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Is Mumbai consulate scheduling interviews for IR5 (Parent of a U.S. citizen)

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  • Originally posted by Jee_mo View Post

    Thanks for response. But Apolo staff was not ready to give me appointment early and when I asked early they said if at the time of interview anything happens , they are not responsible. So i thought let me ask this forum. I know everyone schedules atleast month before.. I appreciate your time to response. I will schedule in Sept 1st week.
    Dear Jee_mo,
    I would suggest first week of October. First week of September is rather early. Technically you can, but in this forum people have traditionally gone with 3 to 4 weeks prior to the interview date. Best wishes.

    Comment


    • Originally posted by resurgentindia View Post
      Timeline:


      DQed: Dec 2022

      Interview scheduled: mid-June 2023

      Interview date: Second week of August



      Birth certificate (BC):
      • Available for father
      • Not available for mother
        • She was born before 1970. We had uploaded an Aadhaar card to NVC and a one line explanation that BC was considered unavailable in view of her birth year.
        • “Applicant was born on …, in India. As per country-specific guidelines on travel.state.gov, for persons born in India prior to April 1, 1970, birth certificates are considered unavailable.”
        • Both were approved by the NVC
        • For the interview, we had obtained an affidavit from my maternal grandmother, which was accepted without any issue at the document verification step of the interview.

      IT returns:
      • I had uploaded tax transcripts and W2 for years 2019, 2020 and 2021 prior to the DQ step
      • We had sought extension to file 2022 returns as a few required documents from third-parties for our tax returns were pending.
      • Based on the experiences noted on this forum, on the eve of the interview, I uploaded the following additional documents on the NVC/CEAC website -
        • IRS approval of the extension to file 2022 tax return
        • IRS letter stating that 2022 taxes had not been filed
        • 2022 W2
        • Employment verification letter
        • Payslips of 3-months from 2023 (July, June, May)
        • Proof of assets (brokerage & retirement account statements)
      • I was eligible and had filed 864-EZ for both. Nevertheless, I also prepared & uploaded the 864 (longer version/non-EZ) on the eve of the interview. I remember that someone in this forum had received 221g for that document.
      • My parents carried print outs of all with them.
      • They also carried an album with about 25 photos from over the years including from their time in the US


      Medical exam at Rele Clinic:
      • I had gotten their chest x-rays prior to scheduling the interview to evaluate whether they had anything in the lungs, which could lead to sputum test. Fortunately, both were negative. This gave me confidence that medical exam would go through without any issue.
      • I had scheduled the medical on Friday, VAC on subsequent Sunday, and the interview was on the following Tuesday. So, around a 2-day gap between each of the appointments. This allowed them enough time to rest and recuperate in between the appointments.
      • Documents from Rele Clinic (info sheet and vaccination sheet) were received on Saturday evening by email.
      • If you were to ask me, I’d recommend that medical be scheduled sooner and, ideally, using the time gap advised on DoS website to have a buffer for unknowns.


      Interview preparation:
      • I had used the questions from this forum, typed out answers to them, translated them to Hindi and provided printouts to parents for practice and to address their doubts.
      • I explained to them that the officer is interested in verifying a few items -1) That parent-son relationship is genuine, 2) That sponsor (son) has adequate financial resources, 3) That there are no grounds for inadmissibility.
      • That helped them gain an insight into officer’s psyche to effectively address the questions
      • My parents had been twice to the US previously on B1/B2 visa. During their second visit, they had stayed for 10-months after we had filed and received extension of their non-immigrant stay (B1/B2)
      • I was certain that officer would bring this up (which she did). So, I had printed the extension approval notice and had them carry their old passports that had their entry/exit immigration stamps to demonstrate to officers that they had complied with the terms of the extension.
      • We practiced in the hotel a few times to ensure that they could pronounce the terms and knew the context of each document and when it needed to be presented.


