1. B-1 versus B-2: What is the real difference, between the B-1 and the B-2? The B-1 and B-2 visas are usually given together as a combined B-1/B-2 stamp.. The B-1 visa and the B-2 visa actually cover different things that people do when they visit the United States. B-1 (Business): This is for business activities that do not involve getting a salary in the United States. The Business visa is used for things, like talking about contracts taking care of estates going to confer

Many applicants believe the U.S. visa process is expensive only because of the official visa fee. In reality, that fee is just the starting point. Several indirect and often unspoken expenses quietly increase the total cost of applying for a U.S. visa. 1. The Visa Fee Is Only the Starting Point The $185 MRV fee is just your entry ticket. Most applicants end up spending $400-$800+ for what they thought was a "$185 visa." The gap comes from mandatory expenses the government doe

Preparing for your U.S. visa interview can feel daunting, but with the right information, you can navigate the process confidently. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough specifically for the U.S. Consulate in Delhi, ensuring you are fully prepared and avoid common pitfalls. 1. Know the Location The United States Embassy and Consulate in New Delhi is in a place called Chanakyapuri. This is a safe area where a lot of diplomats live and work. The United States Embassy a

Going to the U.S. Visa interview at the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata does not have to be hard. The U.S. Visa interview at the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata can be easy. You just need to plan for the U.S. Visa interview at the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata. Here are some tips to help you have an U.S. Visa interview at the U.S. Consulate, in Kolkata. 1. Know the Location & Timing Address: U.S. Consulate General Kolkata, 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071

1. Why the World Cup Impacts Processing The 2026 tournament is the first to feature 48 teams and will be held across 16 cities (11 in the U.S.). With over six million tickets available, U.S. embassies are facing an unprecedented surge in applications. To manage this, the State Department has redeployed over 500 additional consular officers to high-demand regions, but wait times for general applicants remain historically high. 2. The Introduction of the "FIFA World Cup Electro

1. What Is Change of Status (COS)? Change of Status is a process that allows you to change your immigration status while remaining in the United States. You file a petition with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) to switch from one nonimmigrant category to another (e.g., from F-1 student to H-1B worker). Key features: The process happens completely in the United States. You do not have to go outside the United States to find what the country has to offer the co

1. What Are the Types of U.S. Work Visas? Common United States work visas include: H-1B – Specialty Occupations (IT, Engineering, Finance, etc.) H-2A – Temporary Agricultural Workers H-2B – Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers L-1 – Intra-Company Transfers O-1 – Individuals with Extraordinary Ability P – Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers J-1 – Exchange Visitors (certain work categories) 2. What Is a Work Visa? A work visa allows a foreign national to legally work in the Unite

1. What Is a U.S. Visa Overstay? A visa overstay happens when a person who is not a citizen of the United States stays in the country after the date they were supposed to leave. This date is decided by an officer from Customs and Border Protection when the person first arrives in the United States. The officer tells the person how long they can stay in the country and if they stay longer than that it is considered a visa overstay. The person is supposed to leave the United St

1. What Is the U.S. Visa Dropbox (Interview Waiver)? The Interview Waiver Program, popularly known as "Dropbox," allows eligible applicants to renew their visas without appearing for a face-to-face conversation with a U.S. consular officer. Instead, you simply drop off your passport and supporting documents at a designated Document Delivery Center or Visa Application Center (VAC). 2. Who Is Eligible for Dropbox? You usually qualify if all of these things are true: Renewing th

1. Choose the Right Visa Category: Key Forms & Documents Common First-Time Categories: Visitor (B-1/B-2): For tourism, business meetings, or medical treatment. Key Form: DS-160. Student (F-1/M-1): For academic or vocational study. Key Forms: DS-160, I-20 (from your school). Work (H-1B, L-1, etc.): For sponsored employment. Key Forms: DS-160, I-129 petition approval notice (I-797). The Golden Rule is very simple: do not apply for a visa that the visa requirements do not say yo

Attending a U.S. visa interview can be stressful, but careful preparation will help you stay confident and smoothen the process. Here are some essential tips: 1. Prepare Your Documents in Advance You need to carry your passport the DS-160 confirmation page and your appointment confirmation letter. Do not forget to bring all the supporting documents. These documents include proofs, employment letters, academic certificates and photos if they are required for your application.

