Australia Visa

To visit Australia, as an Indian citizen, you might need an Australia Visa for Indians. Although, there are various Australian Visas and each one of them is designed carefully to meet the visitors’ requirements. Delve into the Australian visa guide to find out the details on its procedure, types, eligibility to apply for Australia visa.

australia-visa

What is an Australian visa?

As per the Australian government, to enter the country, most nationals need a permit called the Australian visa. There are however, countries that do not need a visa to enter Australia. Based on the length of stay, number of entries, purpose of visit, etc, there are multiple types of visa as discussed in this guide. The Australian visa is linked to your passport on approval. As a result, a stamping of the passport is not required. Australia is very strict about ensuring the safety of the citizens and their country. As a result, there are certain sets of documents one needs to apply for it.

How to Apply for Australian Visa?

Australia consists of various types of visas, designed to meet the visitors’ requirements. However, the collection of documents plays an important role in acquiring a visa that meets your needs. The Australian High Commission is responsible for granting the visa to those nationals that are exempted from procuring an Australian visa at the arrival in Australia. Government of Australia has mostly preferred a convenient way to make the Australia visa process a hassle-free experience. An applicant can opt to apply through the Australian visa online platform, else can go for the offline procedure as well. The details below can help you with the online procedure and clear your queries regarding where and how to apply for Australian visa.

  • Online procedure
    • You can start by creating an IMMI account online
    • Choose the category of visa that you require.
    • Look for the application form for the same.
    • Fill out the form thoroughly
    • Attach photographs and required documents to the form.
    • Pay visa fees online.
    • Submit the application form online.
    • After the submission, provide your biometrics to the embassy.
    • Organize a health test, if mandated by the embassy.
  • Offline procedure
    • Visit the Immigration website of Australia.
    • Pick a visa category as per your requirement.
    • Print the application form for the respective visa
    • Fill out the form with all the details and sign it
    • Attach whichever original documents requested by the embassy
    • Submit the form by visiting the embassy
    • Pay the visa fees at the time of form submission
    • Provide the biometrics
    • Organize a health examination if instructed by the embassy

However, one could readily find that the above procedure is very sensitive and hence any error in it may cause a delay in your Australia visa process. It is recommended that you get the work done by the experts who can provide you with an Australian visa. BTW consists of a team of experts in guiding and providing the applicant with crucial and relevant information about the visa services we offer.

Australia Visa Requirements For Indian Citizens

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Well, there are certain requirements for the Australian visa. There are various types of visas, and one of the biggest requirements of holding any of these visas is that they particularly meet the eligibility criteria. Australia Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens are given below,

  • One should hold a valid passport  
  • The age criteria depend on the kind of visa you are looking forward to procuring.
  • The applicants will have to meet the health and character requirements as per the regulations. The Australian government has maintained the safety standards for Australian citizens. And hence, one can find the medical requirement based on the type of visa he/she prefers.
  • You must have a strong financial status with a good bank balance that can support your stay in Australia.
  • However, the requirements for the Australian visa is purely based on the type of visa you shall prefer.

Australian Visa Process

The Australian visa process is an online procedure. An applicant will have to fill the application form through an authorized visa provider or through an IMMI ACCOUNT Australian consulate. Once the Australian visa online application form is filled, the documents have to be uploaded and then submitted. Well, one must not forget to self-verify the details mentioned in the Australian visa application form. However, after the submission of the application form, one will have to await the australia high commission verification. The high commission verifies all the details mentioned in the application form. One should take care that the mentioned bank balance in the application form must be maintained. It is recommended that one must avoid doing any transaction from the given bank account as the high commission verifies the bank details too, to ensure that the applicant is financially strong or at least carries the amount that can help him support himself in Australia.

US Visa Guide For Indian Citizens

America is one of the topmost visited destinations in the entire world. And while a lot of us dream of visiting the US or planning a vacation to states, it is very important to know about the procedure for US Visa.

There are numerous types of visas that one can obtain for the US visit. If you wish to go on a business trip there is a separate kind of visa, whereas if you just want to visit for the purpose of tourism, then there is a different kind of visa.

Thus, it is very important for one to know about the visa type and requirements before applying for it. Let us take a look at 2 of the most important visa types for the US.

