In this blog, I will explain how to find a postdoc position or postdoctoral fellowship in the USA. There are multiple ways to find a postdoc position in the USA, and this post will help you understand the process briefly. Before we start, let me provide a brief introduction about myself. I found a postdoc position at the University of California in the USA. Before landing this postdoc position, I completed my Ph.D. in South Korea and my Master's in India. Table of Contents: Postdoc Position USA How to find a postdoc position (USA) Postdoc interview process Hiring Process Postdoc salary Postdoc visa type How to Find Postdoc Positions (USA) These are the most successful ways to find postdoc positions in the USA: University Website: One of the most common methods is to visit the websites of universities you are interested in. For example, if you are interested in UCSD (University of California, San Diego), you can go to the UCSD website and search for research positions. Job Portals: Another way is to use job portals like Science Careers, Nature Careers, HigherEdJobs, and PostdocJobs where you can find postdoctoral job opportunities and follow the instructions provided. Professor's Lab Websites: Sometimes, not all jobs are posted on job websites. Certain professors have their lab websites listing the job openings, so it's essential to check those too. You might also find the same job postings on university or institute websites. Email Directly: Another effective approach is to email professors directly. You can often find their email addresses on LinkedIn or within the job description. When reaching out, make sure to personalize your email, briefly introduce yourself, highlight your research background, and explain why you are interested in their work. Current Academic Network: Leverage your Ph.D. advisor and committee members for recommendations. They can often connect you with colleagues or provide valuable advice on where to apply. It's best to do your homework and determine which universities or labs you're interested in. Keep an eye on their job listings and apply regularly. Identify potential advisors whose research aligns with your interests by reading their recent publications. Tailor your email to highlight how your skills and interests match their work. When I applied for my first postdoc, the job was posted on the institute's website. There, I found the professor's email address, and they requested that I send my resume/CV. I was interested in the ongoing projects in the lab, which motivated me to apply. However, there are other methods as well. Some individuals apply for their funding with a professor in the US and then join the lab if the funding is approved. Occasionally, two international professors have collaborations, offering an opportunity to come to the US. There are various paths to explore, but I'm sharing the simplest approach based on my experience. In most cases, when applying for a postdoc position in the US, you'll be required to email your CV directly to the professor. Therefore, you should compose a well-crafted cover letter, attach your CV, and send it to the PI. Postdoc Interview Process The postdoc interview process can vary depending on the institution and the PI leading the lab. However, these are the common things you can expect: Application Review: First, the PI reviews your submitted application, including your CV, cover letter, research statement, and letters of recommendation, and assesses your qualifications, research experience, and fit with the lab's current projects. First Contact: If the professor finds your CV suitable for the position, he will arrange an interview for you. HR will send an email to discuss your availability. Interview: This is often a phone or video interview (e.g., Zoom, Skype). During the interview, the PI might request a presentation of your Ph.D. or previous postdoc work. Occasionally, there could be one-on-one interviews with the professor, followed by presenting your prior work to the lab. Alternatively, you might give a direct presentation to all lab members. The format depends entirely on the professor's preference. Offer: If selected, you will receive a formal offer, which includes details about the salary, benefits, start date, and any other conditions to review and sign. Postdoc Hiring Process If your interview goes well and the professor is interested in hiring you, you will likely receive an email within a week or two from HR to initiate the hiring process. In summary, the postdoc hiring process involves: Receiving an offer letter for signing Obtaining a DS-2019 form Receiving instructions for paying the SEVIS fee Getting guidance for completing the DS-160 form Receiving details for scheduling an interview/biometric date Obtaining information on getting the visa Following other necessary steps Here is a sample SEVIS fee structure. Please note that the SEVIS fee amount may change in the future, refer to the USCIS website for the latest updates. Postdoc Salary in the USA The average postdoc salary in the USA is $60,000 per year. Entry-level positions may start as low as $47,000, while more experienced postdocs could earn up to $79,000 annually. Salaries can vary significantly from university to university and even across different states in the US. You can typically find the salary scale on the university's website. For example, the University of California, Riverside salary scale looks like the following. Other Benefits You also receive additional benefits, such as health insurance for your family, housing, and reduced-rate daycare facilities for children, among others. These benefits will vary for each university or institute. Postdoc Visa Type (USA) Most likely, you will receive a J1 visa and be subject to the 2-year home residency rule, also known as the 212e rule. I have written a blog about the J1 visa, the 212e rule, and how to obtain a waiver from the 212e rule, which we will discuss in upcoming blogs. However, there are instances where they might sponsor an academic H1B visa instead of a J1 visa. The decision to grant you a J1 visa or academic H1B will depend on your university's or institute's international office. That's all for this blog. Next, we will discuss the eligibility and requirements for a J1 visa. Please feel free to drop me a line in the comments section below and I will try to answer your queries. Also, if you found any of these blogs helpful, please consider donating. Readers like you encourage me to write daily. Next: Eligibility and requirements Related Posts ✔ Go to Main Menu ✔ B1/B2 visa for parents ✔ How long can I stay after my J1 visa expires? Related Topics

