The Startup CA

How I could get 10 years' B1/B2 Visitors US Visa within 6 months without any help of agent. 

All you need to know for Indian passports. 

A thread. ( 1/n ) 

#USVisa #USA 

1. Typically, the process for a U.S. B1/B2 Visa involves filling out the DS-160 online application form, paying the visa fee, scheduling an interview for biometric at OFC AND then an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate, and attending the interview with required documents.

I was delaying the application every year thinking that the process might be too tough and it would takes years' to get US Visa appointment so always ended up with booking other destination Flight ticket than making US Visa Application.

Then, One fine Sunday, I decided to lock myself in the room for two hours till I complete DS-160 individually for all 4 members.

You can access the form online at ceac(dot)state(dot)gov/ceac/

Apart from personal details, You will need to fill in income details as well as details about last 10 countries travelled and address of second kins staying in US.

2. Once you submit DS-160 electronically for each family member regardless of age ; you will receive a confirmation number and bar code on each acknowledgement. 

This DOES NOT mean you have got an interview appointment. 

Your DS-160 confirmation number would eventually expire after 30 days and In fact you can create as many DS-160 confirmation numbers as you like so the next step is create your account on the US government appointment booking system at www(dot)ustraveldocs(dot)com/and link your DS-160 number. Select Country and Non-immigrant Visa. 

Tip : While creating an account, be informed that one of the 2 secret questions and answers you enter will be asked each time you login unlike most other cases where you feel that you will need those only while you forget your password. In single account, you can add multiple famiky members. 

#USVisa

3. As next step, you are required to make a payment of $160 as Visa fees and take two seperate appointments. 

- OFC ( Offsite Facilitation centre ) No need to be nervous here as they just need your fingers ( biometrics ) and face ( foto ) 

- Visa Interview at Consulate - where actual decision making happens. 

The centres for OFC and Consulates are at Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai , Hyderabad and Kolkata. 

Few candidates also take OFC and Interview at different cities if that can give access to appointment faster. 

We decided to take both appointments in Delhi at interval of 2 days so money saved on agent can be used to celebrate our marriage anniversary! 

Tip : Book Aravali Marriot Faridabad for 13k MB points or use HDFC Marriot card Free night for any Gateway. 

#USVisa

4. When visiting the Offsite Facilitation Centre (OFC), you must bring only.

- Passport
- Appointment Confirmation Copy
- DS-160 Confirmation Copy.

Now here are two CATCH to understand. 

- At OFC , either do not even take purse or if you bring anything else, then do bring mobile too because the lockers at Delhi only operate through mobile OTP and same be used to open locker. 
- Also if you forget OTP, you cannot open locker because new forget OTP will come on your mobile which is already inside the locker so write OTP on your elbow or wrist with pen! 

While at interview, I imagined a kind of HR interview in a cabin but it is like a ticket window/booth type setting. 

There are no pre-requisite documents but better to take past ITR, Bank statements and itinerary and your degree certificate etc. You may show only if asked for to support your answers. 

You will be told during the interview whether you are approved or denied, and then your interview is over and you must leave the US consulate. If approved, they will keep your passport, which will be stamped with your visa and sent to you.  You cannot request a single-entry or multiple-entry visa – this will be decided by the officer who issues you the visa.

I was asked my professional qualification ie CA and past countries travelled. 

#USVisa

5. https://x.com/mehulshahca/status/1916753761760133267?t=k6TJT609gnHlyuJYMt3_Nw&s=19