1) Business Visa (B1) – The B1 Visa is generally offered to individuals who are traveling for the purpose of business meetings, conferences, attending of scientific, professional or educational conventions, etc. This visa is generally offered for a brief period of time in order to fulfill the requirement of work.

2) Tourist Visa (B2) – This is the most popular Visa that is given to the majority of people for the purpose of tourism in the US. The B2 Visa is offered to people who are traveling for the purpose of recreation in nature, tourism activities, visiting friends or relatives, medical treatments or activities, etc. This visa is generally offered for a longer period of time ranging from 1 year to 10 years, however, the period of stay during one trip is a maximum of six months where multiple entries to the US are allowed. 

Once you have a fair idea of which type you need to go for, the second most important step is collecting the supporting documents that are required.

1) Passport – You must have a valid passport with at least 2 blank pages for stamping purposes. Also, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your period of stay in the United States.

2) One does not need photos for the USA visa campaign=bl-nov19&utm_cont, it is taken at the consulate visa center itself. 

3) Complete visitor visa application form DS-160 online.

4) Application Fee Payment – This is required in case you have to pay the fees before an interview.

5) Take an appointment for the visa interview.

Some additional documents may be required for you to show while the interview, which includes;

1) The purpose of your trip.

2) Documents supporting your ability to pay all the costs on the trip. If not, then you may show the evidence that another person will cover some or the whole cost for you on the trip.

3) Your tour details including hotel bookings and flight bookings.

Thus, it is very important to know well about all the supporting documents before applying for a US Visa.

Once you have collected all the documents that are needed for US Visa, you have to apply for USA visa through the online portal. You need to fill an online Non-Immigrant Visa Application form which is also known as Form DS-160. Once you have filled the form correctly, you need to attach your photo online.

This is the mandatory step for the US visa application. After filling up the form and submitting it, you need to fix your visa interview appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate. Also, while fixing the appointment, it is mandatory to pay the application fee of $160. This fee is always a non-refundable fee. Fixing your appointment is the final step in the procedure for applying online.

The applicant has to stay for 2 days at the interview location which either Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai or Hyderabad. The first day is the bio-metrics i.e. fingerprinting and photograph and the next day is the personal interview with consulate. 

The visa decision is informed to the applicant on the spot after the interview if approved the passport is retained at the consulate and sent to the requested VFS center in a week’s time. If not approved the passport is returned to the applicant immediately after the interview.

The applicant majorly needs to concentrate and prepare for the interview as the visa decision depends on the interview, the Consulate might or might not see even one document.

The applicant needs to be confident and answer all the questions truthfully during the interview, as the US consulate approves visa to applicants who are able to prove the below points to the Consulate – 

  1. The purpose of travel is genuine
  2. The applicant is financially strong enough Visa Guide For Indian Citizens
  3. The applicant will surely return to home country after the specified trip duration

If you are able to positively prove the above to the Consulate your visa should be approved.

The US visa mostly is granted for 1-year multiple entries to Indians with multiple entries. One can stay maximum for 6 months in each entry to the US. (This stay period is generally maximum 6 months but the exact would be decided by the immigration officer)

Thus, it is very important to know well about the visa process and visa services regarding a US visa before applying. Also, if you are finding it difficult doing it yourself, you can always opt for visa consultants who help you to get through the process quite easily.

Canada Visa

Canada is one of the most preferable destinations for tourism. From exploring the natural landscapes to Helicopter and Balloon tour over the Niagara Falls & Toronto, a visitor to Canada will surely have the mesmerizing experience. But, exploring Canada as a Tourister has never been a cakewalk, given the amount of security & laws that this developed nation has maintained. A Canada tourist visa from India is mandatory, except for the countries which are exempted from carrying the same to Canada. However, getting a Canada tourist visa has never been that tough. This visa guide will help you in every way to safely complete the Canada tourist visa online & as well as an offline procedure to obtain it. 

What is Canada Tourist Visa?

Canada Tourist visa is one of the kinds of visa which is granted by the Government of Canada to the visitors who are entering the country for tourism reason. However, the Canada visa is divided into two subcategories as, 

1.Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

2.Permanent Resident Visa (PRV)

canada-visa

How to Apply for Canada Tourist Visa?

Before applying for a Canada Tourist visa, one must know that in order to apply for a Canada tourist visa, you may prefer the online procedure, as it is the conventional methods. Although the offline process is also available, the online process helps you keep track of the entire process without many efforts. Now, once you chose the mode of applying, one needs to follow the below criteria for the Canada tourist visa process.

