The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Interview slots at US Consulate full

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Monday, Apr 20, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Interview slots at US Consulate full

Applicants asked to continually monitor VFS website as slots may open up as late as two days prior to the interview

U.S. Consul General Cornelis M. Keur

HYDERABAD: The U.S. Consulate, Hyderabad, will answer specific queries of readers in a fortnightly column beginning today. While our effort will be to carry as many questions and answers as possible, space constraints restrain us from carrying them all at one go. However, pending queries will be featured in subsequent columns.

Q: How do I book an appointment at Hyderabad consulate? The link in VFS for Andhra Pradesh has dates at New Delhi not Hyderabad.

Dr. T. Sarveshwara Rao.

A: All appointments are made through our VFS scheduling service at https:// www.vfs-usa.co.in

/Home.aspx When all the appointments in Hyderabad are filled for any particular visa category on any given day, then appointment choices for New Delhi and Chennai are offered. They are back-up options if someone wants an appointment on a particular day or time, and Hyderabad is fully booked.

We always advise applicants to continually monitor the VFS website because interview slots may open up in Hyderabad as late as two days prior to the interview appointment.

The American Consulate General in Hyderabad is committed to serving the Indian public as efficiently and courteously as possible. We understand that there is a great demand for visa interviews in the different categories. Unfortunately, we cannot always grant the times and dates the applicants prefer.

My wife has an Indian Passport issued in 1997. On her last visit to the USA, the immigration officials, both on arrival and departure, insisted that it is compulsory to have a second name or surname. Her passport has

only one name listed. We can apply for a fresh passport or modify the name in the current passport, but the name will vary from that on the visa the US Consular Office issued in 2004. If she changes the name in the passport, will the US Consul at Hyderabad amend or issue new visa with the revised name? She has already travelled to USA three times. Will the visa’s validity be affected by the name change as insisted by US immigration officials? There is no problem while travelling to other countries.

M. Sudhir

We cannot compel you to get a new passport; that decision is yours. However, if you do get a new passport in a different name, unfortunately you will have to apply for a new visa.

I am a prospective student for a Masters in Science in Fall 2009. When will F1 student visas from Hyderabad consulate be issued? Also would you please note any significant changes that may be important to a prospectiv

e student.

Govind Sricharan

We are currently processing applicants for F1 visas. Please keep in mind that an F1 visa cannot be issued more than 120 days in advance of your studies, nor may you enter the U.S. on the F1 more than 30 days in advance of starting school.

Please consult our website, which has a special page for students and exchange visitors.

You should make your appointment only after you have received your DS-2019 and paid your SEVIS fee. Our website will also contain the latest up to date information.

How many years can an Indian-American man (who is very old) and who has been sick stay in India? He has been here for the last three-and-a-half years with the permission of District Administration.

But, in case he cannot stay, he wants to go back to USA after taking due medical precautions. Can he go? In such a case, does he need to produce medical certificates to any authority in USA now after reaching USA?

Dr. A.V. Rio

Hopefully your friend’s health will improve. U.S. citizens only need carry a passport to enter the United States.

To both enter and exit India, U.S. citizens require a U.S. passport and an Indian visa, which designates the period of stay permitted by the Indian Government. Within 14 days of arrival, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs requires foreign citizens who visit India to study, do research, work, or act as missionaries, as well as all travellers planning to stay more than 180 days, to register with the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO). If a foreign citizen expects to stay beyond the initial period allowed by their Indian visa, they should contact the FRO to inquire about the procedures for receiving an extension.

In addition, the Consulate General urges all American citizens visiting or residing in India to register with the Consular Section online (http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov/acs.html).

The website also contains contact information for an FRO in your area and a complete list of both the emergency and non-emergency assistance provided by the American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit of Consulate General Hyderabad.

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