..:: 4N Prospects ::..

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Does 4N Prospects also provide assistance to travelers going abroad for other reasons?

As long as the ‘‘other reasons' are legitimate, we have no problems in assisting you with information and other travel related services. In fact, we have a broad range services in place for people who want to go abroad for either business of tourism purposes. Visit our offices to find out more about this facility.

How long will I have to wait to get a visa?

Processing time depends on which visa type you have applied for. For student visa you have to generally apply 3-4 months before beginning of the course. For Work Visa, the processing time depends on Country,type of Work, Age of Candidate and more. Generally it takes 3-9 months. For PR, the processing time depends on Country, on candidates qualification. PR is a Point based Calculation and the candidate gets points for Qualification, Experience, Age and more. The candidate has to attain minimum score, which differs from Country to Country.

How to search University in 4NProspects website?

Kindly find the University and courses offered through 'University locator' in our website.

What are the QUALITY POLICIES of 4NProspects?

•Focus on clients expectations to deliver effective services to achieve deliverables with optimum level of client’s satisfaction.
•Follow requirements of reviews, verification and validations throughout our development life cycles with active interaction with the client and technology driven innovation.
•Adhere to the contractual, legal and quality management system continually improvement in service delivery by motivation, training, resource provision, capability building and development of quality objectives.

What are the VALUES of 4NProspects?

We Value, • Customer Focus • Integrity • Edification • Eminence • Entrepreneurship and Innovation • Team work and Boundarylessness • Knowledge • Achievement 4NProspects has high value of Client’s time that is why, “4NProspects invests in Experts not overhead. Our Employees don’t learn at your Expense”.

What is 4N Prospects?

4NProspects is a USA based corporation with its parent company, The Indian Yellow Pages. The organization has been in business in United States for more than 10 years, having expertise in diverse sectors such as Information Technology, Healthcare and Pharmaceutical, Automobile, Financial, Entertainment and many more. 4N Prospects is a one stop shop for all your international travel requirements, be it education, Work,business or travel.Our organization has a single-minded focus, to guide students and professionals to the best possible institutions, thus enabling them to build their future. We are the stepping-stones to their future and remember that their success is directly our responsibility. 4NProspects is a solution-oriented company, which specializes in tailoring career pathways to suit individual profiles within the constraints that may prevail in each case. The constraints may be educational, financial or personal. Our Advisors live by a strict code of ethics and a set of values that are not merely etched in stone but are woven into the very fabric of the organization.

What is a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa?

A Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa is a document which allows a person to live and work anywhere in Canada, and confers upon that person Permanent Resident status. It comes with certain responsibilities and may be revoked if the holder does not meet Canadian residency obligations, or is found guilty of serious criminal activity. A person who is a Canadian Permanent Resident may apply for Canadian Citizenship after 3 years.

What is a Visa?

A visa is a paper document affixed to a page of the holder's passport. It permits a person to travel to the State during the dates stated on the visa. It does not guarantee entry to the State. An Immigration Officer at the Port of Entry has the authority to grant or deny admission, and to decide on the duration a person may remain in the State.

What is MISSION of 4NProspects?

Our mission is to, "provide support and to show easy path to development to our clients in the rapidly changing global environment and to nurture, encourage and provide an attractive and continuous learning working environment."

What is the First Step To apply for visa with 4NProspects?

You can visit the student Section in our website or you can walk-in in our nearest franchise or can call us on 079-40211111.

What is VISION of 4NProspects?

Our Vision is to, "Provide top Quality Services to place students and professionals in the best suited organization for them. Create an enviornment for our staff to excel in their personal achievements and reach their GOALS. Promote harmony in all aspects of life and work, treating all other members of our community with respect and courtesy and encouraging success."

Where can I find more information about international travel?

You can always try our offices. We specialize in various areas of foreign travel and education-oriented trips.

Will 4N Prospects be able to help me in getting my education from abroad?

The primary reason 4N Prospects was set up was to assist candidates such as you in getting equal opportunity to access education from the best centers in the world. Not only do we assist with the educational requirements, but we also provide assistance with a host of related services which they will need once they arrive at their destination. Some of the services include lodging, transportation assistance, and financial services.