Visiting the U.S. Embassy for a visa interview requires strict adherence to security rules. Being prepared in advance can save you stress and help your interview day go smoothly. 1. U.S. Embassy Security Rules: Key Points Security personnel guide visitors at the U.S. Embassy entrance, highlighting the importance of lockers for storing prohibited items such as phones and electronic devices. Arrive Early: Get there well before your scheduled appointment time to account for the

Getting a U.S. visa approved depends not only on documents but also on how well you prepare and present your case. Below are proven tips that can significantly improve your chances of approval. 1. Choose the Correct Visa Category Applying for the wrong visa is a fast track to rejection. B1/B2 (Visitor): For tourism, visiting family, or short-term business (meetings/conferences). F-1 (Student): For academic studies at accredited institutions. H-1B (Work): For specialized profe

Understanding U.S. visa processing timelines helps you plan your travel, studies, or work without stress. Processing time depends on the visa type, embassy workload, and individual case details. Here is a step-by-step explanation of each stage. 1. Completing the Visa Application (DS-160 / DS-260) The Non-Immigrant form, also known as the DS-160 is pretty long. It will take you about 60 to 90 minutes to fill it out. To make it easier you should have a things ready before you s

Follow this checklist to ensure you are fully prepared and confident for your interview day. 1. Know Your Visa Category Understand your visa type clearly (B1/B2, F1, H1B, L1, O1, etc.).  Be prepared to explain the purpose of your travel in simple, confident language. U.S. visa applicant handing over documents during an interview at a consular services office. 2. Keep All Required Documents Ready Prepare your mandatory and supporting documents: Passport (valid) DS-160 confirma

For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement, the O-1 visa is typically superior to the H-1B in almost every meaningful way, except for one major factor: the path to permanent residency. 1. What Is the O-1 Visa? The O-1A visa is for people who're really good at things like science, teaching, running a company or sports. The O-1B visa is for people who're really good, at art or have done something special in the movie or television business. It requires: Sustained

If you are visiting the United States on a B-2 Tourist Visa and you need time because of a genuine reason you can try to apply for an extension of stay using Form I-539. The B-2 Tourist Visa extension of stay is not easy to get. You have to be careful because many B-2 Tourist Visa extension applications are denied. This happens because of mistakes or people not understanding the rules, for the B-2 Tourist Visa extension of stay. This guide explains how to apply, when to apply

Preparing for your visa interview can be nerve-wracking. This guide will walk you through the entire process in Kolkata to ensure you are well-prepared and confident. 1. Arrival & Location Address Official Address: U.S. Consulate General, 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kankaria Estates, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071. Arrival Time: Plan to arrive approximately 15-30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Do not arrive hours early, as you will not be allowed inside

Attending your U.S. visa interview is an important part of your travel process. Being organized and informed will help you stay confident and calm. Here’s a complete step-by-step guide to make your visa interview day smooth and stress-free. Step 1: Organize Your Documents Before you go make sure you have all the documents in order. Put them in a folder that's easy to see through so everything is clear. This way you can find what you need quickly. The Google Drive folder or a

Preparing for your U.S. visa interview can feel daunting, but with the right information, you can navigate the process confidently. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough specifically for the U.S. Consulate in Delhi, ensuring you are fully prepared and avoid common pitfalls. 1. Know the Location The United States Embassy and Consulate in New Delhi is in a place called Chanakyapuri. This is an area where many diplomatic people work and it has a lot of security. The Uni