US Visa Status

US visa status checks the exact visa status after submitting the visa application. As mentioned earlier, the processing time for a US visa application is lengthy, depending on the volume of applications received by immigration officials. Further, the US has a proper visa structure and guidelines, which makes the official's job hard.

This is the reason why sometimes applications can take up to months. To ease the process, visa officials have started services such as US visa passport tracking, US visa stamping status tracking and more.

By doing the US visa tracking, applicants will know the exact stage of their visa application. There are various application stages, such as approval, rejection, received and processing. Based on the stage US visa application, this status has been shown by the US tracking portal.

Below are the US embassy and consulate details, such as address, contact no and email.

There are online methods to check the US visa application status. For that, you must have a visa case number, reference number, passport, etc. By entering these details, you can check the status. Below are the steps that need to be followed.

Step 1: To do US visa tracking, head to the official Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) portal.

Step 2: Now, scroll down to the "Check My Visa Application Status" based on the non-immigrant or immigrant visa category.

Step 3: Next, you need to choose the visa application type based on the category from the drop-down.

Step 4: After choosing the visa type, enter the visa case numbers shown in the visa application form.

Step 5: Next, add the captcha code as whom and hit the "Submit" button.

Step 6: The US visa status will be displayed by the portal.

Other than online methods, individuals can know if their US visa status is issued by contacting immigration officials. Below are the steps that need to be followed.

Step 1: To do a US visa status check from India, you can contact the embassy or consulate official directly via email or contact number. Further, you can also visit the embassy and consulate address if it is near your location.

Step 2: The immigration department officer will ask for visa-related information such as name, email address, and application number to track the application.

Step 3: After checking the status in their database, they will provide information on the US visa application.

Besides this, some US consulates or embassy offices have automated phone systems to offer US visa passport tracking and other status information.

Further, once the US embassy approves or rejects the status, they send the confirmation email to the registered email address.

Other than this, if the applicant didn't have a visa reference number or application number with them when checking the status, they can use their passport number, too. However, for the same, they need to follow these steps.

Step 1: To do US visa status tracking for a non-immigrant category, head to the official CEAC website.

Step 2: Now, click the "Check My Visa Application Status" tab.

Step 3: Next, you must select the location, application number or passport number, and 5 letters of surname.

Step 4: After entering all the information, enter the code given and click on the "Submit" button.

Step 5: The portal will show the US visa application status of the applicant.

The visa processing time can be lengthy based on the various processes involved. Not just this, if the application violates the visa eligibility criteria and policy, officials can reject the application right away.

And in that case, the submitted visa fees won't be refunded. However, applicants can apply for a visa again after some time. Some of the common reasons for US visa rejection are:

Mismatch Details- The first reason for getting a US visa application rejection is a mismatch or incorrect details. Visa application forms need to be filled out carefully. If any information in the form contradicts the submitted documents, authorities can reject the application.

Incorrect Documents- Further, often, applicants fail to submit all the required or asked documents in haste which leads to the rejection of visa application. The documentation should be done properly as visa officials must maintain the applicant's record.

Visa Policy Violation- Another reason for visa application rejection is the violation of visa policy during the visit. If the applicant has violated their visa policy earlier, such as overstaying or anything, their future application will be affected.

Insufficient Funds- All foreign nationals who want to travel to the USA must have sufficient funds in their account. They need to present the supporting documents of their finances while applying. If the applicants fail to do so, then the officials can reject the application.

Crime Records- If the applicant has any criminal record against them while submitting the application, officials reject it.

Late Submission- There is a decided timeframe for submitting the visa application as per the category. Embassy officials provide sufficient time to applicants. Delayed or late submission leads to the rejection of a US visa application.

Getting visa rejection is a common thing. Many applicants' visas get rejected due to mistakes or any other reason. Individuals can apply for a visa again after some time in case of rejection.

Also, applicants who think the application was up to the mark and still has been rejected by the officials can then appeal against the decision. In that case, the officials will review the application again and provide the final decision.

If the applicant receives the same decisions even after the appeal, then individuals have no option other than reapplying. Below are some ways to help applicants if they get a visa rejection.

Understand Visa Rejection Reason-The very thing to do is understand the visa rejection reason for your application. The reason for rejection is specified in the visa policy. Further, applicants can also seek guidance from online communities and forums if they have difficulty understanding the reason.

Consult with Authorities or Experts- After knowing the reason, you can contact authorities or experts for the next action. The visa submission process can be tricky, so it is okay to seek guidance from third-party consultants or experts.

Correct All Past Mistakes- Once you know the mistakes and the next course of action, it's time to avoid repeating them. It is advisable to correct all the past mistakes at the time of visa submission.

Apply For a US Visa Again- Lastly, it is time to submit the visa application again. Make sure all the documents are correct. It is best to check the application form multiple times before the final submission. After applying, track your US visa status occasionally.

There are various types of US visas for Indian nationals based on the intent of the visit. Some of the standard US visa types are:

Business Visa- The very first USA visa category, which is a business visa issued in two forms such as B1 and B2 business visa, for individuals who want to visit the country for business or tourism-related activities.

Student Visa- Individuals who want to come to the United States of America to pursue their higher education need to apply for a student visa. There are two types of student visa available which are F1 or M1 student visa.

Exchange Visitor Visa- Applicants who want to enter the nation on an exchange program in various fields, such as professors, students, teachers and more, can apply for an exchange visitor visa.

Work Visa- Further, those who want to work in the United States of America temporarily need to apply for a Work visa. There are various work visa categories for the US, such as H1B1 work visa, H2B visa, H2A and more.

Transit Visa-Individuals travelling to different nations but stopping at USA International Airport must have a transit visa.

Religious Worker Visa- Lastly, applicants or individuals who want to work in the USA in a religious capacity for a temporary period need to apply for a religious worker visa.

If you are travelling to the United States of America, then having a travel insurance plan is not a mandatory requirement. But, the USA is a developed nation with very expensive health care costs. So in case you get any kind of medical emergency while visiting the nation, it can put a burden on your pocket. It will derail the budgeting of the whole trip.

Not just this, having travel insurance comes with many other benefits, such as baggage loss, theft, personal liability and more. The purpose of the travel insurance policy is to make the trip secure.

However, since many insurance providers are available in the market, it is best to go with an insurance company with a budget-friendly insurance plan. Tata AIG is the insurance provider that offers an international travel insurance plan at ₹40.82 per day. Plus, policyholders have many coverage options, such as medical evacuation, trip curtailment and more.

Further, filing travel insurance claims with Tata AIG is a hassle-free process.

The US visa processing times depend on the visa type and the volume of the applications. Sometimes, it can take days to a few months to get the final results. That's why it is crucial to check the US visa status. To ease the whole tracking process, the Department of the Embassy has also started an automated phone service.

Not just this, if the embassy has delayed the application status due to some technical reason, applicants can contact the officials regarding the same.

Information last updated Dec 23. While this information is sourced reliably, visa requirements can change. For the most current visa details, visit the official Consulate/Embassy website.