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     Saint Side Hero Username: Saint Post Number: 7673 Registered: 01-2011 Posted From: 65.248.129.30 Rating: N/A |
http://www.murthy.com/2012/07/17/possible-reduction-in-b-1-v alidity-for-indian-citizens/ B-1 Visa Duration to Match India's Visa for U.S. Citizens As regular MurthyDotCom readers know, the U.S. typically issues ten-year, multiple entry B-1 visas to Indian nationals. This matter is under review, however, as it appears that the Indian government has made changes in its business visitor visa policies with respect to U.S. citizens. India is now greatly limiting the duration of the business visitor visas being issued to U.S. citizens, as compared to its practice in the past. Reports indicate a trend toward issuance of business visitor visas with only a six-month duration. Since U.S. visas are issued based on agreements between the two countries, unless this matter can be resolved, the U.S. may soon begin treating Indian business people seeking to enter the United States in a similar manner. Discussions are underway between U.S. and Indian officials to resolve the matter. DOS Reciprocity Considerations Between Countries U.S. Department of State (DOS) policies for visa duration are based on reciprocity between the United States and other countries. The DOS uses visa reciprocity to match, as closely as possible, the visa privileges, fees, restrictions, and duration for each host country. The United States seeks to match visa policies regarding the duration of visa validity, the number of entries allowed under each visa, and the visa application fees charged. The goal of reciprocity is to encourage uniformity and to establish visa duration timeframes that will advance each countries' interests mutually in commerce, industry, and other, shared endeavors. DOS monitors how each host country issues its visas to U.S. citizens and to report changes, such as what has occurred in India. |
