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.

Canada approved a record 608,420 Work Permits in 2022

 In the year 2022, Canada approved an all-time high of 608,420 Work Permits. Most of the approvals were for candidates whose occupation was included in the Canada Occupation In Demand List.

The number of approvals for 2022 is almost 200,000 higher than in the year 2021 wherein Canada approved 414,000 Work Permits. The approvals were through two major Work Permit programs in Canada:

• The IMP- International Mobility Program 
• The TFWP Temporary Foreign Worker Program 

The majority of the Work Permit approvals in 2022 were through IMP with 77% of the total or 472,070 Work Permits. The rest of the permits i.e. 136,350 Work Permits were approved through TFWP.

In the year 2019, 303, 545 Work Visas were approved through IMP. The numbers declined slightly in 2020 during the pandemic. In 2021, the numbers rebounded to 310, 660. The IMP has thus witnessed a hike of 55% in Work Permits after 2019.

Canada approved a record 608,420 Work Permits in 2022

In the year 2019, 98,030 Work Visas were approved through TFWP. The numbers declined slightly in 2020 during the pandemic. In 2021, the numbers rebounded to 103,340. The TFWP has thus witnessed a hike of 39% in Work Permits after 2019.

The TFWP and the IMP

The IMP and TFWP both offer Work Permits to eligible TFWs - Temporary Foreign Workers residing and working in Canada. Nevertheless, there are major variations between these two programs that must be kept in mind.

Employers in Canada can offer Work Visas to TFWs through the TFWP in order to respond to the authentic scarcity of labor in the nation. The most prominent difference between the IMP and TFWP is the requirement of the LMIA - Labor Market Impact Assessment. It is a document offered by the Government of Canada applied to assessing the impact of recruiting an overseas citizen on the labor market in the country.

LMIAs are required for offering Work Visas through TFWP. The Work Permits issued after an LMIA are normally specific to an employer. It is in contrast with the IMP which offers Open Work Permits to eligible overseas nationals.

The IMP seeks to advance the broad cultural, social, and economic policy objectives of Canada. It offers Work Permits normally according to the reciprocity between Canada and the applicant’s nationality. The approval is also for a major economic or social advantage resulting from recruiting the TFW.

As a result, the IMP has pathways like the GTS - Global Talent Stream, IEC - International Experience Canada, and Significant Benefit Work Visa Programs and others.

As specified already, IMP has extensive scope in comparison with TFWP. The Government of Canada does not specify an LMIA while approving Work Visas through IMP. The applicants are normally offered Open Work Permits.

IMP Categories with a maximum allocation of Work Permits

Below are the streams under IMP that were pathways for maximum approvals of Work Visas in 2022:

• Medical Fellows and Residents and applicants of Post-graduate Employment: 36% of overall Permits
• Religious or Charitable Workers: 29%
• Other participants under IMP: 8%
• Skilled Workers’ Spouses – 5%
• Post-doctoral Ph.D. award recipients and fellows – 4%
• Intra-company transfers – ICTs – 2%
• International Experience Canada -2%

A few of the major policy alterations have to be noted here. IRCC has declared diminished requirements for Overseas Physicians seeking to immigrate to Canada. It has also enhanced the measures for the accreditation of medical professionals trained overseas. The initiative is for responding to the acute scarcity of workers in social assistance and healthcare all across the nation.

TFWP Categories with a maximum allocation of Work Permits

Below are the streams under TFWP that were pathways for maximum approvals of Work Visas in 2022:

• Workers in Agriculture – 51% of overall Permits
• Other TFWs having LMIA – 46%
• Caregivers Live-in —2%;
• Caregivers—0.2%

Canada has notably implemented several changes in policies for retaining and settling Caregivers. This is under the initiatives for addressing the scarcity of workers in social assistance and healthcare. It includes decreasing the work experience criteria by 50% for eligibility for PR Visa applications for these workers.

Provinces with a maximum allocation of Work Permits

The following is the allocation of share of Work Permits in 2022 amongst the 13 Canadian provinces and territories through both TFWP and IMP:

1. Ontario—221,280 Work permits
2. British Columbia—102,845 Work permits
3. Quebec—89,765 Work permits
4. Alberta—43,550 Work permits
5. Manitoba—19,765 Work permits
6. Nova Scotia—12,645 Work permits
7. Saskatchewan—10,550 Work permits
8. New Brunswick—9,640 Work permits
9. Newfoundland and Labrador—4,210 Work permits
10. Prince Edward Island—3,840 Work permits
11. Northwest Territories—260 Work permits
12. Nunavut—60 Work permits

For the latest updates on Canada Express Entry Latest draw or CRS Calculator, contact Immigration Experts at Nationwide Visas.

