Application Process for USA Tourist Visa from India

Thousands of Indians file applications for USA Tourist Visas every year to travel to the USA. The USA Visitor Visa is also known as B-1 or B-2 Tourist Visa. It is approved for travelers arriving in the US for short-term leisure, medical treatment, or business. Generally, B-2 and B-1 Visas are approved jointly and are known as B-1/B-2 Visas.

So if you wish to know how to apply for USA Tourist Visa from India, here are the important details:

Steps to apply for USA Tourist Visa

• You have to first choose your location as India and begin the Visa Application Process on the website of the Electronic Application Centre of the US Consulate
• Then you have to fill out the Visa Application DS-160 Form and compulsorily provide answers to all the queries specified on the application form
• You have to provide your signature on the form electronically and submit it after attaching a photo of your passport size with it
• You are required to make payment of the fee for processing the Visa within 2 days of submission of the application form and payment can be made through Internet banking
• After submitting the form you have to take a printout of the DS-160 confirmation page that contains the barcode. It must be safely kept until you reach the US.

After submitting the application form, you will have to appear for 2 interviews. You must book the appointment slot immediately after filing the Visa application.

The first interview will be conducted for collecting your photograph and fingerprints. It is a brief process and will not require beyond ten minutes. You are advised to be present for the interview a few minutes prior to the allocated time.

The second interview is very important and is conducted for collating more details regarding the applicant. In this interview, electronic gadgets, phones, and any type of bag are not permitted in the room for the interview. Applicants are allowed to enter the interview room only along with the documents and forms.

The US Immigration Officer will ask about various details regarding the visit to the applicant during the second interview. It includes the person finding the trip, the duration of the visit, and its purpose. The officer will declare the results of the interview immediately on the spot.

Read More:- Stepwise Guide to Apply for USA Tourist Visa from India

The Documents Needed For USA Tourist Visa

If you are seeking to apply for a Tourist Visa to the US you will require the below documents for the second interview:

• Valid Passport – You will require all expired and old passports for the interview. Moreover, the present passport must also possess validity of a minimum of 6 months after the likely date of arrival in the US.
• Hard and soft copies of the photograph of passport size  according to the specification
• Authentic DS-160 Visa Application having a stamp from the VAC - Visa Application Centre on the page confirmation
• Evidence of visa fee payment in the form of a valid receipt
• The interviewer intends to verify that an applicant is a lawful person who fulfills all the criteria for the Tourist Visa. So the applicant has to carry authentic proof of identity and possesses a genuine reason for arriving in the US.
• The applicants have to offer documents demonstrating that they possess adequate funds to pay for the trip to the US
• The applicants have to demonstrate that they possess strong relations in India that will show that they possess a strong motive for returning to India once the trip is completed
• Evidence that states the trip’s purpose and intention to exit the US once the trip gets completed
• A complete and detailed itinerary with dates and plans
• Evidence of adequate funds (copy of bank statement and passbook)
• Copy of previous year’s payment of tax, Tax ID, Aadhaar Card, and PAN Card
• Business card if you have any
• Invitation cards or letters from relatives inviting you to the US
• Employment letter from the employer if you are employed
• You will have to submit a NOC if you are employed by the Government
• You will have to offer evidence of business ownership if you are a businessman

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants from India

• The applicant must have citizenship in India
• The applicant must possess an authentic passport
• They must have authentic and accurate IDs like Voter ID cards, Aadhaar cards, and PAN card
• Applicants who do not possess any criminal history are offered priority over those who have any kind of criminal history

Do you wish to visit the USA as a Tourist from India? Contact Nationwide Visas the Best Immigration Consultants in Hyderabad to file your application.

Criteria and process to Immigrate to Canada as Mechanical Engineers

Almost all provinces in Canada have good demand for competent Mechanical Engineers and several thousands of candidates immigrate to Canada as Mechanical Engineers every year. Overseas applicants seeking to migrate to Canada as Mechanical Engineers have multiple immigration pathways including the Express Entry Program. They have abundant lucrative prospects for moving to Canada as Permanent Residents.