How long can I stay in Australia?

The ETA will allow you to stay in Australia for a maximum of three months on each visit.

How much does this service cost?

The service charge for short-term visitors (business and tourist) using this site is currently $20.00 (Australian dollars).

What happens if I already have a visa or ETA?

If you apply for an ETA and the system determines that you already have a current visa or ETA with a longer period of stay than the ETA you are applying for, or the current visa or ETA has work rights or residency rights, the application will not be processed. You will be charged for this application.

What is ETA?

If you are planning a Holiday or a Business trip to Australia, you will need an Electronic Travel Visa Authority (ETA) before you arrive.

What is Short Validity Business ETA?

If you are travelling on business and intend just one visit to Australia, you may apply for the Short Validity Business ETA. It entitles the holder to one visit to be made within 12 months and permits a stay of 3 months from date of arrival.

What is the difference between a 'Business Visitor' and a 'Sponsored Business Visitor'?

Very little. The only difference is that a Sponsored Business Visitor has an approved sponsor in Australia and is prepared to vouch for the applicant's purpose of visit and period of stay and lodge an application in Australia, on behalf of the applicant.

What type of work is "seasonal work"?

For the purposes of immigration policy, seasonal work in the horticulture and viticulture industries means planting, maintaining, harvesting, and packing crops in the horticulture and viticulture industries.

Who is DIMA?

The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMA) is the government department in Australia responsible for managing the entry of people to Australia, the successful settlement of migrants and refugees enabling them to participate equitably in society, and promotion of the benefits of citizenship and cultural diversity. Part of this responsibility is processing and deciding applications for visas and ETAs for travel to Australia

Are there any exceptions made for medically inadmissible dependents?

Yes, in the Family Sponsorship category, the "excessive demand on health or social services in Canada" factor is waived for: Spouses, common-law partners or conjugal partners Dependent children

Can I apply for a Temporary Work Permit and a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa?

Yes, you can. You may apply for a Temporary Work Permit on its own or in combination with an application for a Canada Immigration Visa. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) recognizes the concept of "dual intent" whereby, you desire to work in Canada temporarily and thereafter reside and work in Canada permanently.

Can I apply for Permanent Resident status and temporary status (Work Permit/Study Permit/Temporary Resident Visa) at the same time?

You can apply for Permanent Resident status and Temporary status at the same time. Canadian Immigration policy recognizes the concept of dual intent.

Can I omit a Police Certificate from one or more countries?

If a Police Certificate is not forthcoming from a particular country, a written statement from the police officials of the country confirming their refusal to issue the certificate may be required. Citizenship and Immigration Canada may even waive this requirement altogether if a clear obstacle can be demonstrated. Applicants should assume that certificates must be obtained.

Can my dependents undergo the medical examination in another country?

The medical examination is given around the world by designated medical practitioners (DMP). Regardless of the Canadian Immigration Visa Office to which the application is submitted, the services of a designated medical practitioner in any part of the world may be used.

Can the Skilled Worker category pass mark change?

Currently, the pass mark under the Skilled Worker category is 67 points. Citizenship and Immigration Canada may raise or lower the pass mark without any advance notice. If you currently score at least 67 points, and otherwise qualify for a permanent resident visa, you would be well advised to submit your Canadian Immigration Application at the earliest.

Does my work experience have to be related to my education in order to be recognized?

Your work experience does not have to be related to your education, as long as you are performing or have performed the duties of the occupation for which you are claiming points.

How do I find out if I qualify for immigration to Canada?

Visit our nearest office and we shall guide you for the same.

How is a Work Permit different from a Canada Immigration Visa?

A Work Permit allows an eligible visitor to reside and work in Canada for a limited period of time, and restrictions are usually placed on the type of employment which can be pursued. It will not, by itself, lead to Canadian Permanent Resident status. By contrast, a Canada Immigration Visa entitles its holder to live and work anywhere in Canada, enjoy many of the privileges of Canadian Citizenship, apply for Canadian Citizenship after 3 years and sponsor family members for Canadian Permanent Resident status.