      Interview day:
      • Mom is wheelchair bound. Dad has elbow arthritis. Neither of them speak English.
      • I requested embassy staff to allow me to enter & push the wheelchair for their interview.
      • They got clearance from higher ups for it & I was allowed to push the wheelchair through the entire process.
        • During the time when they (embassy staff) were seeking the clearance, I did not rush them at all nor enquired with them. They appreciated it.
      • In addition to the physical help, my presence during the process substantially calmed the nerves of my parents.
      • During the actual interview, the officer requested that I be seated in the hall while they were getting interviewed. I found that to be fair and reasonable.


      Document verificaiton step:
      • Done by an Indian staff. She was okay with my presenting the documents on behalf of my parents.
      • As stated above, she had no issues with lack of BC for Mom. She accepted the affidavit from my maternal grandmother and did not need the Aadhaar card.
      • She did not need my marriage certificate, only that of parents.
      • Other regular documents: Passports, confirmation page, PCC, my BC
      • Asked us to keep the tax documents ready for the interview.


      Interview:
      • Female American officer of Asian descent
      • Very pleasant Indian translator. She ensured that every translated question was slowly articulated in the microphone so that parents could hear it well.
      • Who is the sponsor? Where does he live? What kind of professional is he? When did he first go to the US? Who had sponsored his H1b visa? How did he get the green card? Who are his family members? When did they last meet with him?
      • How many times had they gone to the US? Did they ever stay longer than 6-months? Had they received approval for a longer stay? Did they have a copy of the extension notice? Then, officer examined the older passports for the entry/exit stamps to verify their answers
      • Finally, the golden words: Your visa is approved and you will receive the passports in a few days.


      I used this DoS website to check the status of visa printing by the embassy: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx


      Passports:
      • Got text message and email notification that passports were ready the very next day (Wednesday) around 12 noon
      • Picked up the day after (Thursday) and USCIS fees ($440) paid on the same day
      • Flight to US on Thursday night (early morning of Friday)
      • Of note, we had booked a two-way ticket for them because they wish to spend 4-months of winter in India. No issues at the POE in view of it.

      Many thanks to this awesome & generous community.

      Heartiest congratulations. The passage into USA at the port of entry has now become very smooth. It barely takes five minutes. They will not ask about the return trip. They expect that the LPR will enter with a one way ticket. In August last year I entered with a return ticket. But nobody asks about this. Best wishes for a smooth entry.

      Comment


      • Originally posted by AlienKanpur View Post

        Dear Jee_mo,
        I would suggest first week of October. First week of September is rather early. Technically you can, but in this forum people have traditionally gone with 3 to 4 weeks prior to the interview date. Best wishes.
        Thank you AlienKanpur .. I will do that.

        Comment


        • Originally posted by RAboo View Post
          my mother's Visa got approved on August 3rd but no notification received. does anyone know what is the next step? I tried number given on the letter and so many emails to suppor-india email but got only automatic reply.
          Dear RAboo,
          rather surprising. If VISA got approved on the 3rd of August, you must have received the stamped passport by now. There is a website through which you can check the status of the PASSPORT.

          YOU CAN CHECK VISA STATUS : https://ceac.state.gov/ceacstattracker/status.aspx
          This will tell you whether your visa was issued and printed.
          Also check : http://staging2012.ustraveldocs.com/...sporttrack.asp
          this will tell you if your passport is in transit.

          Best wishes​
          Last edited by AlienKanpur; 08-17-2023, 03:06 AM.

          Comment


          • Originally posted by NF23 View Post
            Hi All,

            Son sponsored us.

            I-130 filed - Aug 21
            Document collection, fees paid, NVC case & invoice generated - June 22
            My DQ - Jan 23
            Wife DQ - Feb 23 (due to upload of wife's once document got an error)
            My IL - Aug 23
            Wife's IL we did in expedite to get the interview date together but didn't find the same date & slot as my date. Finally took a day before my interview date. Is there any way to reschedule or link her with me for an interview on the same day with me?

