New Security Requirements at Indian Consulates from Jan. 2002
1. New Security Requirements at Indian Consulates from Jan. 2002
>
> The U.S. Department of State (DOS) recently confirmed new security
> procedures at the U.S. Consulates in India. These measures reflect
> increased security concerns in the wake of the September 11th attacks
> against the U.S.
>
> The U.S. Consulate General in India issued an announcement on Friday,
> December 14, which now clarifies these matters. The announcement,
> effective January 1, 2002, directs any immigrant visa applicant over
> the age of 16
> years, to present two Indian Police Certificates. One certificate
> must be
> from the local police station, the other from the Regional Passport
> Office.
> Again, these provisions are pertinent only to immigrant visa
> applicants
> after January 1, 2002. They do not apply to non-immigrant
> applications, such
> as B-1/B-2 (visitors), F-1 (students), or H-1 (temporary professional
> workers).
>
> The announcement also directs visa applicants are NOT allowed to
carry
> sealed envelopes into the Consulate, with the exception of medical
> reports
> from panel physicians. All other envelopes should be opened before
> entering
> the building. We urge all applicants to use common sense and exercise
> awareness that their behavior and documents are now subject to
> increased
> scrutiny.
>
> In order to avoid delay or denial, applicants are instructed to
> carefully review the requirements regarding evidence of financial
> support. They should
> bring all required forms and documentation on the first visit. This
> includes
> all required evidence from the sponsor and the joint sponsor, if one
> is
> required. Applicants are reminded that no exceptions will be made
> regarding
> the minimum income requirements where an affidavit of support is
> required,
> generally in family-based immigrant cases. This does not represent a
> change
> in procedure but serves only as a reminder regarding an area that is
> frequently the cause of confusion and inadequate documentation.
>
> We share this information regarding the two (2) police certificates
> and other security requirements at Indian consulates in order to
> assist any
> Indian citizens who may be making arrangements to travel to India
> during
> this holiday season should they have the immigrant visa interviews in
> early
> 2002. The Law Office of Sheela Murthy will continue to provide
> updated
> information regarding any further changes in consular procedure that
> may
> affect our MURTHYBULLETIN and MurthyDotCom readers.
>
> © The Law Office of Sheela Murthy, P.C.