As one can see, the procedure involved in getting a Canadian tourist visa is a tiresome procedure that requires extreme caution. It is necessary to make sure that all the details are correct & legitimate. A faulty visa application may get your visa delayed and even rejected. Rejection of visa is a factor that is considered by the Canada Border Security Office & will affect your visa duration, and future visa applications.

Canada Tourist Visa Eligibility

The Canada visa has some eligibility criteria for the Tourist visa considers some factors such as nationality, age, health standards, and certain valid documents. However, the below points will help you to understand the eligibility criteria for Canada.

  1. Those nationals who do not belong to the list of countries exempted from getting the visa will have to apply for a Canada visa. Indian nationals are eligible to apply for the tourist visa in Canada. 
  2. However, the Canada visa for Indian requires an applicant to hold an Indian passport that must be required and valid for up to six months from the intended date of entering Canada.
  3. Childs below 18 years of age are not eligible to apply for the visa, & also not allowed to enter the country until they are accompanied by their guardians or parents. 
  4. As per the health requirements, an applicant must not have a chronic disease. However, it is recommended that an applicant with some disease needs to inform the embassy about it. And hence, a medical examination is required for it.
  5. You must require enough funds to support yourself in Canada. The Bank balance must be maintained to the mentioned amount in the application form. 
  6. If you are invited by any of your friends, family or anyhow relatives then the Letter of Invitation has to be attached to the application form. 

Tracking with the help of passport

If you have processed your application through a Visa agent like BTW Visa Services or a Visa Services Providers then you will track the application status by submitting the passport number to the concerned service provider.

Iceland Visa for Indians

Planning to visit Iceland? Indian passport holders who are willing to apply for an Iceland visa for Indians can find the necessary visa information in this document. In the following, you can find Iceland visa requirements which mainly include the visa documents and eligibility criteria. General guidelines to be followed at the time of submission of Iceland Tourist visa documents are mentioned in the document.

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Following is the list of documents required for Iceland visa for Indians –

  • Passport: Passport is a mandatory document that is required at the time of international travels. The passport should submit as follows –
    • It must be valid for 6 months ahead of the span of stay.
    • It must be original and genuine.
    • It must have a minimum of two blank pages for the visa stamp.
    • It must not be torn, ripped, split, or damaged in any kind of way.
  • Old Passport: If available, the old passport must also be provided meeting the given criteria –
    • If any of the traveler has an old passport, it must be submitted along with the latest passport.
    • It must be original and in a good condition to access the required information.
  • Photo: The photographs must be provided as per the given photo specifications-
    • It must be clicked on an all white background.
    • It must be of proper size with dimensions of 35×45 mm.
    • It must cover face 80% of the frame.
    • The expressions on the face must be neutral.
    • The ears must be visible clearly.
  • Air Ticket: It is an important document and it should be submitted for the given reason –
    • It is proof that you will return to your home country after the duration of stay.
    • It must be confirmed for the complete round trip.
  • Bank Statement: The Bank statement is a mandatory document and it should meet the following criteria –
    • It must be original and obtained from the savings bank account.
    • It must be provided with authentic seal and signature from the bank.
    • It must be evident of healthy balance amount in the account.
    • It must be original and should have the bank’s stamp and signature on every page.
  • Income Tax Returns: The proof of income tax returns must match the provided parameters –
    • The Income tax returns should be specified with an ITR-V for last 3 years.
    • It must be provided with a legitimate documentary proof of the payment of income tax.
  • Hotel Voucher: It should be submitted as per the following –
    • It must be valid in Iceland.
    • It must be provided to identify the purpose of visit and as proof of accommodation as well.

Georgia Visa for Indians

Indian passport holders who are willing to apply for a Georgia Tourist visa can find the necessary visa information on this page. In the following, you can find Georgia Tourist visa requirements which mainly include the visa documents and eligibility criteria. General guidelines to be followed at the time of submission of Georgia Tourist visa documents are mentioned on the page. For further visa consultation, you can contact BTW Visa Executives.