This J1 visa guide provides valuable information for postdocs participating in the J1 visa program in the USA. It covers most of the J1 visa program details, including rules & requirements, J1 application steps, finding internship/postdoc positions, getting a J2 EAD for dependents, getting a J1 visa waiver, switching from a J1 to an H1B, moving from a J1 visa to Green Card, renewing your passport in the US, or obtaining OCI card for your child, etc. Hello, I am Hina Singh! If you are a J1 visa holder, please bookmark this page. I am confident that my own visa and immigration experience will be helpful to you. Note that I am not a lawyer, but I have navigated through all these steps, either directly or indirectly, and I'm here to support you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to help. However, please be aware that my advice should not be considered legal advice. If you have legal matters, it is recommended to hire an attorney. These blogs are arranged in a specific order to ensure you don't miss anything. Simply read them in the sequence they are listed, you'll also find a 'Next' link at the end of each blog. Additionally, if you know someone aspiring to come to the US as a J1 student, feel free to share this page. I'm confident that these blogs will prove helpful to them. Table of Contents: J1 Visa Program USA ✔ How to find a postdoc position in the US? J1 Visa USA ✔ What is a J1 visa in the USA? ✔ Things to know about J1 visa duration and processing time ✔ How long can I stay after my J1 visa expires? J1 Visa Waiver ✔ J1 visa 2-year rule ✔ J1 visa lawyer for waiver | Do you really need it? ✔ J1 Visa Waiver Application Process and Timeline ✔ J1 Visa Waiver Application (Stage 1) ✔ J1 Visa Waiver Application (Stage 2) ✔ NORI cover letter for Home Department (J1 waiver stage 2) ✔ J1 Visa Waiver Application (Stage 3) ✔ Sample Statement of Reason (J1 Waiver) ✔ How to expedite a J1 Waiver? ✔ How to update the address for the J1 waiver? ✔ J1 waiver favorable recommendation next step J1 Visa to H1B ✔ J1 visa to H1B: How to file a Change of Status for Postdoc Green Card ✔ Can I convert from a J1 visa to a Green Card? ✔ J1 Visa to EB1 Green Card - How to File I-140? ✔ J1 Visa to Green Card | Steps for Filing I-485 ✔ How to Expedite Green Card Processing? ✔ EB1 extraordinary ability examples for the green card approval J2 EAD ✔ J2 Work Permit Processing Time ✔ How to apply for J2 EAD? ✔ J2 visa EAD sample cover letter Passport & OCI Card ✔ Indian Passport Renewal in the USA (Checklist) ✔ US passport application for minors born in the USA ✔ How to apply for an OCI card in the USA for a minor? ✔ Sample OCI consent letter B1/B2 Visa for Parents ✔ How to apply for B1/B2 visa for parents? ✔ Sponsorship letter sample ✔ Invitation letter sample H1B Visa ✔ H1B grace period after layoffs with/without I-140, or severance pay ✔ Options after H1B layoff ✔ H4 and H4 EAD concurrent filing ✔ How to apply for H4 EAD? ✔ H1B to J2 change of status Others ✔ How to print a 2x2 passport photo on iPhone ✔ FNU on visa, I-94, SSN, DL, Green Card, and other documents ✔ Do green card holders need visas for Canada ✔ L2S visa work authorization for L spouses ✔ File I-765 online ✔ Severance package ✔ Indian embassies in the USA ✔ Urgent humanitarian reasons to expedite the request Next: Start reading Related Topics

J1 visa duration and processing time: Many of us wonder about the duration of stay permitted on a J1 exchange visitor visa. Once you obtain a J1 visa, the minimum stay is 3 weeks, and the maximum continuous stay in the US is 5 years. The J1 visa has different categories, such as interns, trainees, researchers, and professors. Depending on the category you apply for, the duration of your stay in the US may vary, but it cannot exceed 5 continuous years. The various categories of J1 exchange visitor visas are well-described by the US Department of State. You can find detailed information about these categories by following the link provided. In my case, as an academic researcher, I was granted a J1 visa / DS2019 for 5 years. What is the typical J1 visa processing time for applicants from India? Getting a J-1 visa usually takes 4 to 8 weeks from the time you apply to when you receive it. But remember, the time it takes for your visa interview can change the total time it takes. What is the DS2019 form? A SEVIS-generated Form DS2019 is a requirement for applying for the J-1 Visa. This controlled form is provided by your program sponsor and serves as documentation of your acceptance into an exchange program sponsored by a State Department-designated Exchange Visitor Program sponsor. Who will give me DS2019? Designated sponsors are allowed to issue you a DS2019. In my case, it was my university (University of California) who issued me DS2019. What is the duration of DS2019? The duration of your DS2019 depends on your employer. Typically, universities offer DS2019 forms for one year initially, with the possibility of renewal based on available funding. If your employer is an institute with adequate funding, you may even receive a DS2019 valid for up to 5 years. In my case, I was issued a DS2019 that covered 5 years. Is it possible to get the J1 visa extension? Yes, it is possible to get an extension if your sponsoring agency has funding enough to renew your DS2019 or DS-7002 (in case you are an intern or trainee). Am I allowed to work on a J1 exchange visitor visa in the US? Yes, but you are only eligible to work for the employer mentioned in your DS2019. Can I switch to a different visa in the US after getting a J1 visa? Yes, you can file for a different visa if you have an employer but in many cases, J1 exchange visitors are subjected to the 2-year home residency rule. You need to obtain a J1 waiver from the Department of Homeland Security before applying for a change of visa status. If I get the J1 visa can I come to us a few months prior? Probably not. You can travel to the US 30 days before the start of your program. Can I stay in the US on a J1 visa if I get fired by the employer? The J1 visa comes with a 30-day grace period. If you get fired then you have 30 days to look for a new job otherwise your stay will be counted as out of status or illegal stay. You might have to depart before that 30-day grace period ends. Read more. Can I transfer my J1 from one institute/university to another? Yes, the transfer is a simple process and your university/institute should be able to help you with that. I have done it multiple times. Next: Continue reading Related Posts ✔ Go to Main Menu ✔ How to convert from a J1 visa to H1B ✔ How to transition from J1 visa to Green Card Related Topics

