US Consulates

Consulates all over the world issue visas - a permission to enter USA for a specific purpose. Consulates are a part of the State Department (DOS - Department of State).

U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai will be the New Interview Location for Immediate Relative Cases

Important Notice:  Effective April 1, 2018, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi will no longer process IR5, IR1, IR2, CR1, or CR2 visas.  The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai will be your interview location if you are in process for an IR5 ( parent of a U.S. citizen), IR1/CR1 visa (spouse of a U.S. citizen) or IR2/CR2 visa (unmarried minor child of a U.S. citizen), AND your interview is scheduled on or after April 1, 2018.  Your letter from the National Visa Center will specify the location of your interview, along with further details about interview preparation.

Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: U.S. Consulate General in Chennai is Closed

The city of Chennai and surrounding areas in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu as well as the adjacent Union Territory of Pondicherry (Puducherry) have experienced very heavy rains in recent weeks resulting in localized flooding, which has been severe in some areas. The Adyar River has overflowed its banks and rains are expected to continue for several days. U.S. citizens visiting and residing in the area should shelter in place.

Fraud Findings Reversed

We were asked to provide a second opinion on a complicated case where the US consulate had denied a green card based upon a finding that the beneficiary/applicant had committed visa fraud where they had earlier misused a visa.  The consulate directed the applicant to file for a waiver (which is quite difficult to obtain).  Note that a finding of fraud is a permanent bar from entering the USA.

Status
Green Card Approved after Fraud Finding

Immigration Law

State Dept. Amends the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 167 (Thursday, August 28, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51247-51254]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-20516]


DEPARTMENT OF STATE

22 CFR Part 22

[Public Notice: 8850]
RIN 1400-AD47


Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and 
Overseas Embassies and Consulates--Visa and Citizenship Services Fee 
Changes

AGENCY: Department of State.

ACTION: Interim final rule.

H-1 visa stamping experience in Toronto -- By one of our team members

Here is a recent visa stamping experience narrated by one of our team members.
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I went for an H-1B visa stamping at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto, Canada, in November 2012. This was my first H-1B visa stamping. I wanted to share my experience with you and hope that it will be helpful in providing some insight into the entire process.
Scheduling the Interview

Regarding H-4 stamping without primary H-1 stamp

Question details

Currently we got H-1 and H-4 approved from Sept 2022 -2025. I am on H- and having difficulties in getting dates for visa. My wife on H-4 was able to book a date. If she goes with both the approvals and I am in US and my H-1 is not stamped. Will there be a problem for her in getting her visa stamped?

Consulates have been inconsistent. Many times, they do not stamp an H-4 visa unless the H-1B visa has been stamped. It may be best to email and confirm with the consulate where you are going.