How long are medical examinations valid for?

Medical Examinations are valid for one year from the date of the examination. You must undergo a new medical examination if your visa has not been issued within one year from your medical examination date.

How to get a police certificate?

You should contact the local Senior Superintendent of Police/Commissioner of Police. Police clearance certificates from the regional passport office (RPO) are also acceptable.

If I cannot qualify for rehabilitation, are there any other options available if I need to enter Canada with a criminally inadmissible record?

Yes. If the applicable rehabilitation requirements have not been met, but an otherwise criminally inadmissible person has a pressing need to enter Canada, a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) may be granted. A TRP will only be granted if the danger to the Canadian public is outweighed by the criminally inadmissible person's need to be in Canada. Therefore, both the seriousness of the person's prior offence(s) and the legitimate urgency of their need to enter Canada (such as visiting a dying relative) will factor into the decision.

In what language must my supporting documentation be submitted?

Unless otherwise indicated by a particular Canadian Immigration Visa Office, all supporting documentation in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by an English or French translation, as translated by a certified translator.

Is a job offer required to immigrate to Canada under the Skilled Worker/ Professional category?

No. You can qualify for a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa without a Canadian job offer.

Is there a benefit to using an attorney for immigration to Canada?

Yes, there is. Even though Citizenship and Immigration Canada permits you to submit a Canadian Immigration Visa Application on your own, statistically, your chances of succeeding are increased if a qualified Canadian immigration attorney represents you. Moreover, a perfected application will, in many cases, shorten the immigration process, allowing you to obtain your Canada Immigration Visa faster.

Is there anything I can do to obtain an interview waiver?

Applications which are complete in every detail increase the chances of an interview waiver. However, interview waivers are granted at the discretion of the Canadian Immigration Visa Officer in charge of your file. It is not possible to apply specifically for a waiver. Even if an interview is waived, the Canadian Immigration Visa Officer reserves the right to call you to an interview at a later date.

May I still enter Canada if I am criminally inadmissible?

If you are otherwise qualified but are criminally inadmissible, you may be allowed to enter Canada if Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) considers you criminally rehabilitated under either: Deemed rehabilitation Individual rehabilitation

Recently, I completed medical examinations for my Canadian Temporary Resident Visa/Work Permit/Study Permit. Must I complete additional medical exams for my permanent resident application?

Yes, you will have to undergo an additional medical examination.

Under the Skilled Worker category, what does an Application for Permanent Residence in Canada consist of?

Under the Skilled Worker category, an application is considered complete if it contains the following: appropriate application forms, signed and completed; appropriate Canadian government processing fees; proof of English and/or French language proficiency; all information and documentation required for the Canadian Immigration Visa Officer to make a selection decision; It is important to note that many Canadian Immigration Visa Offices have their own specific requirements that must be respected in order to avoid having your application returned or delayed.

Under the Skilled Worker category, who may be included in my Application?

Under the Skilled Worker category, the following family members may be included in your application: your spouse or common-law partner; your dependent children and the dependent children of your spouse or common-law partner; the dependent children of your dependent children and the dependent children of the dependent children of your spouse or common-law partner.

What do you mean by Dual Intent?

Dual Intent refers to the concurrent processing of an application for Permanent Residence and an application for Temporary Status, therefore demonstrating the intention to both reside in Canada permanently and only temporarily, at the same time.

What happens if the pass mark changes before I receive my Canada Immigration Visa?

Canadian Immigration law and regulations permit the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada to change the pass mark and even to implement the change retroactively. Whether or not Citizenship and Immigration Canada will impose a pass mark change retroactively is a separate issue. The Federal Court of Canada has signaled its disfavour with the practice of retroactivity in Canadian Immigration matters.

What is a "job offer" within the context of Canadian immigration?

A job offer is a genuine offer of employment from a legitimate Canadian employer.

What is a hybrid offence?

A hybrid offence is an offence that may be prosecuted in Canada either by way of indictment or summary conviction. A conviction for an act outside Canada that is equivalent to a hybrid offence in Canada will be considered an indictable offence for Canada immigration purposes. Even if the conviction was a summary conviction in the location where it occurred, it will still be considered an indictable offence by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) as long as the offence is equivalent to a hybrid offence in Canada.