J1 visa USA eligibility, requirements, and application process. A J1 visa program in the USA is an exchange visitor visa falling under the non-immigrant visa category. People who are outside the USA and plan to take part in an approved program like research, teaching, studying, training, medical education, or demonstrating special skills can apply for a J1 visa. I, Hina Singh, held a J1 exchange visitor visa for 5 years. As I mentioned in my previous blog, when you secure a postdoc position in the USA, you will most likely receive a J1 visa type, and occasionally an academic H1B. I worked as a research scholar at the University of California under a J1 visa. Many questions come to mind when applying for the J1 visa for the first time. Here are some that I wondered about when I was undergoing this process. This blog will help you understand a few basic J1 visa rules and requirements. Table of Contents: J1 Visa USA Requirements J1 Visa Eligibility J1 Visa Application J1 Visa Processing Time J1 Visa Transfer to another University J1 Dependent Visa J2 Visa Work Permit J1 Visa to Green Card J1 Visa Eligibility Who can obtain a J1 visa? Am I even eligible? These are very basic questions that will arise for anyone. In short, a J1 visa can be granted to professors, researchers, trainees, medical students, teachers, specialists, etc. For a detailed list, you can refer to the USCIS website. J1 Visa Application Another question that comes up is how to apply for a J1 visa, or how the J1 visa application process works. To apply for a J1 visa, you first need to get Form DS-2019. Your sponsoring agency, like a university or institute, will give you this form. Once you have Form DS2019, you can apply for a J1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate run by the U.S. Department of State. Your sponsoring agency will also give you guidance on the J1 visa application process, so there's nothing to worry about. It's quite straightforward, unlike some other types of visas. I also provided a brief explanation about this in the previous blog. J1 Visa Processing Time J1 visa application usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks to process. The processing time for a J1 visa can also vary depending on factors such as the specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply, the time of year, and any additional administrative processing that might be required. I have explained this in detail in the next blog. J1 Visa Transfer to another University You might wonder what to do if you don't like your postdoc position, or if you can change the position now. Can you transfer the J1 visa to another university? The answer is yes. J1 visa holders can transfer to their institutes or universities. I've done it three times, and the process was quick and simple. If needed, your sponsoring agency can help you with this. J1 Dependent Visa If you have family members, you might be asking yourself what will happen to them. Can they come to the USA with me? Can they work on a J1 dependent visa, or what type of visa can a family member of a J1 holder get? Once again, the answer is yes. J1 dependents can work in the USA without needing any sponsorship. Spouses or children under 21 of J1 visa holders are allowed to apply for a J2 visa. You might be wondering if a J2 visa application can be done at the same time as a J1 application. The answer is yes, both J1 and J2 can apply for visas together if they have received Form DS-2019 from the sponsoring agency. The process for a J2 application is the same as for a J1, and one can even apply for a J2 visa after the J1 visa has been approved. J2 Visa Work Permit You might be curious about whether your spouse can work when they come to the USA on a J2 visa with you. Once again, the answer is yes. J2 visa holders are allowed to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). However, their income cannot be used to support the primary J1 visa holder. This does not mean there is a limit to how much a J2 visa holder can earn. Once a J2 visa holder gets their EAD, they can start working right away. I've written an entire blog on how to apply for J2 EAD; you can find it here. An important thing to note is that you can only apply for an EAD after you've entered the US. So, if you're thinking of applying for an EAD from outside the US, the answer is no. J2 visa holders must first enter the US before they can apply for J2 EAD. J1 Visa to Green Card You might wonder if it's possible to get a green card after your J1 visa ends. The answer is yes, you are eligible for a green card. There are certain criteria you'll need to meet, which I'll discuss in upcoming blogs. I've provided a detailed explanation of how to apply for a 2-year waiver and initiate the green card process. Next: J1 Visa Processing Time Related Posts ✔ Go to Main Menu ✔ How to convert from a J1 visa to H1B Related Topics