Manitoba PNP Program offers 5000 nominations annually

Manitoba PNP Program currently offers Canada PR Visa nominations to 5000 candidates every year. Manitoba Province was the first among the provinces in Canada 1998 to start the Provincial Nominee Program.

Manitoba is a highly renowned destination for immigrants arriving in Canada. 90% Plus of the MPNP nominees receive jobs in their first year. With nearly 90% of nominees deciding to remain in the province, Manitoba also has a high rate of retention.

The enhanced immigration categories under MPNP are linked with the Express Entry Program. It is an application management system of the Federal Government for PR Visa applications. The applicants are offered scores according to CRS or Comprehensive Ranking System. Those securing the highest rankings get ITA for PR Visa.

Manitoba PNP Program offers 5000 nominations annually

If you receive a nomination from an enhanced MPNP stream, you receive 600 additional points in CRS. It means you are all set to get the Invitation to Apply for Canada PR Visa in the subsequent Express Entry selection draw.

Candidates receiving nomination through a base stream have to directly apply with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.

How does the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program work?

You have to file an EOI if you seek to move to Canada through MPNP. After completing the online questions you will get a score. Candidates securing the highest scores get invitations to apply for a nomination from MPNP.

Candidates who are successful in their application are offered the nomination for PR Visa from Manitoba. They can then apply with IRCC for Canada PR Visa with this nomination. If you have received a nomination through an enhanced stream, you have to complete this via the Express Entry System.

MPNP normally processes the nomination applications in roughly six months. It is apart from the time taken by IRCC to process the applications for PR Visa.

Immigration Streams under Manitoba PNP

If you wish to immigrate to Manitoba, then you have 5 major MPNP immigration categories:

Manitoba Skilled Worker Stream

The Skilled Worker category is for provisional overseas workers and overseas student graduates currently working in Manitoba. They must have a permanent, full-time work offer in Manitoba. It has 2 sub-categories:

• The Work Experience Manitoba Pathway – It is for individuals working currently in Manitoba with a provisional Work Permit
• The Direct Employer Recruitment Pathway – It requires an in-person interview by a Manitoba PNP representative and a Manitoba employer conducted overseas. Before applying through this pathway you must receive an ITA - Invitation to Apply.

Overseas Skilled Worker Stream

The Overseas Skilled Worker category is for eligible skilled workers who are overseas but can prove a strong connection or ties to the Manitoba province. It consists of two pathways:

• The Manitoba Express Entry Pathway – It is for candidates having profiles in Express Entry and is qualified for MPNP. They must also possess work experience in an occupation included in the MPNP List of In-demand Occupations and possess a strong link with Manitoba.
• The Human Capital Pathway – It is for overseas skilled workers having work experience in the list of ‘In Demand Occupations’ in Manitoba.

Business Investor Manitoba Stream

The Business Investor Stream of Manitoba is for individuals who wish to set up a business in Manitoba. It consists of two pathways:

• The Farm Investor Pathway – It is for candidates having experience in the farm business and who seek to arrive in Manitoba for establishing and operating a farm.
• The Entrepreneur Pathway - It is a pathway for the province for recruiting qualified overseas business owners to move to Manitoba. For being selected, the candidates must possess the intention and the capability for establishing or buying a fresh business or co-owning a current business in Manitoba. They have to do so during their first 24 months in the province.

Overseas Education Stream

The Overseas Education Stream is for overseas graduates from Manitoba seeking to remain permanently in the Province. It offers quicker PR Visa options to graduates who can fulfill the labor market needs of Manitoba.

The stream consists of three pathways:

• The Graduate Internship Pathway
• The Career Employment Pathway
• The Overseas Student Entrepreneur Pathway

Morden Immigration Initiative Driven by Community

A town situated to the southwest of Winnipeg, Morden is actively seeking immigrants who can work in specific occupations. It is to fulfill the needs of the labor market and obtain the status of Canada Permanent Residents.

To qualify for the MCDII, applicants have to fulfill specific criteria like work experience, language, education, and age. Apart from this, they must not possess a link with any other region in Canada and possess adequate funds for settling in Morden.

