these answers and traslaort told her every thing
than she finally said
Congratulations we are giving u visas welcome to usa we are satisfied wid ur case and will send u passport after 7 to 10 days ....
take care bye

Mabrook!! Congrats! Mazel tov!
achswifeFemaleTunisia4/15/2010 23:47
Asia: SouthRomantic Bollywood movies...with english subtitles
lol ...Thanks for the recommendations and best of luck on your move!


PS Incidentally I was just channel surfing and came across one of my favorite romantic movies, The Notebook. It's on ABC Family right now. Wow...I haven't seen this on TV at all. And I haven't seen it in over a year. A really heart-warming movie. Ahhhh... :wub:
Jennifer1FemalePakistan1/28/2010 21:19
Asia: SouthRomantic Bollywood movies...with english subtitles
I just saw my first hindi/indian/bollywood movie (not sure of the correct terminology) the other day and I LOVED it. It was 'Vivah', which I've come to understand is a well-known film. I came across it on youtube, all in one clip and with english subtitles.

What struck me most was how romantic it was. :wub: Wow, I guess it reminded me of a romance novel. I am quite enthralled by the old-fashioned romance that developed between the characters. :blush: There was no overt sexual activity thrown in my face, but rather a really cute, sweet, romantic relationship that slowly developed onscreen.

Can anyone direct me on how to see more romantic Bollywood movies that have english subtitles, online? Preferably in one clip. Youtube literally had no others and I've tried Google, but didn't get anything.

Thanks!
Jennifer1FemalePakistan1/28/2010 18:35
Asia: SouthK1 Experience Dec 09-Apr 10

Congratulations!

Thank you everybody.

I arrived in the US on the 17th of May 2010 at the Baltimore (BWI). I filled out the white I 94 form in the flight along with the customs declaration form. Post finger printing at the immigration counter, i was asked a few questions in the second room after some waiting. It was basic stuff like who is you petitioner? Where will you live? when is the wedding date? What does he do? What did you do? Do you have family in the US? Has he come to pick you up today? My passport was stamped and a stub of I 94 was returned.
I have carried a copy of my vaccination record in case I need it later.

The details aside, its wonderful to complete one leg of this long process and be able to move in with your loved one. To look back we filed I 129F on Dec 21st 2009 and I reached the US on May 17th and I must thank the USCIS Vermont Centre and Chennai Embassy for this. :)
sowmyakMaleIndia5/18/2010 14:10
Asia: SouthK1 Experience Dec 09-Apr 10

A quick over-view of my timeline

17 Dec 09 - Filed I-129F
21 Dec 09 - Received NOA1
16 Mar 10 - NOA2
27 Apr 10 - Interview at Chennai

The interview itself was as expected with the regular questions that you find on VJ. I went in at 900 am and was out by 12.30 pm. Some of the questions I rmbr are

1. Who is your petitioner?
2. What does he do?
3. How did you meet?
4. About his family
5. How did he immigrate
6. What do I do?
7. About my family
8. When/where was the engagement?
9. Why get married in the US instead of in India?
10 Will my parents be attending the wedding?

Some of my experiences with the K1 process that might be useful to you

1. We didn't receive a NOA2 update online despite subscribing for it and it arrived by mail a week later.
2. We did not submit any photos of the 2 of us together at the time of filing for I-129F. We had submitted boarding passes and copies of passport stamping of my finance's travel, phone bills and an affidavit from my dad. Our NOA2 was approved. We did take plenty of photos for the interview though.
3. Apollo is the only hospital in Chennai now to get your medical done. It is a 2 day procedure. My experience with Apollo wasn't great although it eventually had no bearing on the outcome of my interview. I had submitted my passport at the passport office to get the PCC and I informed the person whos number is listed on the chenai consulate pdf this. She asked me to carry an attested copy of my passport in-lieu which I did. On arriving in the hospital we were told by a co-ordinator that the attested copy of the passport would not do. She asked us to come back to Apollo on the day of the interview a few hours before and collect the medical reports by showing the original passport. We agreed as we didn't have a choice. Later the examining doctor told us they have to release the reports within 24 hours of the examination and that she will have to make a note on my report saying that she has not seen my passport but only my PAN card. It was sheer co-incidence that I was carrying my PAN card. It was ridiculous that 3 different people in the same building were telling us 3 different things. The doctor was pretty rude and did make a note in the reports. Luckily it had no bearing on the interview result. I was not even questioned about it.
4. The people at the VFS also do not accept the documents without the passport. I paid the fees and submitted all my docs on the 21st of April for the interview on the 27th as suggested by the VFS person. So they are not very strict about the 15-10 working day window.
5. Get to the embassy only about 10 minutes before your interview. Will save you the trouble of waiting in the queue in the heat and you'll get to bypass it and will be ushered in.