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Following is the list of documents required for Georgia visa for Indians

  • Passport: Passport is a mandatory document that is required at the time of international travels. The submitted passport must meet the parameters given below –
    • It must be original and genuine.
    • It must be soft copy and genuine.
    • It must be valid for 6 months ahead of the span of stay.
    • It must not be torn, ripped, split, or damaged in any kind of way.
  • Photo: The photographs must be provided as per the given photo specifications
    • It must be clicked on an all white background.
    • It must be of proper size with dimensions of 35×45 mm.
    • It must cover face 80% of the frame.
    • The expressions on the face must be neutral.
    • The ears must be visible clearly.
  • Air Ticket: It is an important document and it should be submitted for the given reason –
    • It is proof that you will return to your home country after duration of stay.
    • It must be confirmed for the whole trip.
  • Valid Visa Copies: There are several visa documents that are needed. It is essential that they match the given characteristics
    • It must be valid in USA,UK or Schengen countries.
    • It must be verifiable and to be submitted at the time of new visa processing.
  • Hotel Voucher: It should be submitted as per the following –
    • It must be valid in Georgia.
    • It must be provided to ratify the purpose of visit and as proof of accommodation as well.

Nigeria Visa for Indians

Nigeria is the most populated West African country which is also one of the oldest locations of human existence. Because of its famous football team and growing economy, Nigeria interests people from across the world, including India. To make people feel more invited, various kinds of Nigeria visa has been issued.

What is Nigerian Visa?

Whenever an individual who is not a resident of the country, is travelling to Nigeria necessitates a Nigerian visa.  It is a permit that is obtained in the form of a visa stamp on your passport. In order to get Nigerian visa, you need to apply to the embassy of the country. There are various kinds of reasons that you may have to visit Nigeria. There are different visas for different purposes. They can be classified based on not only the cause of visit but also depending on the span of stay required or the number of entries permitted. There are short term visas and long term visas ranging from validity of 3 months to lifelong.

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How to apply for Nigerian Visa?

The Nigerian visa process is mostly online and you can apply for the same with a Nigeria online visa application. One important aspect of the visa application process is that the form needs to be filled following the guidelines specified by the embassy. The online form is to be filled with proper information and details that are asked for in the visa application. The general procedure for the application of the Nigerian visa is as follows:

  1. Fill out the online application form on the Nigerian embassy website.
  2. Pay the fees online.
  3. Cover letter and receipt will be received on your registered email.
  4. Submit the visa application form after going through the security regulation notices.
  5. The required documents along with the passport must be submitted with the signed visa application form.
  6. After the completion of the Nigeria visa online process, application form along with the supporting documents must be rendered to the registered visa agency who to carry out the further process.
  7. When the documents are submitted, the candidate has to visit nearby OIS centre for the biometrics when the application form and the documents are being verified by the embassy at the same time.

When the form is filled and submitted, you will have to wait for the processing time of the visa. Nigerian visa processing time generally depends upon the type of visa that you have applied for. 

To avoid visa rejection, it is mandatory to provide genuine documents with appropriate and all the necessary information. Submission of false or bogus documents will not only get your Nigeria visa rejected, but this rejection may affect your future visa applications as well, for Nigeria and other nations.

Nigeria visa types

There are different kinds of Nigerian visa that are classified based on different aspects. The visas differentiate by the purpose of the visit, the time span of the stay, the number of entries permitted, and others. The types of visa for Nigeria are given as follows:

  • Short term: The visas that are issued for a limited period of time. Generally, the visas that have a validity of fewer than 6 months are categorised under short-stay visas. The types of short stay Nigerian visa are listed as follows:
  • Tourist visa: A tourist visa is issued at the time when the traveller is willing to visit the country for tourism. The tourist visa spans for about 3 months and can be extended by paying the renewal fees.
  • Business visa: When a business person is travelling to Nigeria for carrying out business-related transactions or making business deals, a business visa is needed for the same. The span for the business visa depends on your purpose of visit.
  • Transit visa: A transit visa is a temporary visa that is issued at the time when you are going to have to make a transit stop in the country and travel to another country later.
  • Long term: The visas that are issued for long-term stays which generally exceed a period of 6 months or more are classified under this category. Common types of long-term visa for Nigeria are mentioned as follows: 
  • Student visa: This kind of visa is issued for the individuals who are looking forward to pursuing an education in Nigeria. The validity of the visa is dependent on the time span of the course that has been applied for.
  • Work visa: Also called an employment visa, it is issued for the ones who already have a job in Nigeria and require a permit to stay in the country for the same.