Many individuals have requested the VFS sample parents' consent letter for OCI applications, whether for minors or adults. If you missed my earlier blog, follow this link to view the complete OCI application process. Note: You can download the consent letter directly from the VFS global website. Table of Contents: Consent Letter for OCI Application Minor Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 PDF download Consent Letter for OCI Application for Minors Date: To, The Consular Officer, Consulate General of India, _________ Subject: Consent to restore Details, Application ID: ___________ Dear Madam/Sir, I, _____ mother of _____, hereby provide my consent to the Indian Consulate/Embassy to be authorized to make any edits and correct the mistakes made in the OCI Government form on behalf of my minor child. The application reference number is __________ Sincerely, Mother’s Name: Mother’s Signature: Father’s Name: Father’s Signature: I used the above consent letter (in Oct 2022) for the OCI application for the minor born in the USA and got the approval. This consent letter would remain the same for adults as well. I know many of my friends who received their OCI cards successfully using the above format as well. Additionally, I am sharing a few more samples that you can refer to. Parents' Consent Letter for OCI Application To, The Consular Officer, Consulate General of India, _________ Subject: Consent to restore Details, Application ID: ___________ Dear Sir/Madam, We, , hereby authorize the Indian Consulate/Embassy to make any necessary edits and corrections to the OCI Government form submitted on behalf of my minor child, . I understand that this authorization allows the Indian Consulate/Embassy to correct any errors or mistakes that may have been made in the form. I certify that all the information provided in the form is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. However, if any errors or mistakes are found in the form, I grant permission to the Indian Consulate/Embassy to make changes on behalf of my child. We appreciate your consideration of our application and thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Consent Letter for OCI Application USA The Consular Officer, Consulate General of India, _________ Address: Subject: Consent to restore Details, Application ID: ___________ I, , with this, provide my consent to restore my child’s details that were provided in the OCI application form to the Indian Consulate/Embassy. I understand that this request is being made to correct any errors or omissions in the OCI application form that may have occurred during the submission. I confirm that I will provide any additional information or documents that may be required by the Indian consulate/embassy to process the application. Thank you for your time and Consideration! Sincerely, Name: Signature: Date: Consent Letter for OCI Application (PDF Version) You can also view the PDF version of the consent letter below. Remember that this letter needs to be signed by parents, notarization is not required. Next: How to apply for OCI Related Posts ✔ How to renew an Indian passport in the US? ✔ How to apply for passports for minors? ✔ Green card priority dates for India Related Topics

There are five main steps to apply for a passport for minors in the United States. First thing, obtain the minor's birth certificate. Second, fill out the DS-11 form (child passport application form). Third, gather the necessary documents for the minor's passport application. Fourth, obtain a photo of the minor. Finally, apply and track passport application progress. I will share all the paperwork, forms, fees, and documents needed for a passport application for minors. Please note that passports for minors under the age of 16 are only valid for five years. All children under the age of 16 must apply for a passport in person with two parents or guardians using Form DS-11. Table of Contents: Passport Application for Minors Introduction Birth Certificate DS-11 Form for Minors Documents Needed for Minor Passport Absent Parent Passport Form Minor Passport Photo Requirements Submit and Track Child Passport Application Receive the Passport Minor Passport Renewal Conclusion Passport Application for Minors You need a passport for minors, an essential travel document that serves as proof of identity and citizenship. It becomes particularly important for various reasons, such as international travel with parents, studying abroad, or attending family events overseas. There could be several other reasons why obtaining a passport for a minor is necessary, so it's advisable to get it as soon as you find the time. In the United States, acquiring a passport for minors is a straightforward process, and this blog will help make it simpler for you. I have personally gone through this process, having obtained the passport for my son when he was just a few months old. Obtain a Birth Certificate Before applying for a minor's passport, ensure that you obtain the birth certificate from the county office or state where the child was born. This process is typically straightforward; in my case, everything was arranged at the hospital, and I was instructed to collect the birth certificate from the county office within 2 to 3 weeks. If you are a California resident, you can also apply for it through this link. For others, please visit this. An authorized and certified birth certificate is generally accepted as a valid document for various legal purposes, including travel, passport applications, proof of citizenship, social security, driver's licenses, school registration, personal identification, and more. Image credit: Wikipedia Passport Application Form for Minors The passport application DS-11 form is available online; you need to download, print, and then fill it out by hand. You can also fill out the form by 'Form Filler Tool' available on the DOS website. Follow this link to download the latest copy of the form. Please do not sign the form until instructed by the accepting agent. Provide accurate information when filling out the form. Detailed instructions for minor passports for those under 16 can be found at this link. Documents Needed for Minor Passport Next, let's discuss the documents needed for a passport application for minors. Before applying, ensure that you have the following required documents and paperwork ready. Minors Passport Application Form: Completed DS-11 form from the previous step. Proof of Parental Relationship and Minor's U.S. Citizenship: Birth certificate, adoption decree, divorce/custody decree, and the child's SSN. Documents for Parents: Evidence of your immigration status or U.S. citizenship/passport, government-issued state ID or driver's license, permanent residency card or green card, etc. Payment for the Passport Fee: Remember to bring your checkbook. Different fees apply based on