Finally the CO at the chennai consulate told me my visa was approved after the interview and returned all my documents along with my passport. I was too thrilled to notice and it hit me as strange after I got back to the hotel. I called up the consulate enquiring about it. They told me it was a goof-up and asked me to return it at the embassy. I havent received any acknowledgement that they have my visa. My tickets are booked to the US for May 17th and I hope I receive my passport without any more goof-ups

Hope this helps.
Sowmya


More things as I remember

6. Chennai consulate does not issue Packet 3 for the K1 visa and its a direct P4.
7. As evidence of relationship we carried pictures (20-25), telephone bills (we had spoken for several hours each day and this ran into several pages :)) copy of my finance's passport indicating that he travelled thrice to meet me between the engagement in september to april, printouts of a couple of emails.
8. My finance accompanied me to the interview but was not allowed to enter the embassy at the same entrance. He waited at the US citizens waiting area where he was treated very well and was informed as soon as my interview was over so that he could come out.

Edited by sowmyak, 02 May 2010 - 09:23 AM.

sowmyakMaleIndia5/2/2010 9:22
Asia: SouthK1 Experience Dec 09-Apr 10
A quick over-view of my timeline

17 Dec 09 - Filed I-129F
21 Dec 09 - Received NOA1
16 Mar 10 - NOA2
27 Apr 10 - Interview at Chennai

The interview itself was as expected with the regular questions that you find on VJ. I went in at 900 am and was out by 12.30 pm. Some of the questions I rmbr are

1. Who is your petitioner?
2. What does he do?
3. How did you meet?
4. About his family
5. How did he immigrate
6. What do I do?
7. About my family
8. When/where was the engagement?
9. Why get married in the US instead of in India?
10 Will my parents be attending the wedding?

Some of my experiences with the K1 process that might be useful to you

1. We didn't receive a NOA2 update online despite subscribing for it and it arrived by mail a week later.
2. We did not submit any photos of the 2 of us together at the time of filing for I-129F. We had submitted boarding passes and copies of passport stamping of my finance's travel, phone bills and an affidavit from my dad. Our NOA2 was approved. We did take plenty of photos for the interview though.
3. Apollo is the only hospital in Chennai now to get your medical done. It is a 2 day procedure. My experience with Apollo wasn't great although it eventually had no bearing on the outcome of my interview. I had submitted my passport at the passport office to get the PCC and I informed the person whos number is listed on the chenai consulate pdf this. She asked me to carry an attested copy of my passport in-lieu which I did. On arriving in the hospital we were told by a co-ordinator that the attested copy of the passport would not do. She asked us to come back to Apollo on the day of the interview a few hours before and collect the medical reports by showing the original passport. We agreed as we didn't have a choice. Later the examining doctor told us they have to release the reports within 24 hours of the examination and that she will have to make a note on my report saying that she has not seen my passport but only my PAN card. It was sheer co-incidence that I was carrying my PAN card. It was ridiculous that 3 different people in the same building were telling us 3 different things. The doctor was pretty rude and did make a note in the reports. Luckily it had no bearing on the interview result. I was not even questioned about it.
4. The people at the VFS also do not accept the documents without the passport. I paid the fees and submitted all my docs on the 21st of April for the interview on the 27th as suggested by the VFS person. So they are not very strict about the 15-10 working day window.
5. Get to the embassy only about 10 minutes before your interview. Will save you the trouble of waiting in the queue in the heat and you'll get to bypass it and will be ushered in.

Finally the CO at the chennai consulate told me my visa was approved after the interview and returned all my documents along with my passport. I was too thrilled to notice and it hit me as strange after I got back to the hotel. I called up the consulate enquiring about it. They told me it was a goof-up and asked me to return it at the embassy. I havent received any acknowledgement that they have my visa. My tickets are booked to the US for May 17th and I hope I receive my passport without any more goof-ups

Hope this helps.
Sowmya
sowmyakMaleIndia5/2/2010 8:57
Asia: SouthRomantic Bollywood movies...with english subtitles
You used to be able to watch movies with subtitles with a paid subscription on bollypass.com, but it is no longer in business. I second the recommendation for Netflix. They usually have even the newest titles- but usually you have to get them sent to you. The good movies usually aren't available to watch online with Netflix.