Nigeria Visa Fees for Indians

There are various aspects on which the Nigeria visa fees is dependent upon. These include the type of visa, the validity of the visa required, the urgency of the visa issuance, etc. The fee includes the charges paid to the embassy of Nigeria and the visa services that you avail. The fees can be paid online or offline if you are applying for a visa-on-arrival.

Nigeria visa processing time

The processing time will vary due to certain factors that affect the process. Generally, the time required for the processing of visa for Nigeria is about 10 to 12 working days, but then again it will still take longer or shorter time depending on the factors like the visa type, urgency of the requirement, status of application and others.

Saudi Arabia Visa

Saudi Arabia, or officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the home of one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world. Being the world’s largest exporter of oil, the petroleum industry accounts for about 45 percent of Saudi’s GDP. Along with other industries such as agricultural, and tourism, Saudi Arabia attracts a large number of people. However, to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, you will need a Saudi visa.

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What is a Saudi Visa?

A Saudi Arabian visa is a mandatory endorsement you require, to enter the country. Unless you belong to the list of visa-exempt countries for Saudi Arabia, you require a valid visa along with your passport. Whatever the purpose of the visit, the visa is essential. The visas are categorized into various types based on the nature of the visit, and the duration and number of entries of the visa depend on them. 

How to Get a Visa for Saudi Arabia?

The process of getting a Saudi visa is fairly straightforward. Based on the type of visa required, there are different processes. For visa application information on Saudi Arabia, the general steps are as below –

  1. The first step involves finding out the type of visa you require, and if you are eligible for it.
  2. You must then collect the necessary documents as per the Saudi Arabia visa requirement for Indian citizens.
  3. Visit the website of the Saudi Arabia MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and create an account for visa application.
  4. Fill in the details on the form.
  5. Pay the visa fee online and download the form with the MOFA number/reference number.
  6. Attach your visa documents with the form.
  7. Send the application to the nearest Saudi Arabian Embassy through a registered agent.

The Saudi government is extremely strict regarding the visa applications, and as a result, you have to complete the process accurately and genuinely. Any mistakes may cause in your visa rejection or delay. A rejected visa is not something you would want in your history as this may cause a lot of problems in the future visa applications.

Saudi Arabia Visa Types

There are several types of visa which permits you to visit Saudi Arabia. However, the main common types are – 

  • Business visa/Commercial visa – The Saudi Arabia business visa is issued as a short term visit, for an individual whose sole purpose is to take part in business endeavors in the country. This can include taking part in business meetings, sales representatives, inquiring about potential business prospects, etc. The visa is normally issued for a period of up to 3 months. However, depending on a single entry, or multiple entries, it might also be issued for 6 months.
  • Family visit visa – This visa is issued if the individual is visiting to meet a first-degree family member. For this, you will need an invitation letter from your family member in Saudi, as well as a few other documents. Similar to the other short stay visa, this is also issued for a duration of 3 months. However, the validity is 6 months.
  • Work visit visa – For people visiting the country for the purpose of work for a short duration, a work permit is issued. Unlike the work permit, the work visa only has a limited time. Keep in mind that you can only do non-commercial work while you are on this. 
  • Religious tourism visa – Also known as the Hajj/Umrah visa, these visas are only for the religious pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah.

Unfortunately, as per Saudi visa information, the country does not issue a visa for Saudi Arabia tourism to individuals at the moment. This is due to several political reasons, and the fact that the vast majority of tourists visiting the country are for religious tourism in the name of Hajj and Umrah. However, the Saudi government will implement a Saudi visa for tourists in the near future.

Saudi Arabia Visa documents required

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Although the exact documentation required vary depending on the type of permit, the general set of documents required for all types are as follows – 

  • A valid passport with 2 blank pages, and valid up to 6 months from the date of intended travel
  • The visa application form duly signed and filled
  • 2 Photos with white background 
  • A covering letter

Saudi Visa Photo Size Requirements

As per the Saudi visa information, these are the set of regulations for the photo – 

  • 2 identical passport size photos
  • Taken within the last 3 months
  • Coloured, with a white background
  • Saudi visa photo size – 35mm X 45mm
  • Face coverage – 85%
  • Neutral expression
  • Head position – centered
  • Eyeglasses -not permitted
  • Headwear – permitted only in religious case

Where to apply for Saudi Arabia Visa?