the processing time of the passport, as shown in the screenshot below. The expedited option incurs additional fees, and the processing time varies. The issuing agency will provide the exact days/backlog and the associated fees. We received the passport in 6 weeks. Minors Photograph for the Passport: This has been discussed in the next section. Be sure to take printouts of these copies as you may be required to submit photocopies. Absent Parent Passport Form While both parents should visit the passport facility together, I understand that individual situations vary. In our case, both of us attended together, and for most of you, I believe it will be the same, allowing you to skip this step. How to get a child's passport with one parent absent? If one parent is unable to attend, the applying parent must demonstrate sole legal custody or obtain consent from the absent parent. This requires a notarized Form DS-3053: Statement of Consent from the absent parent or legal custody documents confirming sole legal custody. You can download DS-3053 here. Minor Passport Photo Requirements You have the option to take the newborn passport photo yourself or at a studio. If you are taking the photo yourself, please keep these infant passport photo requirements in mind: The photo should be in color, not black and white. Do not use any filters or special effects; the image should be clear and focused. The photo should not be older than 6 months. The background should be white or off-white. Avoid dressing in white. Remove any head coverings or glasses. Ensure that both ears are visible. Some passport facilities may also provide this service for an additional charge. We had newborn photographs taken at the passport facility. You can locate the passport facilities in your zip code here. In any case, please do not staple the photo to the DS-11 form. Instead, take the photo with you and show it to the agent at the passport facility. They will assess if the photo is correct and staple it there. I opted to have my newborn's photo taken at the passport facility. Submit and Track Child Passport Application Take the completed DS-11 form, required documents, and payment to a passport acceptance facility or passport agency, which you can locate using the zip code mentioned in the previous section. Passport acceptance facilities are typically found in post offices, libraries, and courthouses. Some facilities may require an appointment, so it's advisable to check in advance. During your visit, a passport acceptance agent will review the application and documents, administer an oath to the applying parent(s) or guardian(s), and ask you to sign the DS-11 form. You can subscribe to email updates for your child's passport application here. Receive the Passport After applying for a minor's passport, the process of issuance begins. Once the application is processed, the passport will be printed and mailed to the address provided on the application. Upon receiving the passport, carefully review all the details, including the spelling of the minor's name, date of birth, place of birth, and other relevant information. Additionally, sign the passport following the instructions provided. Minor Passport Renewal Passports for children under age 16 are only valid for 5 years and cannot be renewed using Form DS-82. To renew a passport for a child under age 16, you must reapply in person using Form DS-11, like how we did the new passport. Conclusion In summary, applying for a passport for a minor involves gathering the necessary documents, completing the DS-11 form, submitting the application and payment to a passport acceptance facility, tracking the application's status, and finally, receiving the passport. Following these steps ensures a smooth and stress-free process. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below—I'll do my best to assist you. Next: How to apply for OCI for a minor? Related Posts ✔ How to apply for H4 EAD? ✔ Applying for parent's passport renewal ✔ Green card priority dates for India Related Topics

Indian Passport Renewal in USA Checklist and Complete Guide: I have personally gone through the Indian passport renewal application process in the USA, specifically at the Indian consulate in SFO (San Francisco, California), and I believe sharing my experience could be valuable to others. The Indian passport renewal process will be the same for the other consulates, like in New York, Houston (Texas), Washington DC, Atlanta (Georgia), and Chicago (Illinois). You can apply for Indian passport renewal one year before its expiry. You will receive a new Indian passport (without any visa stamps) with a validity of 10 years. The processing time for Indian passport renewal in the USA is 4 to 5 weeks with a fee of $132. For Tatkal processing, the time is approximately 2 weeks. If you lost your passport - read this. Before delving into the details, let's first go through the high-level steps required to renew an Indian passport in the USA. Later, I will provide a detailed explanation of each step. Renew Indian Passport in the USA Complete the Indian Passport Renewal application form on the Indian Passport Seva website. Create a VFS Global account and pay the associated shipping fee for the passport renewal application. Gather the necessary documents and mail them to VFS Global to process your passport renewal. Undergo verification, including police verification conducted by the Indian embassy. Once the process is complete, expect to receive both your old and renewed passports through VFS Global in your mailbox. Indian Passport Renewal Application Form The first step is to file your Indian passport renewal application online on the Government of India website. Once you go to this website, choose your region/country as 'AMERICAS', then select the country as 'USA'. This will redirect you to a separate portal where you can select 'Register to apply for Passport Services'. The registration process will ask you to enter the consulate details, your personal information and create a new login ID and password. Once submitted, your login ID will be created and then you can use these login credentials to log back in. I have selected the San Francisco Consulate. Please check which consulate you belong to by referring to