Engineering is a well-paid occupation in Canada. Average salaries are variable based on seniority, area of expertise, and province. Mechanical Engineers are paid an average hourly $42.

Canada has regulated the occupation of Engineering. You must have a license from the regulator in your Territory or Province for working as a P.Eng - Professional Engineer. But you can begin to work under the direction of a Licensed Engineer after commencing the licensing process even if you are not instantly qualified for the license. Software Engineers are the only exception not requiring a license for practicing.

The Engineering License Process in Canada

The majority of the Canadian Provinces will permit you to begin the process of licensure prior to arrival in Canada. The process for engineering licensure varies based on the Territory or Province. So you must get acquainted with the license types in the Provinces including restrictions and requirements before commencing the application process.

Usually, a complete license offers you a Professional Engineer credential permitting you to practice your profession without supervision. The majority of the provinces specify that applicants have a minimum of 4 to 5 years of experience as an Engineer. This also includes experience in Canada normally for 1 year prior to qualifying for a complete license.

New immigrants will usually not be eligible for an upfront full license except if they have earlier worked in Canada as Engineers. Some provincial regulators can offer Provisional License to applicants who fulfill all conditions for the license only excluding work experience in Canada.

As a newly arrived immigrant Engineer, you can qualify for a Provisional License if you possess a minimum of 3 years of engineering experience overseas. But you will have to be employed under the supervision of a P.Eng with a License who will be responsible for your work till you receive a P.Eng License.

Immigrants who are fresh Engineering graduates or who do not possess the required overseas /Canadian experience to become eligible for a Provisional or complete license can apply for:

• Engineer-in-Training
• Member-in-Training
• Engineering Intern Program 

The name differs based on the Province and the application has to be submitted to the territorial or provincial regulator. You can begin to work as an EIT being supervised by a P.Eng with a license and accumulate the required work experience for your license.

Fast-track process for eligible Mechanical Engineers

Overseas citizens having appropriate training and experience as Mechanical Engineer and who seek to reside and work in Canada quickly can access fast-track programs. They can begin to work immediately on a full-time basis in Canada in this occupation.

The fast-track programs offer eligible applicants and their family members instant Provisional Work Visa for arriving in Canada. They must have a full-time job offer approved by the Government corresponding to their qualifications. Later they can apply for a Canada PR Visa inclusive of their family members.

Prospective candidates have to fulfill the following basic criteria to qualify:

• Possess a Mechanical Engineering or linked Engineering stream Bachelor’s degree
• Possess at least 2 plus years of appropriate experience
• Have good proficiency in the language in English or French
• Must be attested of being free of drug
• Must possess a clean record with Police in the last 5 years that excludes speeding offenses

If you fulfill the above specified basic criteria, you must possess the experience of having carried out most of the below duties:

• Hold research into the performance, operation, design, and feasibility of systems, components, and mechanisms
• Manage and plan projects and arrange timing, cost, and material estimates, design and reports specifications for systems and machinery
• Design equipment, fixtures, tools, components, machines, and power plants
• Analyze vibrations and dynamics of mechanical structures and systems
• Inspect and supervise the commissioning, modification, and installation of mechanical systems in industrial facilities or at construction sites
• Develop maintenance programs, schedules, and standards and offer supervision to industrial maintenance crews
• Investigate mechanical breakdown or unpredicted maintenance problems
• Arrange documents for contract and assess tenders for industrial maintenance or construction
• Supervise technologists, technicians, and other Engineers and evaluate and provide approvals for cost estimates, calculations, and designs

Candidates who fulfill the 5 essential criteria and perform most of the descriptions specified above can qualify for Fast Track Work Programs for Mechanical Engineers.

Qualified candidates seeking to immigrate to Canada as Mechanical Engineers can contact ICCRC-accredited Immigration Experts at Nationwide Visas for professional support and guidance.