The applications for the Saudi Arabia visa for Indian nationals have to be made directly at the embassy, except in the case of Hajj/Umrah visa which requires designated Hajj agencies. For all other Saudi visas, the applications have to be filled online, and the documents along with the application form and documents. The applications can be submitted to either the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in New Delhi or at the Royal Consulate General of Saudi Arabia in Mumbai by a registered agent. Saudi embassy insists that you submit the application via an agency.

US Visa for Indians – Definitive Guide

With numerous tourist attractions and ever-expanding opportunities, the US attracts a large number of people every year. Apart from this, the United States has top educational institutions in the world, excellent job opportunities, a high standard of living, it is a much sought after destination for people looking to settle. However, nationals from most countries require a US Visa to enter the country. As a result, you will require the US for Indian citizens as well.

US Visa for Indians

What is a US Visa?

People travelling from countries that are not eligible for visa-free travel to the United States under the VWP ( Visa Waiver Program) require a permit to enter the USA. The visa comes in the form of a stamp in your passport. The validity, however, depends on the officer issuing the permit. Based on your profile, this can vary from 6 months to a maximum of 10 years. They are of two types – Immigration, and Non-Immigration Visa. Since the latter involves permanent residency visas and most US Visa application from India involve temporary stay, through this guide, the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) will be discussed.

How to apply for a US Visa?

Getting a visa for USA is a long process. However, the process of US visa for Indians is pretty straightforward. Before starting your application, you will have to determine the type of visa you require. After this, proceed as per the following –

  1. Obtain the documents you require to complete the application.
  2. You will need to fill the NIV US Visa application online: DS-160 form
  3. You should then proceed to pay your US visa fees online.
  4. Once this is done, submit your application. You will receive a fee receipt, and DS-160 confirmation via your email.
  5. Using the DS-160 application barcode, and the visa fee receipt number, proceed to schedule your US Visa appointment. This involves two appointments. First one at a VAC (Visa Application Center) for the biometric submission, and the next at a US Embassy or Consulate-General for the visa interview. 
  6. Visit the VAC for your biometric first, along with the passport, appointment, and D-160 confirmation pages. 
  7. After the submission at VAC, you will then have to visit a US Embassy or Consulate for your interview, along with your supporting documents, appointment confirmation letter, and VAC stamped D-160 confirmation page. 

Please note that the visa interview and biometric is mandatory only if the person is older than 14 and less than 80. Also, if your US permit expired in the last 12 months, and if you are visiting the country under the same type of permit, you may not need to attend the interview.

US Visa types

Based on the purpose and eligibility of visit, there are a number of Non-Immigrant visas issued to enter the USA. The most common US Visa types applied from India are as follows –  

  • Tourist Visa: B2 – This type is issued when an individual is visiting the country for purposes such as on holidays, visiting friends or family, etc.
  • Business Visa: B1 – The business permit is issued to travellers who visit the country for business meetings, conferences, and other business-related activities. Even though the US visa application for B1 and B2 have different documentation and eligibility, the visa is issued as a B1/B2 visa.
  • Student Visa: F1 – This is issued only for students entering the country for the purpose of education.
  • Work Visa: H1-B – This is issued to individuals who enter the country to perform in highly skilled work.
  • Dependent Visa: H4, F2, L2, etc – The dependents such as a spouse, children of individuals possessing other US Visa are issued the Dependent permit.

Documents required for US Visa

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As per the US visa rules for Indians, the documents for the application of the visa application submission vary based on the type. Each type has documents pertaining to it. However, the basic documents according to the US Visa document requirements for Indian citizens are as follows-

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel
  • 2  photos
  • DS-160 application confirmation page
  • Visa fees payment receipt
  • Proof of purpose of visit
  • Proof of employment/study
  • Proof of financial means

US Visa Photo Requirements

According to the US Visa requirements for Indian citizens, the following are the photo specifications required.

  • Dimensions:  50mm X 50mm
  • Colour: Coloured
  • Recently taken
  • Background: plain white
  • Must have 70% face coverage
  • Facial expression: neutral
  • Eyes directed towards the camera and wide open 
  • Glasses: allowed for medical reasons only
  • Uniforms are not permitted
  • Headgears: allowed only for religious reasons
  • Facial hair is permitted.

