New Security Requirements at Indian Consulates from Jan. 2002
Posted Dec 21, 2001

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) recently confirmed new security procedures at the U.S. Consulates in India. These measures reflect increased security concerns in the wake of the September 11^th attacks against the U.S.

The U.S. Consulate General in India issued an announcement on Friday, December 14, which now clarifies these matters. The announcement, effective January 1, 2002, directs any immigrant visa applicant over the age of 16 years, to present two Indian Police Certificates. One certificate must be from the local police station, the other from the Regional Passport Office. Again, these provisions are pertinent only to immigrant visa applicants after January 1, 2002. They do not apply to non-immigrant applications, such as B-1/B-2 (visitors), F-1 (students), or H-1 (temporary professional workers).

The announcement also directs visa applicants are NOT allowed to carry sealed envelopes into the Consulate, with the exception of medical reports from panel physicians. All other envelopes should be opened before entering the building. We urge all applicants to use common sense and exercise awareness that their behavior and documents are now subject to increased scrutiny.

In order to avoid delay or denial, applicants are instructed to carefully review the requirements regarding evidence of financial support. They should bring all required forms and documentation on the first visit. This includes all required evidence from the sponsor and the joint sponsor, if one is required. Applicants are reminded that no exceptions will be made regarding the minimum income requirements where an affidavit of support is required, generally in family-based immigrant cases. This does not represent a change in procedure but serves only as a reminder regarding an area that is frequently the cause of confusion and inadequate documentation.

We share this information regarding the two (2) police certificates and other security requirements at Indian consulates in order to assist any Indian citizens who may be making arrangements to travel to India during this holiday season should they have the immigrant visa interviews in early 2002. The Law Office of Sheela Murthy will continue to provide updated information regarding any further changes in consular procedure that may affect our MurthyBulletin and MurthyDotCom readers.