Here are some more suggestions to add to the ones already mentioned:

Veer Zara
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Devdas
Guru
Fanaah
Woh Lamhe
Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam
Raja Hindustani
Refugee
Chalte Chalte
Paheli
Om Shanti Om

Edited by ilovebangladesh, 25 February 2010 - 09:03 AM.

ilovebangladeshFemaleBangladesh2/25/2010 9:03
Asia: SouthChennai Consulate - Visa approved
posted twice by mistake ..... how do I delete this post? Moderator please help. Thank you.

Edited by jjcentral, 12 May 2010 - 10:43 AM.

jjcentralNot TellingIndia5/12/2010 10:38
Asia: SouthK1 Experience Dec 09-Apr 10
Congrats Sowmya, my fiancée got her visa in Chennai and is ready to board to USA too. Her interview experience was great but the Apollo doctor visit experience was rude and insulting in many ways. Hope we can report this doctor in some way. Anyway congrats again.
jjcentralNot TellingIndia5/12/2010 10:54
Asia: SouthVisa interview but dont have ANY IDEA if got the visa or not PLZ help
For immigrant visas it may take a lot of months, but for B1/b2 it should be quicker. can't say how long but significantly better. Keep your fingers crossed.
jjcentralNot TellingIndia5/19/2010 10:01
Asia: SouthSpouse's name NOT added to Indian passport
I would worry more if your passport is expiring in the next few months or if the pages are worn out, because that seems to be a problem recently. Having your maiden name (or your husband's family name) is your right and no one can instruct you in any way to change yours. The only reason it would come in handy is when you go to apply for ssn or drivers license or any other long term databases, then it is worth it to have your husband name added in your passport so you don't have to do everything twice.
jjcentralNot TellingIndia4/20/2010 10:26
Asia: SouthPakistan - INTERVIEW EXPEREINCE
Dear freiend,

have you and your family got the visa? yet
bond00007777MalePakistan4/28/2010 6:21
Asia: SouthMumbai K-1 Visa Approval Rate -- 95%
Star's approval bumps our Mumbai approval rate to 97.5% since Jan 2008 -- yes, an optimistic view, but helps the mind relax!

For all of you going to your interviews in India in May and June -- GOOD LUCK! And, please, after your undoubtedly successful interviews and subsequent celebrations, please come back and share details for those of us waiting. Since my fiance will be going to the interview alone, I will try my best to get as many details out of him as possible (but, you know men and details ... hehe ... :yes: )
BlueTrapMaleIndia5/7/2010 8:17
Asia: SouthMumbai K-1 Visa Approval Rate -- 95%
All,

For those of us stuck in the same boat -- all-consuming paranoia and nervousness from the K-1 visa process -- statistics are on our side! While no one can guarantee a successful interview with immediate visa approval, I did a search for visa approval statistics. I posted the official Department of State statistics in the K-1 Visa forum: http://www.visajourn...proval-rate-95/

I also did a VisaJourney search (which I understand is not a representative sample), and it made me feel better: http://www.visajourn...erlist.php?cfl=

If you search Mumbai K-1 interviews between 1/1/2008 and the present, you will get 40 hits. Of those, you can see 30 visas issued. Of the remaining 10, a few got approved and did not post (but posted their success elsewhere on the site). Others stopped coming to the website (which I assume means they got approved and no longer need VJ support). Only 2 are stuck in 4+ months of AP.

That equates to a 95% approval rate! (Taking out my assumptions, it is still a 85 - 90% approval rating.) The statistics are on our side! Yes, I am an engineer -- can you tell?

While this does not quiet the butterflies in my stomach and heart, it does give my logical brain some relief.

Hope this helps you guys, too!
Blue

Edited by BlueTrap, 23 April 2010 - 12:35 AM.

BlueTrapMaleIndia4/23/2010 0:35
Asia: SouthK1 Experience Dec 09-Apr 10
Awesome, Sowmyak!!! A BIIIIIG CONGRATS! Must be an awesome feeling -- I myself keep daydreaming about the moment I get the good news about my fiance's visa.
BlueTrapMaleIndia5/3/2010 0:41
Asia: SouthSpouse's name NOT added to Indian passport
Hey Sachinky --

You're probably in the US by now -- WELCOME!

Well, we were able to get the passport (under "Tatkaal"). The Passport office is saying 30 days for PCC (but our interview is 6/14). Also, we called the travel agent you suggested -- and they are saying they are very busy. PCC will take 15 days and cost Rs. 2700. They asked who refered us, but, of course, I did not know your name.

Does this amount sound right to you? Do you know any other travel agents? Any way to convince Passport Office to process quicker?

