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General Information
Why Nonimmigrant Visa?
SECURE BORDERS, OPEN DOORS
Indian citizens who wish to visit the United States temporarily must first obtain a nonimmigrant visa from the nearest U.S. Diplomatic Mission. There are four U.S. Diplomatic Missions in India: the Embassy in New Delhi supported by Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai and Calcutta. All are visa issuing Offices. The Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Calcutta reviews thousands of applications for nonimmigrant visas each year.
U.S. immigration law presumes that anyone who applies for a nonimmigrant visa intends to remain permanently in the U.S. unless they can prove otherwise. During an interview with a Consular Officer you must be able to overcome this presumption of U.S. immigration law. It is important to note that the burden of proof is on you - the visa applicant. It is your responsibility to prove that you can finance your travel and that you have social and economic ties to India that are strong enough to bring you back after your temporary stay overseas. Documents that show your social and economic ties to India, the purpose of your trip and arrangements to cover its cost will help you to demonstrate your eligibility for a visa. It is not possible to specify the exact form this evidence should take, since each applicant's circumstances are different. You must keep in mind that your personal interview with a Consular Officer is the primary determinant of your eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa; your documents may support, but not replace, your verbal presentation during the visa interview.
A U.S. nonimmigrant visa grants you permission to travel to a Port of Entry (airport/seaport) in the United States. When you arrive at your destination Port of Entry, the U.S. Immigration Inspector who processes your entry will determine the length of time that you may remain in the country during this visit. You may travel to the Port of Entry during the validity of your nonimmigrant visa up to and including the last day. The visa duration does not determine the length of time that you may remain legally in the United States; only the Immigration Inspector can decide this upon your arrival in the United States.
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