Showing posts with label Moving to US. Show all posts

How I renewed Indian Passport in US within 10 days?

I recently got my Indian passport renewed in the United States. It took 10 days for the entire process to complete. Hurray!

Cox & Kings Global Services (CKGS) is the authorized service provider for the Embassy of India across the USA for the Indian Passport services. You need to apply on the CKGS website and follow the due process. Later, during the process, you will be directed to the Government of India website to fill your online passport form and then return back to CKGS to complete the application.

Here is the link to CKGS Indian Passport Application Center: https://passport.in.ckgs.us/

On the CKGS page, click on the “Passport Application Get Started” box, (Or you can use this direct link here: https://passport.in.ckgs.us/get-started) and it will start your passport application. Make sure to keep the document listed on the page handy before you start filling out the forms.

I selected Normal application type and state I live in. The centre is automatically populated based on the state you live in. Clicking on PROCEED extends the form and asked to select the services.

I selected reissue of passport since the passport is going to expire. Also, selected two miscellaneous services - 1) change of address and 2) addition of spouse name. And filled out the applicant details, submission details, and contact information.

There are two options to submit your application.

Walk-in to the consulate office
Shipping through courier service

We have had a successful experience using courier service option for my daughter's OCI card, so I was pretty comfortable sending the documents through courier this time as well. I decided to go for prepaid FedEx shipping service for both sides.

Here is the list of documents I submitted for passport renewal:

Original Indian Passport
Photographs (3) - 2"x2" & white background
CKGS Online Payment Receipt
Online NRI Passport Application Form
Nationality Verification Form
Passport copy of first five and last two pages.
US legal Status
US Address Proof
Indian Address Proof
Affidavit for change of appearance/signature form (Sample affidavit at the end of the post)
Annexure E

Since I requested to add spouse name in my passport, I submitted two additional documents though they didn’t ask for them.

Marriage certificate
Copy of first & last page of spouse’s passport

Here are the dates for your reference:

Aug 28: Sent the application with documents through FedEx express mail
Aug 29: Application ‘Received’ by CKGS but ‘Not Verified’
Aug 29: Application Verification is ‘Complete’. Processing of your application will continue”
Aug 29: Application ‘Under Process at CKGS’
Aug 29: Application in transit to the Indian Consulate.
Aug 30: Application is “AT EMBASSY”. Application is ‘Under Process’ at Consulate for decision making.
Sep 05: Application ‘Reviewed’ by Consulate and ‘In Transit’ to CKGS Application Centre
Sep 05: Passport ‘Received’ at the CKGS application centre and is at the ‘Sorting Facility’ where it is being processed for delivery
Sep 06: Passport picked up by FedEx
Sep 07: Received my new passport

USEFUL RESOURCES

Link to track the passport renewal application online https://passport.in.ckgs.us/trackandtrace/

Sample Online NRI Passport Application Form: https://passport.in.ckgs.us/resources/pdf/sample-passport-application-form.pdf

Sample Affidavit For Change Of Appearance And Signature For Indian Passport Renewal

Hope you find it useful!!

Twelve Key Things To Do After Moving To The US

All of us get euphoric when we learn that we are going to experience living in a different country. Whether it’s the thought of making new friends, living in a different scenery, driving different cars or just soaking in the culture of another civilization, it’s natural to be excited and lofty in the days before the big adventure.

But then, we sit down and start making a list of everything to be done before the move and reality starts to sink in. You realize there is a lot to be done even before you can board the flight over. But’s that all good - you get your visas, make arrangements to dispose or rent your local belongings, get your finances in order, book tickets and hotels. The day you were dreaming of arrives and you board that flight and make a grand entrance into the USA.

It is, however, what needs to be done after this that we hardly prepare or have the time or resources to prepare for. Many that have visited US on B1/B2 for official trips think they know all there is to it but nothing is further from the truth. Living in the US on your chain vs the cushion of corporate blanket are two world’s apart. The “chain of surprises and unknowns” start to hit you slowly & gradually and you long for someone/something that could have prepared you well for what to do after you have made the move to the US.

Well, fret not, because this is exactly what this and subsequent blogs endeavor to do. This is extracted from personal experience and as they say “theory is good but practice is what matters”. So, what all do you need to take care of after you have arrived in the US? Here’s the list and each takes you to a detailed blog for that particular step. With this you can arm yourself much better, avoid costly mistakes and reduce a ton of stress.

