Mission possible: How to get a U.S. visa 

             Date: 29-10-1996 :: Pg: 05 :: Col: d 

             By Jeffrey Hawkins, Vice Consul, US Embassy, Chennai

             According to some, getting a visa to visit the United States on
             business or pleasure requires the stealth and skill Tom Cruise
             displays in the recently released film ``Mission Impossible.'' 
             Only a selected few succeed, popular opinion holds, thanks to luck              or good connections. The long lines that sometimes form outside
             the Consulate walls in Chennai reinforce the impression. 

             In fact, nothing could be farther from the truth. Most of the
             thousands of south Indians who apply for non-immigrant visas
             each year are successful. Close to three out of four applicants
             walk away from the Consulate with a visa in their passports, on
             the same day they apply. Some 36,000 travellers from south
             India went to the United States last year. 

             Of course, there are a few simple rules to keep in mind. Getting
             a visa does not require ``Mission Impossible's'' complicated
             acrobatics, but common sense does apply. Here are some of the
             secrets to success in the eminently possible quest for a visa: 

             Remember time is short 

             The Consulate staff sees hundreds of applicants each day, with
             little time for each one. State your case quickly and concisely. 

             Explain the reasons for your travel clearly 

             The more concrete your travel plans, the better your case for a
             visa becomes. Someone who is ``going to see the tourist places''
             or ``wants to do business in America'' is unlikely to convince a
             visa officer that his or her travel is legitimate, all things being
             equal. On the other hand, an applicant who is visiting a number
             of established clients in the United States for a specific purpose
             or a couple travelling to the United States for the wedding of a
             family member are much more believable visa-seekers. 

             If there are documents that support your case _ bills of lading
             from your company's exports to an American business partner
             or an invitation to your brother Ravi's wedding in California _
             bring them. Remember, though, that a clearly stated
             explanation is always more useful to the visa officer than any
             documents. 

             Be prepared to face hard questions about your ties to India 

             In most cases, American law requires that the visa officer begin
             an interview with the assumption that the visa applicant
             intends to immigrate to the United States. The burden of proof
             therefore lies on the applicant to establish that he or she will
             return to India after the stated purpose of the travel has been
             accomplished. Well-established applicants with a good job,
             immediate family in South India, previous international travel,
             and engagements here when they return are accordingly a good
             bet for a visa. 

             Documents can sometime help you make the case, especially
             those like bank passbooks or old pay stubs that demonstrate
             income over a lengthy period of time. Old passports with visa
             stamps in them are also very useful. 

             Nonetheless, your demeanor and candor are just as important
             as any papers you might bring. 

             Tell the truth 

             Applicants are sometimes tempted to tell the visa officer what
             they think the officer wants to hear. Vague stories about
             always having wanted to visit Disneyland or Niagara Falls,
             however, almost never convince the officer. If you are going to
             visit a family member, for example, say so. Those that present
             forged documents or tell outright lies risk being barred from
             ever getting a visa. 

             Plan your travel in advance 

             If you plan your travel in advance you are likely to have a much
             easier time of getting a visa. Not only do well-planned travel
             arrangements make you a more credible applicant, but
             scheduling in advance allows you to set an appointment with
             the Consulate for a visa interview. When you have an
             appointment, waiting outside the Consulate is unnecessary.
             Likewise, those who have travelled extensively, have been
             previously refused, or whose companies participate in the
             ``Business Express'' programme can mail in their cases and avoid
             an interview altogether. 

             As you can see, you don't have to be Tom Cruise to get a U.S.
             visa. As long as you are otherwise eligible, you just need to plan
             well and state your case plainly. For more information, phone
             827-3040 between 2-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; for a visa
             interview appointment call 823-2434 between 2-4 p.m.
             Monday- Friday. 

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