Disclaimer: The knowledge shared under is predicated on my private expertise and understanding. It might not absolutely replicate the actuals in all situations.
For those who’ve tried making use of for a US vacationer visa in India, you recognize the wait instances may be irritating – round one 12 months simply to get an appointment!
However there’s a solution to velocity issues up: For those who’re already planning a global journey, you’ll be able to apply from one other nation.
I lately utilized for and obtained my US visa from the US embassy in Estonia throughout my journey to Europe. Right here’s the whole lot it’s essential to know in regards to the course of.
Is it allowed?
Sure, it’s allowed!
This technique has been round for some time however turned extra well-liked after COVID. Even the US embassy in India have urged making use of from different international locations to take care of the excessive demand.
The place to Apply?
One of the best place to use will depend on appointment wait instances. You’ll be able to verify the US World Wait Instances on-line, however bear in mind, wait instances for non-residents may be completely different. Some well-liked areas to use for US Visa:
- Asia: Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
- Europe: Estonia, Poland
Notice that in Asia you would possibly have to pay visa charges in individual, however in Europe, you’ll be able to often pay on-line.
The right way to Apply?
- Fill Out the DS-160 Kind:
Select your most well-liked location and full the shape on-line. You will discover step-by-step guides on the web. - E-book an Appointment:
Use the particular portal for the situation you’re making use of from. It may be a bit difficult since there are completely different portals for various locations, however simply observe the directions, and also you’ll be wonderful.
The general course of is straightforward however positively not consumer pleasant. For example, I spent about an hour attempting to finish the applying, solely to comprehend that Chrome (on Mac) wasn’t supported. I needed to change to Firefox to proceed.
My Expertise
I used to be in Europe for a couple of month this 12 months, so I made a decision to use for US Visa from Tallinn, Estonia. Right here’s the way it went:
Utility: Finishing the DS-160 kind took about three hours. Ideally, it ought to take about 90 minutes, however I needed to discuss with paperwork like school attendance dates, which slowed me down.
Appointment: I secured an appointment on the US Embassy in Tallinn, Estonia, inside one week.
Interview: I arrived on the embassy a couple of minutes earlier than my scheduled time. After clearing airport-style safety, I waited within the corridor with just a few different candidates.
The interview course of had three steps:
- Passport & appointment slip submission
- Fingerprint assortment
- The precise interview
Curiously, my interview was carried out on the fingerprint assortment space itself, doubtless as a result of small variety of candidates that day.
The officer conducting the interview was calm, composed, and spoke with a transparent accent. I used to be requested about:
- Primary profile information as already talked about on utility
- After I got here to Tallinn/Europe and if I got here only for the Visa.
- My journey historical past (I had visited 10+ international locations within the final 5 years by then)
- Whether or not I deliberate to go to relations within the US
The interview lasted about 5 minutes, after which the officer spent just a few extra minutes typing notes. Lastly, the officer knowledgeable me that my visa was permitted and handed me a slip stating I may gather my passport the following day.
General Timeline: It took about 10 days from the applying to receiving my visa. Nonetheless, the timeline can differ based mostly on appointment availability – somebody I do know bought the whole lot achieved in 4 days as nicely.
Issues to notice
- Select Early Week Appointments: Keep away from delays brought on by weekends in case processing takes longer than anticipated.
- Electronics: Cellphones weren’t allowed within the constructing. I stayed on the Movenpick Lodge, a five-minute stroll from the embassy, which made this handy.
- Picture Necessities: Some embassies require a digital picture. I uploaded one in the course of the utility and carried a bodily backup, although it wasn’t wanted.
- Objective of Journey: Embassies could not encourage candidates to go to a overseas nation solely for the visa. It’s higher to use whereas on a deliberate journey.
Is it price it?
It will depend on your profile.
If somebody hasn’t traveled a lot and is visiting a overseas nation solely for the visa, it may improve the probabilities of rejection. There are quite a few experiences of rejections in each European and Asian international locations.
Nonetheless, when you’ve got a good journey historical past and are making use of for the visa as a part of a deliberate journey, making use of abroad may very well be one of many quickest methods to get a US visa – supplied your profile is robust sufficient.
Different: You’ll be able to nonetheless get an appointment in India in underneath three months for those who steadily verify availability or use providers to assist safe earlier slots. Some individuals handle appointments in as little as two weeks.
US Immigration
Assuming you bought the US visa, what’s subsequent? US Immigration.
Typically talking, getting a visa alone doesn’t assure entry into the US. This is applicable to all international locations however US immigration is notoriously strict in comparison with different international locations.
After I was again from my Europe journey final month, I met a traveller who was coming back from New York. He talked about that he faces at the very least quarter-hour of questioning throughout pre-clearance at Abu Dhabi each time he travels to US – regardless of flying firstclass together with his household.
So in case your socio-economic profile is weak otherwise you’re visiting the US for the primary time or if US safety system thinks you’re a dangerous profile for no matter motive, put together for detailed checks or interviews.
Bottomline
Because it takes a very long time to get a US B1/B2 visa in India, reserving an appointment abroad whereas touring internationally may be an effective way to hurry up the method. Nonetheless, it comes with its personal challenges and extra journey bills.
Past the visa course of, Estonia is an attractive vacation spot price visiting, particularly for those who admire a relaxed and serene ambiance.
Think about a spot the place younger kids can stroll to high school independently, and a authorities that permits its residents to vote on-line. These are simply a number of the unbelievable issues Estonia affords – it actually deserves a devoted article sometime!
Have you ever utilized for US Visa from a overseas nation? Be at liberty to share your ideas within the feedback under.