1) Go through immigration interview (Common questions/I-94/Checking stamped date)

2) The first ride or drive to the hotel (Paying with foreign credit card/Opting in for damage insurance)

3) Getting a cellphone SIM card (Contract or unlocked phones/Payment deposit/Talk, text, data plans)

4) Filling out the time-sensitive employment forms part 1 (Filling I-9 e-verify/W-4 tax witholding)

5) Applying for SSN

6) Opening the first bank account (Credit unions or banks/checking or savings/debit & credit cards/paypal)

7) Filling out employment forms - part 2 (Deposit distribution/Insurance selections)

8) Renting a house (Lease duration/Credit check/Application fees/ Deposit/Renters insurance/Utility connections)

9) Applying for a driving license (DMV written test/DMV driving test/DMV ID card)

10) Shopping for basics (Online vs in store/Price match guarantees/Returns/Furniture/Bedding/Mattresses/Kitchen Appliances/Outdoors)

11) Buying a car (Credit checks/Pre-approved loan/Insurance/Cashier’s check)

12) Applying for L2 EAD (If on L1 visa)

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Picture credit: https://www.finder.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/USguy1.jpg

L2 EAD Cover Letter Sample

**Update (05/05/2017) - Filing fee for form I-765 is now $410

<Applicant’s Address>

<Date>

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
<USCIS Phoenix/Dallas Lockbox Address>

Subject: Application for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for L2 visa holder

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am on L2 dependent visa accompanying my husband/wife <spouse’s name> who has assumed employment in United States on an L1 visa (Intra-company transfer).

Pursuant to work eligibility on L2 visa, I am applying for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) so I can assume employment in the United States. I am a capable professional with educational background in <applicant’s discipline ex: Information Technology> and was employed in <applicant’s work area ex: engineering, marketing etc> roles in India during the last <number of years> years. I would like to continue being productive and make valuable contributions to an organization.

Please find below the list of documents/proofs enclosed herewith with the application:

· USCIS Filing Fee of $410 - Bank check #....
· Form G-1145
· Form I-765
· Copy of passport (Spouse and Self)
· Copy of US visa (Spouse – L1 visa and Self – L2 visa)
· Copy of I-94 arrival/departure record (Spouse and Self)
· Copy of marriage certificate
· Two (2) photographs (self)

Kindly assist in approving and issuing the EAD at the earliest.

Thanking You,

Sincerely,

<Applicant’s Name>

You may also like to read: Twelve Key Things To Do After Moving To The US

Apply and get Social Security Number (SSN) - Mission Two Accomplished

All right friends, here is my second accomplishment in the US – the SSN. I applied for SSN before submitting the EAD application. So the learning here is that the SSN and EAD are not related. They are handled by two different departments. You don’t need to have an EAD to apply for SSN and visa versa.

SSN process was relatively simple. My husband and I walked into the Social Security Office near my home with all the required original documents. You can carry certified copies by issuing agency as well, just in case. You can lookup for your nearest Social Security office here - https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp

Here is the list of the document I carried with me (all originals)

I-94, Arrival/Departure record, which was punched on my passport at the time of entry.
Passport
Marriage Certificate*
Marriage photo* (might not be needed always, but we showed them :))

*Only needed for the dependent.

I-94 is to show the immigration status and work eligibility status. Passport serves both as your identity proof as well as age proof. The marriage certificate is to confirm the legal dependent.

It was 9:30 am when we entered the office and it was crowded. It was a weekday and my husband was getting late for office. Eeee... But, coming back again was not a good idea. We decided to stay back, took a token and waited for our turn. Make sure you take one token per person (that’s what we learned from the official there at the time of our interview). I forgot to mention that you also need to fill a form. I picked it from the SSN office the same day and filled it before my interview. If you want, you can print and fill the form before you go for the interview. Here is the link to the form - http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

After an hour and a half, they announced our token number and it was our turn… huuurraaah J. We went to the counter for the interview. There was a nice lady on the other side. With all smiles and greetings, we handed over the SSN form and original documents to her. She asked a couple of questions about our work status and marriage. Since the servers were down, she could not submit our application. We got a temporary acknowledgement number and were told that once the application is submitted, we will receive the confirmed acknowledgement number through mail in a week’s time. Probably within 3 weeks, we will get the SSN card or maybe sooner.