What is a Police Certificate?

All applicants for Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visas, 18 years of age and older, must submit a Police Certificate from each country in which they have lived in for 6 months or more since their 18th birthday as part of the security clearance process. Police Certificates may go by different names in different countries. They are official documents that indicate any prior criminal activity. If officials in a particular country refuse to issue a Police Certificate, it would be helpful if you could obtain a written statement from them confirming that they refused to issue the certificate.

What is a security interview?

In a small percentage of applications, an interview is held to evaluate security issues such as criminality, espionage, subversion or terrorism.

What is meant by the "locked-in" date?

A locked-in date is the date on which the Canadian Immigration Visa Office receives completed application forms and proper payment of the processing fees. The Federal Court of Canada has determined the locked-in date to be the date on which certain selection factors must be assessed.

What kind of criminal history would cause me to be inadmissible to Canada?

Individuals wishing to enter Canada, either permanently or temporarily as visitors, foreign workers or international students, may be denied entry if they or their dependents are deemed criminally inadmissible.

Who can I include in my application for a Canada Immigration Visa?

Your spouse/common-law partner/conjugal partner and any dependent children must be included in the application. Dependent children must be under the age of 22 years, or, if they are 22 and older, they must be full-time students and not have interrupted their education since the age of 22. Your dependents will be subject to medical and security clearance requirements. A change in family status after your application has been submitted may affect the processing of your application. Other close family members, such as your parents, generally cannot be included in your application but you may be able to sponsor them to become Canadian Permanent Residents after you become a Canadian Permanent Resident. Citizenship and Immigration Canada affords equal rights under the Canada immigration application process to same-sex partners.

Who qualifies for a Canada Immigration Visa?

Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visas are given to qualified skilled workers, Provincial Nominees, business persons and to close family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Will I have to take a medical exam?

All Canadian immigration applicants are required to undergo medical examinations. The medical examination includes a standard physical examination, blood tests, urine tests, and X-Rays.

Will my application be rejected if I have a certain disease or disorder?

Each medical case is analyzed individually, taking into account your full medical history. If the disease or disorder poses health risks to Canadians or places excessive demands on the Canadian health care system, it may result in medical inadmissibility.

Will my application benefit if I have a close relative in Canada?

Yes, you will be awarded points under the Adaptability Factor if you or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner has a close relative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and who is currently residing in Canada. To qualify as a close relative, the Canadian citizen or permanent resident must be a child, mother or father, brother or sister, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, grandchild or grandparent.

Will my non-accompanying dependents be required to complete medical examinations?

Accompanying and non-accompanying dependents are required to undergo medical examinations. In limited circumstances, if a non-accompanying dependent is unwilling or unable to undergo a medical examination, it may be possible to have the individual exempted. However, such non-accompanying dependents will not be eligible for subsequent sponsorship as members of the Family Sponsorship category.

Can I apply for a visa on line?

For the time being, you could not apply for a visa through Internet, but you can complete your application form online.

Can I extend the duration of stay of my visa in China?

You may apply for extension of the duration of stay of your visa at a local public security bureau at the country level and above before the expiration of your stay. If you overstay in China, you will violate the law and be punished

Can someone submit my application to the Center on my behalf?

Generally speaking, you should personally submit your application and collect your passport with an issued visa. If you really can not do so, after prepare all the documents that are required, you may entrust someone to do that on your behalf (no need for a power of attorney).

How many months must my passport have at least left before it expires so that I can apply for a visa with it?

In general, a passport should have at least six months left before it expires. If you want to apply for a 6-month or 1-year multiple entry visa, there should be at least one year or one and a half years left before it expires.

How to read your visa?

You need to check: Category, Validity, Date of Issuance, Name ( In abbreviated form), Date of Birth, Entries Permitted, Duration of each day, Place of Issuance, Passport number.

I have completed the application form on line, but I do not have a printer, what shall I do?

Please take down the application form number (the number below the barcode on page 3). The Center will help you to retrieve and print out the completed form and have you sign on it.

