I often get emails asking for help with obtaining an Indian Visa and hear about many people facing the same challenges I did. To make things easier, I’ve decided to compile some tips and create a guide to help you navigate the process and avoid some common pitfalls.
This guide focuses on applying for a Tourist Visa from the USA since that’s where my experience lies. If you’re looking for information on other types of visas or an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), I might not have specific advice, but some of these troubleshooting tips could still be useful.
Note: There’s a scheduled change in the processing company this summer, and by October 2014, there will be arrival visas available for most countries. If your trip is planned for after these dates, it’s best to wait on your application.
Getting Started
If you haven’t firmed up your travel plans yet, be cautious about purchasing non-refundable flights or accommodations. Despite what the website may claim, processing can take over a month.
First, visit the BLS website and find the BLS center that corresponds to your location:
– Washington DC: Bermuda, Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia
– New York: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont
– Chicago: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin
– Houston: Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas
– San Francisco: Alaska, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming
– Atlanta: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virgin Islands
Make sure the application title matches the center where you’re applying and that your address aligns with your proof of address. Otherwise, you risk being rejected.
Next Steps:
Decide whether you’re going to apply in person or by mail. Walking in can save time and hassle if you live nearby.
You’ll need:
– A passport photo: No smiling, and ensure there are no shadows on your face.
– Proof of address: Typically, a State ID or Driver’s license. Utility bills or leases can be used, but rejection is possible—ensure both parties sign the lease and don’t resize any documents.
– Decide on the type of Visa: US Passport holders can choose from a 6-month, 5-year, or 10-year visa. The 5-year and 10-year options are the same price, so opt for the longer term. The 6-month visa is $60, while the 5-year and 10-year visas are $150. There’s also a $7.70 processing fee. You can pay via Money Order or Cashier’s check, payable to “BLS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES USA INC.” You can also pay in cash at the office.
Filling out the Application:
The application is detailed. Here are some tips for confusing questions:
– For National ID: Enter N/A if you’re an American citizen.
– For References: In the USA, use a family member or close acquaintance. For India, use your hotel’s name if you don’t know anyone there—or your cruise company’s information if you’re on a cruise.
You can save the form and complete it later. Once submitted, it can’t be edited; you’d need to start a new application. It took me four attempts to get everything correct.
When printing, ensure the paper size matches US standards or the barcode may not print properly, which will lead to rejection.
Filling out the Order Form:
This part is straightforward. The Web Reference# is next to the barcode on the top left of the page. It starts with “USA.” Ensure you enter it correctly to avoid any disconnect between the form and the application.
Choose between walk-in or postal application. For postal applications, include the Airway Bill # (tracking#). Use a trackable method. Handwritten air bills won’t be accepted for returns, so print them—Fedex requires an online account for printed air bills.
Enter payment details and save.
Print out the order form twice.
Mailing in Your Application:
Before sending, ensure you have:
– A printed and signed application (don’t staple the photo; use paper clips). Ensure the barcode is printed.
– A second copy of the application for your records.
– Two copies of your check or money order.
– Your passport.
– A copy of your passport.
– Two order form copies (keep copies for your records).
– Your printed air bills and a return envelope.
– A photocopy of your ID/proof of address.
Double-check everything, then send it off and cross your fingers.
Note: For the New York Office, the address on the BLS website didn’t match what Fedex expected. Using the Fedex address worked fine for me.
Now What?
Track your application. Confirm the mailing method delivered it to the destination, then use the BLS Tracking website to see where it stands. The tracking options can be inconsistent, so check multiple times. If all goes smoothly, the process can still take 24-48 hours for status updates.
Troubleshooting:
If there are issues:
1. Check each tracking option. Passport Number tracking only works once the process starts in the office.
2. Calling BLS can be challenging. The best time to call is early in the morning (EST).
3. If there’s no progress within 48 hours, submit an escalation ticket. This worked for me after a month of waiting.
4. Visit the office if possible, or keep calling and submitting tickets if you’re unable to go in person.
How did the Indian Visa process work for you? Do you have any other tips or noticed something I missed? I wrote this based on my experience from over two months ago, so any additional insights are welcome. Also, check out my story about the visa process if you’re curious.
