Moving to the United States from India is an exciting journey, but the immigration process can feel overwhelming. With the right guidance, you can navigate the system smoothly and achieve your goals. Law and Visas is here to help you every step of the way, offering personalized assistance to make your immigration experience as stress-free as possible.
Whether you’re joining a spouse, reuniting with family, or starting a career, this guide covers the visa options available for Indian nationals, U.S. Embassy details, and other important information tailored to applicants from India.
Your Visa Options
Choosing the right visa is the first step in your immigration journey. Whether it’s a family-based visa, a work visa, or a student visa, Law and Visas ensures you have the support you need to find the best fit. Here’s an overview of key visa options for Indian citizens:
Marriage-Based Green Card
If you are married to a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, or plan to marry soon, a marriage-based green card allows you to live and work permanently in the U.S.
- Steps to Apply:
- The sponsoring U.S. spouse files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).
- Once approved, the Indian spouse applies for a green card through consular processing or adjustment of status if already in the U.S.
- Key Considerations for Indian Applicants:
- Processing times can vary based on the sponsoring spouse’s status (citizen or green card holder).
- Medical exams, biometric appointments, and interviews are part of the process.
Law and Visas simplifies the paperwork, ensuring accuracy and avoiding unnecessary delays.
K-1 Fiancé Visa
Planning to marry your U.S. citizen fiancé in the U.S.? The K-1 fiancé visa allows you to enter the U.S., get married within 90 days, and then apply for a green card.
- Steps to Apply:
- Your U.S. citizen fiancé files Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé).
- Once approved, you apply for the K-1 visa through the U.S. Embassy in Mumbai.
- After marriage, apply for adjustment of status to obtain a green card.
- For Indian Couples:
- Be sure to have all required documents, including proof of an ongoing relationship.
- Costs include filing fees, medical exams, and visa application fees.
With Law and Visas, you’ll get step-by-step guidance to streamline the K-1 visa process.
K-2 Visa for Children
Are you bringing children with you on a K-1 visa? The K-2 visa allows unmarried children under 21 to immigrate with you.
- Steps to Apply:
- Children are added to the parent’s K-1 application.
- Once approved, children can accompany the parent to the U.S. and later apply for green cards.
Law and Visas can help ensure your children’s applications are complete at no additional charge.
IR-2 Visa for Children
If you’re a U.S. citizen and your child lives in India, the IR-2 visa lets your child join you in the U.S. as a permanent resident.
- Eligibility:
- The child must be under 21 and unmarried.
- You must provide proof of a parent-child relationship.
Law and Visas ensures your application meets all U.S. immigration standards, making the process easier.
Employment-Based Immigration for Indian Nationals
Not all Indians immigrate through family sponsorship. Employment-based visas, like the H-1B, offer opportunities to work in the U.S.
H-1B Visa
- What It Is:
- A nonimmigrant visa allowing U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for specialized roles requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Common Fields:
- IT, engineering, healthcare, finance, architecture, and more.
Law and Visas helps Indian professionals and their families navigate the H-1B process, from eligibility checks to application submission.
Navigating the Green Card Process: Special Considerations
Visa Bulletin and Wait Times for Indian Nationals
India is among the countries most affected by the annual “country cap” on green cards, which limits how many green cards are issued per nation each year. This often leads to longer wait times for family and employment-based green cards.
- How It Works:
- The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, shows green card processing updates.
- Applicants can check their priority date and see if they’re eligible to proceed.
Law and Visas offers clear, updated explanations of the Visa Bulletin, helping you understand your timeline and options.
Important Embassy Information
All immigrant visas for Indian citizens are processed at the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai, with some nonimmigrant visa matters handled in New Delhi.
Contact Information for U.S. Consulate in Mumbai:
- Address: C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400051
- Phone: +91-22-2672-4000
- Email: support-india@ustraveldocs.com
Contact Information for U.S. Embassy in New Delhi:
- Address: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
- Phone: +91-11-2419-8000
Financial Planning for New Immigrants
Moving to the U.S. comes with financial adjustments. Law and Visas provides resources to help you:
- Open a U.S. bank account and establish credit.
- Learn about taxes and health insurance requirements.
- Budget for living expenses and manage exchange rates.
U.S. Education System
For families immigrating with children or individuals pursuing higher education, understanding the U.S. education system is key.
- What You Need to Know:
- Public schools are free and based on your residential address.
- Enrolling in college or university often requires TOEFL/IELTS scores and credential evaluations.
Law and Visas provides helpful resources for navigating these processes.
Why Choose Law and Visas?
Immigration can be complex, but with over 70,000 families helped in the last decade, Law and Visas has the expertise to make it simple.
- What We Offer:
- Comprehensive visa assistance.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Step-by-step support to ensure your success.
Start Your Journey
Whether you’re reuniting with loved ones, starting a new job, or pursuing higher education, Law and Visas is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to get started on your U.S. immigration process.