The top Canadian jobs for Canada Study Visa holders

 Overseas students having a valid Canada Study Visa as of 15th November 2022 are now permitted to work for indefinite hours during academic semesters till December 31, 2023.

Here are the top jobs for overseas students in Canada based on data from reputed sources like CTV, IDP, Apply Board, etc. It is based on factors such as fair pay, flexible work hours, easy-going work, and immersion in a field.

Top Canadian jobs: Part-time

Teaching Assistants - Standard Pay: Hourly $23 CAD

Given that most TA jobs are set aside for students, it is among the simplest roles to get. These roles are beneficial as they permit students to have an immersive experience in their study field. Students can obtain teaching experience which is highly valuable for those aiming to pursue a career in Academics.

The top Canadian jobs for Canada Study Visa holders

TA roles are amazing opportunities for working closely with a specific faculty or professor and also earning and supporting one. Usually occurring on College/University campuses, these jobs save students time and costs for travel.

Server /Mixologist/Bartender — Standard Pay: Hourly $16 CAD + tips

For young overseas students bartending/serving offers high flexibility in work hours choice and good earnings through tips. It is based on the number of work hours and workplace popularity.

Standard rates for pre-tax tipping in Canada are in the range of 18 to 15%. It implies that students working for more hours weekly can get even $ 400 to $ 200 extra only in tips and many get even more.

Driver Ride-share — Standard Pay: Hourly $19 CAD

Ride-sharing apps such as Lyft and Uber are highly popular in student hotspots such as Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto, etc. Students have to be aged a minimum of 21 years, possess an authentic Driver’s License Smartphone, and a reliable car for qualifying.

The job offers full freedom to students for choosing the number of work hours. Earnings are highly variable based on the time and distance of the rides driven and the number of rides cleared weekly.

Tutor— Standard Pay: Hourly $30 CAD

Tutoring similar to TA jobs is an excellent option for students for earning income while studying. This job permits students to decide their own duties, hours of work, and prices. These roles also permit students to have an immersive experience in their study field focused on teaching. Administrative work is not a part of their duties.

Freelancer— Standard Pay: Hourly $23 CAD

Freelancing can offer abundant opportunities for students as it is an extensive job stream covering a comprehensive occupation range. They are free to select hours of work and rates of pay. It is also an amazing opportunity for establishing oneself and working in a chosen industry/profession.

Working as a Freelancer can be tough while students are establishing themselves initially and attracting more clients. However, this role offers multiple avenues professionally for those who are adequately motivated for pursuing their career while studying.

Resources to assist with the job search

The following resources are helpful for overseas students to search for suitable job roles. It is irrespective of if they wish to pursue any of the roles specified above or wish to keep exploring their job options.

• LinkedIn — This platform for networking blends job postings across the web which makes it an easy place for beginning a job search
• Indeed— A global website for a job posting that consists of millions of posting
• Canada Job Bank—The authorized job bank updated and maintained by the Government of Canada
• Workopolis— A site for a job posting that offers job services in both French and English
• TalentEgg—A digital job portal specifically made for recent graduates and students
• Magnet—A non-profit platform connecting workers in Canada with opportunities
• LeapGrad—A comparatively latest platform created for connecting recent graduates and students with employers who are seeking to hire

Points to remember

Canada Study Visa holders seeking to work while studying have to keep in mind certain factors very importantly. On 1 April 2022, Canada passed a law that implemented a new federal policy for minimum wages. The minimum wage across Canada was increased to hourly $ 15 CAD inclusive of provisions for inflation-based adjustments.

Overseas students have to make sure that their wages are corresponding at least with this minimum figure. (Excludes explicit work arrangements such as Co-op roles)

Furthermore, overseas students must know that they are included under the category TFW – Temporary Foreign Workers while working. This entitles them to the rights of workers on par with citizens and permanent residents in Canada. If they find that their employers are violating any of their rights as workers, they are entitled by law to report to the suitable authorities.

Nationwide Visas is the Best Immigration Consultants in India. To know more about working as an overseas student in Canada, connect with our Study Overseas Counselors.