Belgium Visa – Definitive Guide

Great things come in small packages” is quite the definition of Belgium. With just over a mere 30,000 sq km, this tiny country is full of surprises. Along with several tourist attractions, Belgium has one of the most advanced economies in Europe.To visit this country as an Indian national, one needs a visa along with a passport. The Belgium visa is an endorsement that allows individuals to enter Belgium and stay there for a certain period depending upon the type of visa.

belgium-visa

What is a Belgium visa?

For individuals from nations that do not come under the EU, and are not in the visa exempt list for Belgium, require an entity known as a Belgium visa. Based on your motive for the visit, there are 4 major categories namely – Visa A, C, and D. Each of the visas have different permissions, and validity. You can apply for a visa that suits your requirement and purpose. The Belgium visas are usually stamped on your passport. Each type of visa has certain documents that are required as per the regulations.

How to get a Belgium visa?

The process of acquiring a visa varies from country to country. For obtaining a Belgium visa from India, you need to determine which type of visa is apt for your visit purpose. Different types of visas have a different set of documents required as per the Belgium visa embassy requirements.  You will then need to decide on how you are going to apply. The submission can be done either through a Belgian embassy/consulate or via visa centres that have been outsourced by the Belgian government for the visa submissions. Since offline applications are discontinued, you have to apply for a Belgium visa online. Once you have these details secured, you can proceed to make the application as follows – 

  1. Create an account with the embassy website.
  2. Log on to your account and fill in the Belgium visa application form online, with your personal details.
  3. Book your Belgium visa appointment at a VAC, Belgium Embassy or Consulate.
  4. Take a print out of the copy of the application form you receive via the registered email address.
  5. Attend the visa appointment for your biometric along with the mentioned documents and your Schengen visa Belgium application form. If you have submitted a biometric in the past 10 years, you do not require to be subjected to another biometric.
  6. Pay the fees, along with any additional service charges at the designated location.
  7. Once your Belgium visa application has been submitted, it will be processed by the Belgian embassy / Consulate.

The steps for all the short term visa types are the same. The only variations would be in the Belgium visa fees and documents required. It can, however, be a  challenging task to take note of the various documents, keeping track of the appointment, and to make sure there are no mistakes. Any mistakes in the application form can cause a delay in the visa approval, or even lead to the application being rejected.

Documents required for Belgium visa

The documents required depends on the various Belgian visa types. The general list of documents required for a Belgium visa is mentioned below. However, depending on the sub-types such as tourist, business, study, etc, there will be additional documentation necessary.

documents-required-for-belgium-visa
  • Short term Belgium Schengen visa ( C visa) – 
    • A valid Passport
    • Covering letter stating the details of the applicant, and the purpose and duration of stay
    • Travel itinerary
    • Confirmed round trip flight tickets, Proof of accommodation
    • Travel medical insurance covering 30000 Euros 
    • Proof of occupation as per the employment status
    • Financial documents to show sufficient funds
  • Long term visa ( D visa ) – 
    • A valid passport
    • A work permit, proof of admission at an educational institution, marriage/civil partnership or birth certificates (if applicable)
    • Financial documents to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay period
    • Proof of accommodation
    • Medical certificate to show that you are free of diseases that could be a danger to the public
    • Certificate showing that there are no criminal records in your name
    • Document choosing the language in which you would like to be informed about the decision in your visa application

Belgium visa fees

The visa handling fees depend on the types of visa. The Belgium visa fees are to be paid during the appointment. There can also be service charges to be paid if you are submitting the documents at a registered visa application center. Apart from this, the fees may also vary depending on several factors such as the type of visa, the number of entries, the duration of the visa, additional express services, etc.

Where to apply Belgium visa?

The applications for the visa can be applied online. However, for the submission of the documents, It can be performed through the Belgian embassy/consulate, or through a visa application centre. For appointments at the embassy/consulate, you will have to email them to book one. Alternately, you can book a visa appointment at any visa application centres located across the country for the document submission. For submission of documents straight at the embassy, you can visit the Belgian embassy located in New Delhi or the Belgian Consulate General in Mumbai, and Chennai.