I want to tour China by driving my own vehicle, what type of visa can I apply for and How?

You should apply for an L-visa for special tour. Special Tour includes: self-driving, hiking, cycling, horse-riding, hot air balloon, or other expeditions. You should provide visa notification issued by China National Tourism Administration or the tourism administration of related province, autonomous region or municipality directly under the Central Government.

What does 'Duration of Stay of a Visa' means?

Duration of stay of a visa refers to the longest period the visa holder is allowed to stay in China from the date of entry into China each time. After entry into China, a foreign citizen who needs to stay in China longer than the duration of stay on the visa must apply for an extension of stay to a local public security authority before the expiry of the duration of stay on the visa. This does not necessarily mean your application for the extension of stay will for certain be approved. The applicant shall bear any consequences arising there from. Overstay in China violates the laws and regulations of China on control of the entry and exit of foreigners, and could be fined or punished with other penalties.

What does 'Number of Entry of a Visa' means?

The number of entry on a visa refers to the number of times the visa holder is permitted to enter China within the visa's period of validity. When the entries are all used up, the visa is not valid any more. Even if there are still unused entries，the visa is not valid either if its period of validity has already expired. In either case, the visa holder should apply for a new visa if he or she intends to visit China again. You shall be refused entry into China if you hold a visa with entries already used up.

What does 'Period of validity of a visa' means?

The period of validity of a visa refers to the period of validity of the visa itself. The holder of a visa is eligible to enter China at any time prior to the expiry of its period of validity (allowed to enter China even before the 24th hour of the last date of its period of validity), so long as the entries granted on the visa have not been used up. A visa becomes effective from the date of issuance. The visa automatically becomes invalid once its period of validity expires regardless of whether its entries are used up or not. Chinese embassies and consulates general do not extend the period of validity of an issued visa. Holder of an issued visa should apply for a new visa if he or she intends to visit China after the expiry of the issued visa. Foreigners holding an expired visa shall be refused entry into China. Make sure the visa is valid before you set off to China.

What is C-Visa?

Crew Visa（C-visa）is issued to crew member performing his/her duties on board an international train, or on an international airliner, to a sailor on board an international ocean-liner or freighter, and also to their accompanying family members.

What is D-Visa?

Permanent Residence Visa（D-visa）is issued to a foreign citizen who has been approved by China’s public security bureau to reside in China permanently.

What is F-Visa?

Business Visa (F-visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who is invited to China for visit, research, lecture, business, exchanges in the fields of science, technology, education, culture and sports, or attending various kinds of trade fairs or exhibitions, or short-term study, intern practice, for a period of no more than 6 months.

What is G-Visa?

Transit Visa (G-visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who is to transit through China on his or her way to a third country（or region） (except for those who are visa exempt).

What is J-Visa?

Journalist Visa （J-visa）is issued to foreign journalists. J-visa has two categories: J-I visa and J-2 visa. J-1 visa is issued to resident foreign journalists in China and their accompanying spouses and under-age children; J-2 visa is issued to foreign journalists who visit China for temporary news coverage.

What is X- Visa?

Student Visa (X-visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who comes to China for the purpose of study for a period of six or more months. A foreign citizen who is to study in China for less than six months should apply for a business visa (F-visa).

What is Z-Visa?

Work Visa (Z-visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who is to take up a post or employment in China and his or her accompanying family members, or to give commercial performances in China.

What shall I do if I collect a wrong passport?

Things like that rarely happen. If the mistake was discovered at collection, please report to the counter staff immediately. In case you discover the mistake after you leave the Center, report the case to the Center immediately by email, telephone call or fax, and act in accordance with the instructions of the Center.

What would be the best time for me to apply for a visa before my planned departure for China?

It is advisable that you apply for a visa 1or 2 months in advance of your intended date of entry into China, and do not apply 3 months earlier than your intended date of entry. Your issued visa might expire before your intended departure date for China if you apply too early; but if you apply too late, you might not be able to obtain a visa in time for your scheduled departure. For instance, if you plan to enter China on July 1, , the best time for you to submit your application for a visa is from May 1 to June 20 (working days only). If you request same day service (visa ready for collection on the same day of submission of your application) or next working day service (visa ready for collection on the next working day), you will be required to pay an extra fee for the express service.