this blog, which provides information about the Consulate General of India (CGI) office that covers your state. It has also email and phone number details that you may need later. After submitting the form, an email will be sent to the email address you provided for account activation. Open the email and enter your User ID to activate the account. Then, log in to the passport portal. Once logged in, select "Apply for an ordinary passport" and apply for "Re-issue of passport" with "Validity expired within 3 years/ Due to expire". Fill out all the information it will ask for, such as applicant details, family details, applicant address details, emergency contact, previous passport details, other details, and self-declaration. Related: How to expedite green card processing Once you fill out all the information, an ARN (application reference number) will be generated for you and you have to use this number to make payment in the second step at the VFS global website. After your application is submitted an application form PDF will be generated. Download it and print it since you need to post this along with the other supporting documents. Indian Passport Renewal Fees The second step in the Indian passport renewal process is the fee payment and the courier envelope. You need to register on the VFS global website and pay the application and shipping fee. Go to the VFS global website, select "Passport" and fill out the form. Example: Here are sample passport renewal registration fee details. Please note that these fees may vary based on your selection and potential changes in the fee structure in the future. *** You can also check out the fees at the vfsglobal website. If you're a new user, you need to register to make the payment. If you're already registered, you can simply go to the 'Back to login' page. The next step is to log in, create a new application, add a new customer, and enter all your information, including the ARN number, passport number, personal details, etc. You will be prompted to make the payment when required. I paid $132 for my Indian passport renewal application in the USA. Payment can also be made using a cashier's check or money order, but I chose to use a credit/debit card for convenience. Related: How to apply for the B2 visa for parents After submitting the payment, a PDF application confirmation letter will be generated for your login. Download this document, as you'll need to post it. A courier label will also be generated for you, and you should print both documents. You can choose to use your courier service, but I opted for the one provided by VFS. Indian Passport Renewal Documents Checklist The third step in the Indian passport renewal process in the USA is submitting your passport renewal application along with the required supporting documents. Below is the document checklist for the re-issue of the passport. Please note that this checklist has been updated; mine was slightly different. This checklist includes all the documents you need to send, but since everyone's situation may vary, please double-check which documents you need to submit for your Indian passport renewal in the USA. Documents Required for Passport Renewal in the USA Government passport renewal application form: Original form and signed. Two passport-size photos: Original (follow guidelines for photographs). Recently, VFS introduced the 'Digital Photograph Service'. You can download the instructions from below and help other readers by sharing your experience (comment) with this new service. Current Indian passport: Original, along with a copy of the first five and last two pages of the passport. Annexure E: Download from here, original (mandatory). Copy of valid visa, or US legal status: Notarized color copy. Proof of address (USA): Driver's License, State ID, Utility Bill, or Rental Agreement - notarized color copy. Fee payment: Application confirmation letter generated during fee payment. Indian address proof: Aadhar card, DL, or utility bill (necessary if there's a change in the Indian address). Marriage certificate: Required if adding the spouse's name to the passport. Change of appearance form: Download (notarized). VFS checklist: Filled and signed; this will serve as the cover page for your document package. Police report: Required if applying for a lost/stolen passport. Since I used the VFS-provided courier label, I just placed all the documents in the envelope, labeled/superscribed it as 'RE-ISSUANCE OF PASSPORT IN LIEU OF EXISTING PASSPORT ADULT', and affixed the courier label. I then dropped it off at FedEx. Indian Passport Renewal in USA Tracking You can track your application status online here. After the Indian consular application center has verified your application and every document is good, the Indian embassy will issue you a new passport and send it back to you along with your previous original passport. A hole will invalidate the old passport. You will receive your old and new passports in the same courier parcel. Indian Passport Renewal in USA Processing Time You can expect to receive a new Indian passport in 4 to 6 weeks. I received mine in 5 weeks, and my husband received it in 4 weeks. You can apply for a new passport up to one year before its expiry date. If needed, there is also a Tatkal service available for passport renewal. You can also refer to the VFS website for the above steps. Refer this. Feel free to comment below with any questions; I'll do my best to answer them. Best of luck with your passport renewal process! You might also enjoy reading my next post on obtaining an OCI card for your child. FAQs on Indian Passport Renewal in USA Checklist Can you please clarify whether the envelope should be superscribed as 'RE-ISSUANCE OF PASSPORT'? Yes, when submitting your documents for passport renewal, the envelope should be superscribed as "RE-ISSUANCE OF PASSPORT IN LIEU OF EXISTING PASSPORT ADULT". This labeling helps ensure that your application is correctly identified and processed by the authorities. What to do in case an Indian passport is lost or stolen in the US? If you lose your passport in the US, the first step is to report the incident to the police. The next step is to apply for a passport re-issue under the lost category. Read more. Next: How to apply for an OCI Card Related Posts ✔ Go to Main Menu ✔ Sample invitation letter for B1/B2 visa for parents ✔ How to apply for H4 EAD Related Topics