Nationwide Visas is the leading Canada PR Consultant in Bangalore. To know more about MPNP Immigration Pathways or SINP Points Calculator, connect with our ICCRC-accredited Immigration Consultants.

Australia PR Visa pathway declared for Regional SC482 Visa Holders

The Department of Home Affairs has declared the Australia PR Visa pathway for Subclass 482 TSS Visa holders. This is in line with the earlier changes related to TSS Visa holders whose occupations were included in the STSOL List.

Eligible candidates seeking to migrate to Australia can utilize this opportunity. It is also applicable to immigration hopefuls seeking to apply for Australia PR Visa from India.

DHA has said that Subclass 482 Visa holders who stayed in Australia for a minimum of 1 year between February 1, 2020, and December 14 2021 will qualify for Subclass 186 ENS Visa. This is through the stream TRT - Temporary Resident Transition. Further, they must be legally employed while filing the application.

Australia PR Visa pathway declared for Regional SC482 Visa Holders

The concession has now been extended to Visa holders with sponsorship and whose occupations are included in the ROL - Regional Occupation List. These were earlier not eligible. Applicants are required to fulfill the rest of the eligibility requirements. It included having worked full-time in their occupation nominated for the employer for a minimum of 3 in the last 4 years as ROL Subclass 482 Visa holders.

The employer has to be qualified to sponsor them for the PR Visa. DHA has confirmed the current availability of this pathway for qualified Visa holders. Their occupations have to be included in the ROL. The details of the manner of implementation are yet to be published.

According to DHA, the pathway will be accessible for 24 months from July 1, 2022.

40% of overall immigration to regional Australia: RAI

The Regional Australia Institute has advised that the Government of Australia must aim at diverting 40% of the total overseas immigration to regional areas. It must be implemented from the next program year said the independent think tank.

Liz Ritchie the CEO of RAI said that the Population Statement for 2022 estimates that less than 17% of overall overseas immigration will be to regional Australia in 2022-2023. She added that regions in Australia deserve a much higher proportion of the total % of immigration to Australia.

The towns and cities in regional Australia are facing a scarcity of labor and skills and recorded 96,000 plus job openings by the end of 2022. The need is to collectively assess the processes and systems that support immigrants. This will help in increasing immigration to the regions said Ritchie.

The advisory comes amidst times when DHA has enhanced the processing times for select Regional Visa streams. However, it has decreased the processing times for some Independent Visa streams such as Subclass 189 Visa.

90% of regional immigration applications need 2 plus years

As per the official statistics, by December 31, 2022, the number of applications to be processed for Subclasses 887, 491 and 489 Visas were 52,428. It included 23, 247 chief applicants and 29, 181 secondary applicants.

Among these, 22, 569 applications were from Indian nationals for Subclasses 887, 491, and 489 Visas inclusive of chief applicants and secondary applicants. 90% of these applications need over 24 months for processing.

Currently, the processing times for Subclass 887 Visa are a maximum of 27 months and 30 months for Subclass 491 Visa applications. The Government of Australia has recruited additional staff for reducing processing delays. The maximum impacted Subclass 489 Visa has now been discontinued.

Nevertheless, for present Subclass 489 Visa applicants, the processing times have been updated to a maximum of 48 months by DHA. It is a significant increase in comparison with just 8 months in 2019.

As of now, Subclass 489 Visa has 3, 096 applications to be processed inclusive of both significant and secondary applicants. 1500 plus of these applications are from India.

Considerable backlog of Regional Visa applications

13,600 plus applications from Indian nationals are waiting for processing for immigration to regions in Australia through Subclass 491 Visa. Meanwhile, 7,300 plus applications are to be processed through Subclass 887 Visa.

Immigration Experts in India have said that several candidates are awaiting approval for their Australia Regional Visas which is unjust. Applicants of Subclass 491 Visa have to wait for more time in comparison with Subclasses 190 or 189 Visas. Further, they must also fulfill the criteria of working and residing in regions for another 3 years.

The Government of Australia has to make efforts for reducing the processing times for Regional Visas according to the Experts. This is something that is already implemented for Subclass 189 Visa, they add.

DHA recently decreased the processing times for Independent Subclass 189 Visa to a maximum of 3 months. However, for Subclasses 190 Visa, the processing time is a maximum of 15 months.

Nationwide Visas is the premier Immigration Consultancy in India for Australia PR Visa. If you wish to migrate to Australia contact our Immigration Experts today.