Where do I apply for a visa?

If you are ordinary passport holders who are Indian citizens and citizens of other countries possessing Indian permanent residence or work permits, you can submit your application by visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre. However, Holders of diplomatic and service (official) passports or applicants eligible for applying for China's diplomatic, service and courtesy visas, or journalists and media employees applying for Chinese visa, or applicants applying for a visa /entry permit to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China should apply directly to the Chinese Embassy.

Can I get my visa directly at Paris airport?

No, you must avail for a visa before you leave India.

Can I receive my passport by courier?

Yes, you can receive your passport by courier. At the time of submitting your application you can avail of the courier facility by filling up the 'Courier Request Form'. Your passport can be couriered to an address mentioned by you in the Form. This facility comes to you at an additional charge of Rs.200/- per application. Courier facility not available for applications being submitted at France Visa Application Centre in Mumbai.

Can I send my application by post or through courier?

No. In case you are unable to submit your application in person, you have the option of getting it submitted through a travel agent or a representative. However, for Mumbai Consular post all applicants will have to come in person the next working day for fingerprinting.

Can I stay after my visa has expired?

No, you cannot stay beyond the expiry of your visa; your visa cannot be extended.

Can my visa be extended in France?

No, visa cannot be extended in France.

Can the sponsor send documents directly to the visa section?

Sponsors may send supporting documentation directly to the applicant, who can share it with the visa section during the interview. Having a sponsor or offer to guarantee a person's return to their home country does not guarantee issue of visa. French immigration law makes no provisions for offers of guarantee or the like. The burden of proof is on the applicant.

Do I have to be fingerprinted?

All visa applicants except those under age 6 years will be required to submit all ten electronic fingerprint impressions. At the time of the visa interview, applicants will be asked to electronically scan all five fingers of each hand.

For which countries Schengen visa is valid?

Schengen visa is valid for following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

How do I take an appointment?

In order to get an appointment you can log on to our website www.vfs-france.co.in or call our help lines from 0900 - 1200 hours and 1245 - 1730 hours, Monday to Friday. Contact No. New Delhi 011-4113-1111 Chennai 044-3246-9800 Mumbai 022-6631-4000 Kolkatta 033-3295-8646

How soon can I apply for my visa?

You can submit your application as per the Consular Post you belong to: - New Delhi, up to 2 months in advance, - Chennai, up to 2 months in advance, - Mumbai, up to 6 months in advance. The validity of the visa will be as per your travel dates.

I am a British overseas citizen. Do I require a visa?

Yes, you need a Schengen visa for your travel.

I am an Indian citizen and have a UK/Ireland/US/Canadian/Japan valid visa ( or residence permit). Do I need an airport transit visa when traveling through Paris?

No, you don’t need an airport transit visa if you hold a confirmed valid visa for the above mentioned countries. However you are advised to confirm the requirement of the visa with the airline with which you intend to travel as some airlines insist on an airport transit visa.

I am an Indian citizen living abroad. Do I have to apply in India?

It is advisable to apply in the country where you reside.

I am going to St. Martin, can I apply for my visa from the French Consulate?

Yes, if you are visiting Guadeloupe St. Martin then you can apply for your visa from The French Embassy / Consulate.

I am going to UK and intend to visit your country. Can I make the hotel booking from UK?

No, you must make your reservation in India itself and also provide details of hotel booking during the course of submitting your application.

I am holding a valid Schengen visa and wish to travel to TOM / DOM. Can I travel?

No, you cannot travel on a Schengen visa to TOM / DOM. You must have the TOM / DOM name mentioned in your visa. Please apply for a separate visa.

I am married to a French citizen. How do I make an application?

If you are making your application to the French Consulate in Mumbai and have a French marriage certificate, it is advisable to schedule a prior appointment to submit your application. You may call our helpline on 022-6631-4000 for more information.

I am the principal applicant and I am traveling with my family. How many application forms do I fill?