            I am trying to log into the new website, but I cannot log in. It says the username is invalid. I tried resetting the password still says the username is invalid. Has anyone tried login into the new site?

            Thanks.

            Sharing my today's interview experience

            - Interview appointment was at 8.15 AM, reached at around 7.50. Done security check (if you are carrying a mobile phone, then they have a space on rent at Rs.50, you can deposit your mobile there, and you can carry a water bottle, umbrella, and car key). If an applicant is in a wheelchair, one person can accompany them (carry ID proof).
            - Post security, they guided me to go to the immigrant visa section on counter 1 to get the token
            - Token received. The time printed on the token was 8.01 AM
            - waited for my call & finally got call at around 10.45 - 11 AM (almost 3 hrs wait)
            - On this window, you submit your papers, passport (pls carry your old passport too, in case you have B1/B2 visa), original birth certificate, original marriage certificate, original police verification
            - Lady asked me preferred interview language, who is sponsoring me, have I ever visited the US before since I had a valid B1/B2 visa stamped on my old passport. So she asked for the old passport. Further, she asked me if I am carrying my son's tax documents, I said yes & reply was to keep them handy if the officer asks. So this process was for the collection of documents. Now wait for the consular interview.
            - I waited for almost 1 hr. & got a call (aprx. interview time at around 12 PM)
            - Consular officer asked to raise right hand to take the oath & then took the fingerprint, then asked the following Qs
            - Who's sponsoring
            - What does he do
            - Was he a citizen by birth or migrated
            - where was he born (he was born in the US, so I told the name of the US state where he was born)
            - Is he staying with someone?
            - When did you last meet him?
            - What am I doing currently
            The officer said I am canceling your visitor visa since I am granting you the immigrant visa as everything is good to go. You will get your passport within 3-5 working days & follow the process mentioned in the paper (the officer handed me the paper mentioning the process of paying visa fees).

            The above questions may differ based on your sponsor. If your son/daughter was a citizen by birth & unmarried, then Qs may differ. If married and having kids, then Qs may be different. If migrated & settled in the US, then Qs may be different. So above Qs are not standard & may differ based on your sponsor's status.
            Last edited by NF23; 08-18-2023, 07:01 AM.

            Comment


            • Originally posted by ironv View Post

              resurgentindia thanks for the detailed post.
              1. were your parents interviewed together?
              2. can the USCIS fees ($220 x 2) be paid in INR?
              If parents have applied together and their interview date is same then, rest assured, they will be interviewed together.
              Fees can be paid in USA by using a valid Credit Card only. DO NOT make a cheque payment as there is 100% chances of theft in the postal route.

              Comment


              • My cousin who is coming on IR5, has interview in Oct 23, we are trying to take biometric appointment at Mumbai, surprisingly Oct slot in not open, but we were getting 25 Sept date, at Mumbai, but clicking on it, it shows error message where in if I am trying at Hyderabad venue it is allowing to confirm date. Anyone having same problem at Mumbai, please help. Basically my cousin is from Ahmedabad so Mumbai is the convenient option🙏

                Comment


                • Folks,
                  Couple of questions -
                  1. My parents did not get an interview letter by snail mail. Is it okay to take a printout of the email received from NVC with interview details?
                  2. USCIS fees of $220, is that paid after the immigrant visa is approved? When should this fee be paid?
                  3. When parents go for the interview, when/where do they ask for translator?
                  4. Do they need to take petitioner's employment verification letter? and pay stubs for 6 months? I'm not sure how to get the employment verification letter. Please advise.

                  Thanks!!
                  Last edited by gc2023; 08-21-2023, 04:21 PM.

                  Comment


                  • Originally posted by AlienKanpur View Post

                    Dear RAboo,
                    rather surprising. If VISA got approved on the 3rd of August, you must have received the stamped passport by now. There is a website through which you can check the status of the PASSPORT.