Things were good for my case. I received the confirmed application acceptance acknowledgement in a week and then the card next week. But it was not that rosy for my husband. He received confirmed acknowledgement 4-5 weeks after the interview and the card a week after. Looks like wait is the medicine for all the problems in US, just kidding J.

Stay tuned for details on my husband’s case, why it’s good to have SSN asap, and why you don’t need to wait for weeks before applying for it.

Hope this helps!

You might also like to read: Twelve Key Things To Do After Moving To The US

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My L2 EAD experience and how I got it without a biometrics appointment - Mission One Accomplished

**Update (05/05/2017) - Filing fee for form I-765 is now $410

I recently got my L2 EAD approved from USCIS. It took over 2 months for the entire process to complete. I researched a lot to make sure that I can have my work authorization in time. Although USCIS specifies that the process takes a maximum of 3 months, I read about many cases that took longer. I was very worried but fortunately, everything went well for my case. I am writing my experience and learning in this post, might be helpful for someone out there J

There are two options to apply for Employment Authorization: e-file or mail a paper application.

I applied using the second option - mailing a paper application. The reason I opted for the paper application was completely driven by my learning through different blogs and people’s experience at different sites.
Later I got to know from some of my friends that they applied online and even they received the EAD in decent time. So can’t say if the paper application really works faster. But the one advantage I can surely write about in my case (paper application) is that I didn’t have to go for a biometrics appointment. I am guessing that since the documents and photos were submitted in hard copy with signature, biometrics was not required. Also, fingerprints are taken when entering the US for the first time at the port of entry. As far I know all the e-file applicants receive the biometrics appointment (if you have come across any exceptions, do drop me a link or note).

Here is the list of documents you need to submit for L2 EAD application:

USCIS Filing Fee of $410 – Cashier’s check
Form G-1145 (form to request e-notification when USCIS accepts your application)
Form I-765 (EAD form)
Copy of passport (Spouse and Self)
Copy of US visa (Spouse – L1 visa and Self – L2 visa)
Copy of I-94 arrival/departure record (Spouse and Self)
Copy of marriage certificate
Two (2) photographs (self)

I mailed my application along with above documents and a cover letter to USCIS through USPS Express mail service. This was the fastest method and cost me ~$20. And this was the only option of getting a signed acknowledgement of application receipt. You know, I was very careful with this application so opted for Express mail. You can choose to go with normal mail or courier also, whatever works out better for you.

My application was received by USCIS the very next day. I received an acknowledgment email and also a letter from USCIS after a couple of days. Everything seemed to be going great but then the wait began... I didn’t hear anything from USCIS for almost 60 days. Many of my friends got the biometrics appointment 1-2 weeks after submitting the application.

I was concerned about the likelihood of incrementally long delays heron if the biometrics appointment is indeed compulsory. I tried calling the USCIS office a couple of times. They said my application is under normal processing time and I should wait for 90 days. If I still didn’t receive my card by then, I should immediately inform USCIS.

After doing little more research on the internet, I decided to write to Citizen and Immigration Services Ombudsman (cisombudsman@dhs.gov) asking their help to expedite my case so I can assume employment at the earliest. In response, I received an automated message suggesting to submit requests for case assistance through their Online Case Assistance (OCA) portal (https://cisomb.dhs.gov/oca/form7001.aspx). I didn't submit the request on the portal and decided to wait for some more time. I can't say if writing the mail to Ombudsman worked for me but fortunately, in a week's time my card was approved and I received my card without a biometrics appointment.

Here are the dates for your reference

21st May: Sent the EAD form-I765 and other documents through express mail
22nd May: Application received at USCIS office
28th May: Acceptance confirmation over email
29th May: Received the acceptance confirmation letter through the post
30th July: Mailed Citizen and Immigration Services Ombudsman
6th Aug: Application approved and status changed to “Post Decision Activity”
6th Aug: Status changed to “Card/Document Production”
10th Aug: Received the card

Good Resources:
https://www.immihelp.com/
https://www.trackitt.com/

Hope this helps!

RELATED POSTS
Twelve Key Things To Do After Moving To The US
Indian Passport Renewal in the United States
L2 EAD Cover Letter Sample

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