One application form per applicant must be filled. Each application must be complete with all supporting documents.

I am traveling to multiple Schengen countries. From which Consulate should I apply for my Schengen visa?

Schengen visa must be applied from The Embassy / The Consulate of the country where you will be staying for maximum number of days. If your stay has equal number of days in each country then you must apply to The Embassy / The Consulate of the country which would serve as the first port of entry.

I have a valid Schengen visa but my Indian passport has expired. Can I transfer this visa to my new passport?

No. If you are holding a valid Schengen visa in an expired Indian passport, you may carry both your expired and new Indian passports together and travel between India and the Schengen countries until the visa expires. You do not need to obtain a new visa.

I need to renew my recently expired short stay visa. What should I do?

A Schengen visa cannot be renewed. You must apply for a new visa to replace an expired one. You may schedule an appointment for submission of new application. All documents must be submitted along with an application form and visa fee.

I presently have a valid Schengen visa but have not given my finger prints. What should I do?

You can travel on this visa till the expiry. Upon expiry you must apply for a new visa with finger prints

My visa got refused with no explanation. Can you let me know why?

According to the French law, the reasons for refusal are confidential and cannot be disclosed. VFS authority extends only to the documentation and application process. The issuing of visas is solely at the discretion of The Embassy / The Consulate.

On my way to US, UK, etc… I wish to spend a day or two in Paris. Do I need a visa?

Yes, you need an ordinary transit visa (valid up to 5 days). If you wish to stay for more than 5 days then you must apply for a short stay visa (valid up to 90 days).

Should I carry original documents for my interview?

The French Embassy / Consulate would like to view your original documents at the time of your interview. Hence please carry your original documents with you.

We are a family of three. How many appointments do I schedule?

One appointment per person has to be scheduled.

What address do I mention on the application form, if my current home address and my address on the passport is not the same?

You must mention your current home address in India and not the address noted in your passport. It is in order for the current home address to differ from the address noted in your passport.

What are TOM/ DOM Visa?

This visa is not a Schengen visa. This visa allows to travel to Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion Island, Guyana, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories, St. Pierre and Miquelon or Mayotte.

What do I have to do if I have lost or misplaced my Indian passport with a valid Schengen visa?

You are strongly recommended to keep photocopies of your passport’s data pages and of the Schengen visa. A visa is a valuable document. Inform The Embassy / The Consulate from where your visa was issued immediately if you have lost your passport. You must apply for a new visa by submitting all documents and payment of visa fees. You must submit a copy of the Police First Incident Report (FIR) with your application. It is preferable to also submit a copy of the visa and the lost passport for ready reference of the Visa Officer.

What is a covering letter?

You must make a covering letter addressed to The French Embassy / Consulate detailing your purpose of travel, travel dates and any other information that may help in the processing of your application.

What is a Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa allows its holder to move freely in all the member states of the European Union who signed the Shengen agreement within the validity of the visa.

What is an airport transit visa?

If you intend to simply transit through France en route to a third country, you must apply for an airport transit visa and present the evidence of an onward travel (air ticket) and a valid entry authorization (visa) for your desired final destination. The airport transit visa permits entry into the airport area only. However, Indian passport holders having a confirmed air ticket going to the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Switzerland (excluding Geneva) transiting France do not require this visa.

What is attestation d’accueil?

If you are being invited by our family/friend staying in France, then an “attestation d’accueil” has to be sent by your host. This form is available at the local town hall. It is compulsory to have this form in original, because you may be required to present this proof of stay stamped by the French Consulate at port of entry. Therefore it is advisable that the form be kept handy while travelling.

If the visa is issued: -

a) Courier Case: If you have paid Rs. 807/- your passport will be delivered at your residence through Blue Dart Courier. You need to hand over the stamped photocopy to the courier person to get the delivery. b) Non-Courier Case: If you have paid Rs. 607/- you will be able to collect your passport from the VFS office where you applied, on the day that the visa is issued:- * Between 1500 - 1700 hrs - New Delhi Centre * Between 1500 - 1700 hrs - Jalandhar Centre * Between 1500 - 1700 hrs - Chandigarh Centre * Between 1500 - 1600 hrs - Chennai Centre * Between 1500 - 1600 hrs - Bangalore Centre * Between 1630 - 1730 hrs - Mumbai Centre * Between 0800 - 1500 hrs - Kolkata Centre

If the visa is refused:-

Your passport & other documents will be handed over to you at the VFS centre where you applied.