Thanks!
Kajal
BlueTrapMaleIndia5/23/2010 3:36
Asia: SouthExchange Rate Adjustment in India
And, yet, we seem to be the ones suffering the most out of this process: they are changing the rates back to $1 = Rs. 48. Argh!

There goes the visa fee from Rs. 6026 to Rs. 16800!

More and more, I think we should have gone the CR-1 route ... for a few more months of waiting, we could have save a few thousand dollars!

Just venting my frustration ... of how they keep gouging us more and more every day ... and we have no other choice ...

Hopefully, they don't raise the AOS on us this summer, after all this ...
BlueTrapMaleIndia5/27/2010 5:36
Asia: SouthExchange Rate Adjustment in India
All -- For those of you with interviews after May 1, 2010 in India, please be advised that they have changed the Dollars-to-Rupees exchange rate: https://www.vfs-usa....India/news.html


The news link says:
April 30, 2010
U.S. Embassy Adjusts Consular Exchange Rate
NEW DELHI - Effective Saturday, May 01, 2010, all United States Consular Sections in India will adjust the consular exchange rate from Rs. 48/- to the dollar to Rs. 46/- to the dollar.

This rate of change is effective for all rupee-denominated costs of applying for visas and passports, including the nonimmigrant visa application fee paid at HDFC bank branches prior to the scheduling of visa appointments. The new application fee for nonimmigrant visas is Rs 6026/- (equivalent to USD $131). Receipts issued by HDFC Bank prior to May 01, 2010 that reflect a payment of Rs. 6288/- will be honored.


Just tryin' to save people ~Rs. 250 :)

Edited by BlueTrap, 03 May 2010 - 01:21 AM.

BlueTrapMaleIndia5/3/2010 1:17
Asia: SouthMumbai Raises K-1 Visa Fee?

YeS!!! :bonk: It got Increased..from $131 to $350, for B1/B2 It would be $140.
you can check it out with this link.

http://travel.state....press_4603.html



But this is just a PROPOSAL. I don't see any place where they ACTUALLY turned it into law and officially changed to $350, including the Department of State and Mumbai Consulate websites.

ARGH. :(
BlueTrapMaleIndia5/21/2010 12:23
Asia: SouthMumbai Raises K-1 Visa Fee?
My fiance just got a phone call stating that he should bring Rs. 16,100 to his interview -- because they have raised their rates starting June 4th. No written confirmation or any other form of official documentation, just a cryptic phone call from an Embassy official. Department of State and Consulate website still say $131, also.

Anyone else hear of this? The documents with the visa packet say $131 = Rs. 6026. Should he take checks for both amounts, and see which one flies? I'm so frustrated by this entire process and this REALLY adds to the pile :angry:

Edited by BlueTrap, 21 May 2010 - 04:51 AM.

BlueTrapMaleIndia5/21/2010 4:51
Asia: SouthConfusion on K-1 visa fees
Thanks guys! That makes us feel better that the VFS Kolkata people are nice. We will have to contact them to make sure it's OK if PC and medical can be hand-carried to the embassy.

AHHHHHH, you guys are soooooo close to your interview dates. GOOD LUCK!!!! I'm starting to get nervous / excited, too :)

Edited by BlueTrap, 03 May 2010 - 12:35 AM.

BlueTrapMaleIndia5/3/2010 0:34
Asia: SouthConfusion on K-1 visa fees
Anwesha -- My fiance just received Packet 4 from Mumbai yesterday, and those fees confused him, also! (He said, "Rs. 37900!??!" ... haha ...). I think Sachinky is right -- we only have to pay $131 and courier fees. Did you get any confirmation from Mumbai?

Sachinky, how was your experience with VFS? My fiance is afraid he may not have all documents by May 24 (three weeks before interview) -- so he may have to hand-carry some documents with him (medical, passport clearance). Do you think that's OK?

By the way, did you guys notice how OUTDATED that Packet 4 is? They should just direct everyone to their website for all forms, documents and information, instead of relying on the Indian Postal Service to deliver outdated, irrelevant mail. (At one point, it says "as of 2000, K-1 visa fees are $100".)
BlueTrapMaleIndia5/2/2010 5:49
Asia: SouthIndia PCC need help!
Hi sachinky

Shes in Vidyanagar, Gujarat. There is only one guy in charge at that station and he is a real pain in the you know what...



Where's she getting her PCC from?

When I got mine from Calcutta, a copy of my marriage certificate and a copy of my husband's passport were all that was needed.


sozaNot TellingIndia4/25/2010 4:42