                    YOU CAN CHECK VISA STATUS : https://ceac.state.gov/ceacstattracker/status.aspx
                    This will tell you whether your visa was issued and printed.
                    this will tell you if your passport is in transit.

                    Best wishes​

                    I'm having a similar problem - I haven't received any SMS or email updates. When I checked the website, it said that my VISA has been printed and will be available for pickup or mailed soon. However, I had requested for self pickup and I’m not sure when or at what time I should go for it.

                    Comment


                    • Originally posted by gc2023 View Post
                      Folks,
                      Couple of questions -
                      1. My parents did not get an interview letter by snail mail. Is it okay to take a printout of the email received from NVC with interview details?
                      2. USCIS fees of $220, is that paid after the immigrant visa is approved? When should this fee be paid?
                      3. When parents go for the interview, when/where do they ask for translator?
                      4. Do they need to take petitioner's employment verification letter? and pay stubs for 6 months? I'm not sure how to get the employment verification letter. Please advise.

                      Thanks!!
                      Dear gc2023,
                      1. Interview Letter comes by email only. Take 3 printouts of it and 3 of DS260 Confirmation page. You will have to carry them to Medical tests, Biometrics and Interview.
                      2.USCIS fee has to be paid after visa is approved and stamped passport is received by you. Visa officer will give you a printed paper which will have instructions about pament of fee.
                      3.On the first window they will ask whether translater is needed or not.
                      4. Your parents need to take Certificates Original and copies of all uploaded documents. Photographs as per norms stipulated, at Medical test, Biometrics and at Interview will be required.(2 at each of above places)

                      Comment


                      • Originally posted by gc2023 View Post
                        Folks,
                        Couple of questions -
                        1. My parents did not get an interview letter by snail mail. Is it okay to take a printout of the email received from NVC with interview details?
                        2. USCIS fees of $220, is that paid after the immigrant visa is approved? When should this fee be paid?
                        3. When parents go for the interview, when/where do they ask for translator?
                        4. Do they need to take petitioner's employment verification letter? and pay stubs for 6 months? I'm not sure how to get the employment verification letter. Please advise.

                        Thanks!!
                        Dear gc2023,
                        1. there will be no hard copy of the e-mail. You may take multi copies of the e-mail as it will be required at several places.
                        2. The fee of $220 is to be paid only after you get the stamped copy of the passport. It is desirable that you pay the fee about 10 days before the scheduled arrival in USA.
                        3.When your parents enter the consulate they will be given a token. Then they will be called to counter 1. It is here that all the necessary documents will be taken and you can give the option for the interpretor.
                        4. It is desirable that they carry the employment verification, pay stubs and W2 etc. Employment verification will be given by your employer, unless you are self employed.
                        Best wishes

                        Comment


                        • Originally posted by NF23 View Post


                          I'm having a similar problem - I haven't received any SMS or email updates. When I checked the website, it said that my VISA has been printed and will be available for pickup or mailed soon. However, I had requested for self pickup and I’m not sure when or at what time I should go for it.
                          In case your VISA has been printed then you should go to the consulate to pick it up, because you opted for pick up. Do not wait for SMS etc. Generally there are no messages or mails.

                          Comment


                          • Thank you AlienKanpur, GeoMac !

                            Comment


                            • my mother received possport finally. It came via courier and my mother had to pay 1050 rupees. thats ok because we do not live in Mumbai. After we recived the passport, I got email that your visa is ready to pick up! all the website link posted here for visa pickup somehow didn't work for me, but all the best wishes here did. So I am really thankful for this forum and would like to see continue with this good work.

                              Comment


                              • Originally posted by AlienKanpur View Post

                                In case your VISA has been printed then you should go to the consulate to pick it up, because you opted for pick up. Do not wait for SMS etc. Generally there are no messages or mails.
                                Without waiting further, went to passport collection centre & picked up our passports. Thanks AlienKanpur.

                                Comment

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