What could be the Status?

Once Consular has assessed your documents, s/he will make the decision to legalize your documents; refuse your documents; or ask for correct translation.

What could the status be?

Once a Visa Officer has assessed your application, s/he will make the decision to either issue your visa; refuse your visa; or invite you for an interview. This process is the same, whether you are applying for a Schengen visa (C type) or National visa (D type).

What do I need to carry for the interview?

Interview letter & all original documents which you did not submit at the time of submission.

What should I do after submitting the Documents for Legalization?

You can check the status of your documents on the date given on your receipt while submitting the documents or call our help lines 011 - 42340000 (North), 022 - 66644314 (West), 044 - 42149394 (South).

What should I do after submitting the visa application?

Check the status of your application via SMS (VISA IY PASSPORT NUMBER TO 57333) or log on to the website (www.vfs-italy.co.in) in the evening of the third working day after submission or call our help line on 011 - 42340000(North) 022 - 66644314 (West ) 044- 42149394 (South) 033 - 32958646 (East)

What will happen after the interview?

You can check the status of your application via SMS or website the next working day after 1400hrs.

What will happen if I am called for an interview?

VFS Office will intimate you. You need to go to the application centre where you submitted your visa application to collect an interview letter.

Where will my interview be held?

At the Embassy of Italy, New Delhi, 50E, Chandra Gupta Marg, Chanakyapuri - 110021 (For applicants of North Region) Consulate General of Italy, Mumbai Kanchanjunga - 2nd Floor, 72, G. Deshmukh Marg,Mumbai - 400026 (For applicants of West and South Region) The interview letter will tell you the date & time.

What is a B-1 Visa?

B-1 visas are issued to a foreign citizen seeking to enter the United States of America for business purposes.

What is a B-2 Visa?

B-2 visas are granted to a foreigner seeking to enter for tourism purposes. In practice, the two visa categories are usually combined together and issued as a "B1/B2" visa valid for a temporary visitor for either business or pleasure or a combination of the two.

What is a CPT?

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is temporary employment authorization for non-immigrant students in the United States while enrolled in a college-level degree program.

What is a J-1 visa?

A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria and be sponsored either by a private sector or government program.

What is an F-1 visa?

An F-1 visa is a non-immigrant, full-time, student visa that allows foreigners to pursue education in the United States. F-1 visas are given only through academic institutions. Vocational education is not included in F-1 visa.

What is an I-20?

Form I-20 is a United States Department of Homeland Security document issued by colleges, universities, and vocational schools that provides supporting information for the issuance of a student visa or change of status (F, J and M non-immigrant statuses).

What is an L-1 Visa?

An L-1 visa is a visa document used to enter the United States for the purpose of work in L-1 status. L-1 visas are available to employees of an international company with offices in both a home country and the United States, or which intend to open a new office in the United States while maintaining their home country interests.

What is an L-2 Visa?

An L-2 visa is a visa document used to enter the United States by the dependent spouse and minor unmarried children of qualified L-1 visa holders. It is a non-immigrant visa, and is only valid for the duration of the spouse's L1 visa.

What is an M-1 visa?

An M-1 visa is a type of student visa reserved for vocational and technical schools. To obtain an M-1 visa for traveling to the United States, a student must present a signed Form I-20 at a United States embassy or consulate in his home country.

What is an OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a period during which undergraduate and graduate students with F-1 status who have completed or have been pursuing their degrees for more than nine months are permitted by the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) to work for at most one year on a student visa without needing to acquire a work H-1B visa towards getting a practical training to complement their field of studies.

What is SEVP/SEVIS?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-accessible database used by the Department of Homeland Security to collect, track and monitor information regarding exchange visitors, international students and scholars who enter the United States on F, M or J visa. SEVIS is managed by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.