Schengen Visa for Indians

Schengen Visa for Indians

Europe, the second smallest continent in the world is also the world’s most visited region. The Schengen visa has certainly aided in the growth of the number of visitors to Europe. In simple terms, this is an endorsement issued by Schengen countries to allow people to enter the Schengen region via air, land, or water and reside for a duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Ever since its establishment, there is a myth that this can be used as a “Europe visa”. Make no mistake, the Schengen visa for Indians does allow people to enter the European continent, however, you cannot enter 26 out of the 44 of these European nations. The entry is limited to only the European countries that are a part of the Schengen agreement.
What is Schengen Visa?
The Schengen visa is a short term entry permit that allows people to travel to any of the members of the Schengen zone and stay there for a maximum of 90 days in a half-year period. The visa allows you to move within the Schengen zone as many times as required, as there are no border restrictions between the countries. The visa allows you to enter the Schengen states for various purposes such as tourism, business, study, etc.
Note that if you have to stay for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a National visa of the particular country instead of the Schengen visa.
Things to know before applying for a Schengen Visa
The visiting countries – The first thing you will have to decide before applying is your Schengen visa first port of entry and your main destination in the Schengen region. Based on this, you will have to apply to the respective country’s embassy or representative.
The duration of stay – You should determine the total duration you intend on staying in the state(s). Based on this, you must apply to the Schengen visa or the National visa. The Schengen allows a stay of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. However, the national visa allows stays of more than 90 days. As per the Schengen visa validity rules, you cannot stay back in the region after expiry. As a result, you must decide this carefully.
The purpose of the visit – You must know the exact purpose of your visit. Based on the exact purpose, there are different categories of the Schengen visa. As per the Schengen visa rules, you are supposed to carry out your activities that are permitted under the particular visa category.
The number of entries – One of the biggest Schengen visa benefits is the number of times you can enter the area depending on the type of entry allowed. As a result, you can choose the Schengen visa number of entries from a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry types.
Who needs a Schengen Visa to enter Europe?
Due to the fact that the Schengen area is the world’s largest visa-free zone, a large number of nationalities are free to enter the Schengen without the requirement of a Schengen visa. Apart from the nationals of the Schengen visa countries, the visa-exempt countries for the Schengen area include the EU nationals, the UK citizens, and other countries that have visa-exemption agreements. Even though there is no Schengen visa for UK citizens as the country is among the two opt-outs of the Schengen, UK nationals are free to enter the Schengen region. All other nationalities apart from these will require a visa to enter the zone. However, note that official delegates from certain nations are also free to enter the Schengen without a visa.
How to apply for a Schengen Visa?
The process of applying for a Schengen visa involves several steps. In fact, it also depends on the particular embassy as well. However, the general steps involved in the Schengen visa application are as follows –
1. Decide the exact type of visa you require. Based on the purpose and duration, you must choose the one apt for you. If you require a long term visa, you must apply for the National visa and not a Schengen.
2. Find out where you will have to submit the application. Depending on the country you are applying from and to, you may be able to submit the application at the embassy/consulate or one of the visa application centres. Also, depending on your port of entry and the main destination, you must apply to the specific Schengen country.
3. Proceed to make your application on time. You must apply at least 15 days before your intended travel date, but not more than 3 months before the expected date of travel.
4. Fill in the Schengen application form. Regardless of the country, the application form is of the same format. However, certain Schengen countries may have online application forms available.
5. Proceed to book a visa appointment at the respective centre. The appointment can be at an embassy/consulate or a visa application centre depending upon the regulations.
6. Attend the visa appointment along with the documents and the fees. You must submit the application and pay the fees here. You may be required to attend a visa interview in certain special cases. However, as a mandatory requirement, all applicants for the Schengen visa must submit their biometrics.
Note that you do not have to submit your biometrics in the case that you have already submitted them for a Schengen visa in the past 5 years.
Schengen Visa Requirements
As per the Schengen visa requirements, to be able to obtain a Schengen visa, the following are the general Schengen visa documents required for an Indian passport holder. However, based on the exact country applying to, as well as the purpose of the visit, there are additional specific documents.
Document Requirements for Indian Passport Holders
1. Schengen visa form correctly filled and signed.
2. Two passport photos must be attached taken against a white background of size (35mm x 45mm) with 80% face size.
3. A Passport, valid for at least 3 months beyond return date with at least two blank pages.
4. Travel Visa Insurance covering expenses up to 30,000 Euros within the entire Schengen area.
5. A cover letter stating the purpose of visit and itinerary.
6. Flight itinerary reservation with proof of accommodation for whole intended stay.
7. Professional documents are required.

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