To take a 2x2 passport-size photo at home for free, start by capturing a square photo with a 1:1 aspect ratio using your iPhone camera. Next, adjust the photo's width and height to 2 inches by 2 inches using a Word document. Finally, print the resized image on photo paper using any printer. Table of Contents: How to take a 2x2 photo on iPhone free Take a Square Photo Print the Image 01. Take a Square (1:1 Aspect Ratio) Photo On an iPhone, open the camera app and choose the square (1:1) aspect ratio for your picture. To do this, tap the little arrow icon (v) located at the top-center. This will reveal options such as flashlight, exposure, aspect ratio (1:1 at the bottom), live picture, timer, etc. Refer to the image on the left for guidance. Or, you can edit an existing photo to a 1:1 aspect ratio. To create a 2x2 passport photo on your iPhone, open the image you'd like to use > Tap 'Edit' > Choose the 'Crop' option from the bottom menu > Select the square aspect ratio from the top > Adjust the picture area as needed > Tap 'Done' or 'Save' to finalize. For Android phones, you can follow a similar process: capture an image and then crop it to a 1:1 aspect ratio. Essentially, we aim for a square photo with equal width and height. 02. Paste the Image on a Word document and Print The second step is to copy and paste the square image into a Word document. You can achieve this by emailing the photo from your phone and using any Windows laptop to complete this step. Open Microsoft Word > Insert picture > To resize a picture, on the Picture Tools Format tab, in the Size group, enter the new measurements (2.0" by 2.0") into the Height and Width boxes. After changing the image size, copy and paste it 9 or 12 times, depending on the photo paper size you're using. On a standard page size, you can fit at least 12 photos with 2x2 dimensions and then proceed to print. If you don't have a printer, I would recommend buying one. It will be very useful in long run and it will save you lot of time and un-necessary dependency on public/ office printers. I use this HP printer/ scanner and it works well. This can save you both money and time compared to getting it done at Walgreens or CVS. Thank you! If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below. Next: How to apply for H4 EAD? Related Posts ✔ Go to Main Menu ✔ How long can I stay after my J1 visa expires? ✔ J1 visa waiver application process ✔ How to apply for J2 EAD? ✔ Indian Passport Renewal in the US Related Topics

If you've ended up with an FNU (First Name Unknown) name on your Indian passport in the US visa and want to know how to change it, you're in the right place. First thing, you need to fix your Indian passport, then update the rest of your documents like SSN, Drivers License, State ID, and your US visa. Below are a few options for changing the name in the Indian passport in the US. Table of Contents: Indian Passport Name Change Introduction Indian Passport Name Change Steps to Name Change Documents Requirement Fees SSN/ DL Name Change FAQs NAME SPLIT You can request a re-issuance of your passport (based on the change in personal particulars) if your first and last names are combined. However, this solution is only possible if you already have a legal first and last name, but there was a mistake when you applied initially for an Indian passport. ADDING SPOUSE NAME You can add your spouse's last name to your passport if you have recently married. You need to apply for the re-issue of your passport in this case as well. DURING NATURALIZATION Another option is to change your name during the naturalization process when you become a US citizen. In this case, you will be losing your Indian citizenship as India does not allow dual citizenship. However, this option may not be feasible for everyone due to the lengthy process and waiting times, particularly for individuals from countries like India with long priority date wait times. See current wait time. NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT In some cases, individuals may explore the option of placing a newspaper advertisement to correct their name on official documents. However, this method typically involves legal processes and may require assistance from a lawyer. This process involves petitioning the court, publishing the name change in a local newspaper, and attending a court hearing. Once the court approves the name change, you can use the court order to update your passport and other official documents. In a previous blog, I detailed how to survive with an FNU name in the US. For some individuals, their names will remain the same if they have a single name and don't have the option to split the name or add a spouse's name. For them, fixing the name in the US is tough. I would recommend fixing it when you are in India through a newspaper advertisement. Indian Passport Name Change in the US For the first two reasons, name split and adding spouse name, you can apply for a re-issue of your passport based on 'Change in existing personal particulars'. For name split, consider the following example: Current: FNU Hina Singh (First name: FNU, Last name: Hina Singh) Correction: Hina Singh (First name: Hina, Last name: Singh) STEPS TO CHANGE THE NAME ON INDIAN PASSPORT These are the steps to change the name on your Indian passport: Register at the vfsglobal website. During registration enter the Indian embassy closest to you. You can find the list of Indian embassies in the US here. After registration, it will send you an automated email to activate your User ID. Activate the account, log in, and select "Applying for an ordinary passport". Select reissue reason as "Change in existing personal particulars". Then select "Given Name" and "Surname". Refer to the screenshot above. If you are applying based on spouse name, then select "Spouse name". Select the service type as "Normal", and the booklet size. Fill out the rest of the details like applicant details, family details, address, emergency contact, previous passport details, and other details, and apply. Take printout. Pay the required fees and courier the application with the required documents. For the Tatkal service, the processing time is two weeks with higher fees, while for normal processing, it takes 4 to 6 weeks. However, according to vfsglobal, Tatkal service is not available for 'Change in Name'. Refer to this. Do not travel internationally during this time; however, domestic travel with a Real ID (Driver's License or State ID) is still okay. Once you receive the new passport, keep both the old and new passports with you while traveling. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED You can go to this link to see the document requirements for re-issuance of the passport; it's almost the same as what we did for passport renewal upon expiry in the US except few notarized affidavits for name change. PASSPORT REISSUE FEES This is the fee structure for normal service. Please note that this might change in the future, so it's a good idea to refer to the VFS Global website for fee details. Tatkal service is not applicable for the name change. To make the fee payment, go to the VFS Global website, select "passport," and fill out the rest of the fields. Here is an example: SSN Name Change Once you have the new passport with the correct name, follow the instructions on the SSN website to update your SSN. Book an appointment and visit in person with both your new and old passports, along with the rest of the required documents. This process should be completed easily. Next, you should apply for a driver's license if you are facing issues with name mismatch, as at this point, your name issue will be fixed. How to Change FNU in US Visa To change the name on your US visa, you have to go through the visa re-stamping process, which can only be done from your home country (India). Similar to visa extensions after expiry, this cannot be completed within the US. So, once you receive your new passport, you'll need to plan your next visit to India accordingly to go through the stamping process. Your current visa remains valid with the old passport, so you won't encounter any issues when traveling back to your home country (India). FAQs on Indian Passport Name Change How to change the 'FNU' name on the State ID? After correcting your name on your passport through reissue based on a change in existing personal particulars, you can apply for an SSN update, and then you can update your state ID. How much time does it take for the passport reissue? The processing time for Indian passport reissue varies between 4 to 6 weeks. There is no Tatkal service for the name change. Can I travel to India during the passport reissue? No, international travel is not recommended while your passport reissue is in progress. Next: Indian Passport Renewal Related Posts ✔ How to apply for B1/B2 visa for parents? ✔ How to apply for H4 EAD Related Topics

Whether you are packing alone or with a family for a road trip, this checklist will be your survival guide. Packing an essential list of items would help you through unexpected situations during road trips. Imagine your car breaking down late at night in the middle of a freezing Arizona desert with no phone signal and no cars around. 😑 I wish no one gets stuck in such kind of situation but there is no harm in preparing yourself for this kind of situation. Whether you end up being in that situation or not. This blog will help you prepare for this kind of unexpected situation. Road Trip Checklist First thing first, definitely car care is the most important item on the list and this is the checklist that I always follow before a long road trip especially when I am going to drive through the night. I’ve included a link to the products I use, so you can purchase them from Amazon if needed. If you can get a rental car that would be the best. Rental cars are always up to date with servicing and other maintenance stuff, plus this will help you avoid adding extra miles to your car. Get your car serviced if you haven't done this recently. It will cover most of the next items. Get your car's battery checked. Check tire pressure/ keep a spare tire ready. Check air filters/top-off fluids/coolants. Oil change (most important). Roadside emergency car kit. Get a GPS if you don't have one (do not rely on the phone). Dashcam (non-essential but it will help you in case of incidents). I have this. A valid vehicle registration & Insurance. Keep a mini tire inflator with you. I have this and it works well. I have gone through a couple of times when I had to get oil replaced during a road trip (Valvoline quick oil change saved us). Once I had to fill windshield wiper fluid. Things to bring on a long Road Trip Apart from car inspection and other things, there is a list of essential items that you should keep in the car. Not everything but depending upon your situation. First-aid kit (get it from Amazon especially made for road trips). Water/ electrolyte (a couple of cartons and keep replenishing whenever you get a chance). Warm blankets, jackets, inflatable pillows/mattresses, and a mini cooler. Trash bags, and a car mini vacuum Cell phone mount, and extra phone charger If you have an EV, keep a car charger with you Rain gear, empty bag pack, torch, mosquito repellent, and hand sanitizer Travel games, music, snacks, and anything which entertains you If you have a newborn then keep a newborn bag kit with you Don't overload your car, keep some extra space for yourself, in case you have to spend a night in the car Long-distance driving tips Avoid booking hotels in advance if you plan to just stay overnight. This gives a lot of flexibility to your driving plan. Try to book it on the same day (~3 pm) when you are sure about the day plan. Avoid driving towards the east early in the morning or driving towards the west late in the evening. It's tough driving facing sunrise or sunset. Avoid office hours while driving through the city. Avoid driving 8+ hours per day, enjoy driving don't overburden yourself Take turns and small breaks (coffee/ lunch/ filling gas) every 2-3 hours while driving Do not take chances while driving, keep calm and relaxed and enjoy your trip. Do not try to push yourself with the physical limits of driving. It's very important that you enjoy driving instead of rushing towards reaching the destination. Next: Road trip from NY to LA