VISA POWER, DONT "GO GET IT"

This post is with reference to excruciating process of getting a visa to travel to the US of A
We have planned a trip for this summer and decided to start the application procedure early enough.

What is surprising is the amount of paperwork that is needed along with the application.Some of the details are just ridiculously funny and to top it all the application states " Please note that a visa in no way ensures that you will be granted entry into the country. The officer at the Immigration Counter will decide at your time of entry whether you should be allowed to travel or not"

So technically you can land up and be told to go back!

After getting copies of evrything from tax returns to appointment letters to property ownerships deeds, we finally landed up at the American Embassy in Chanakyapuri.

Your forms are first screened while you are standing in the line outside the embassy. Then one has to go to another counter for "questioning". In our case the man behind the screen decided that I no longer look like the photograph I have submitted. After convincing him we proceed to enter the embassy(FINALLY!).

Then, you have to submit your fingerprints. If for some strange reason one of your index numbers is injured you cant give the interview.

The irony here is that the lady at this counter actually liked my application photo.

After all of this you have to stand in this huge serpentine line to get interviewed. The couples with kid are given priority but not the really old couples. It was really sad to see all these aged people stand for hours to get a visa.

While standing in the line you can look around to find posters of "America's Most Wanted Terrorists" and "Top Ten Fugitives" and also a plasma T.V that shows you the major attractions of the country( "its going to be worth it")

Now, the people at the embassy can be divided easily into four categories:

a) Innocent tourists like us who just want to go and see the country

b) Newly wed brides desperate to join their husbands

c) IIT/IIM pass outs going as tourists in search of lucrative deals

d) Old uncles and aunties who are going either for weddings or to meet their children

Give Indians a que and the comaradrie will develop on its own. As the hours pass by the conversation flows.

Our appointment was at 11:15 a.m but our chance came at quarter to three(phew!)

It lasted for exaclty fve minutes at the end of which we were told to enjoy the trip.But there were also people who were intimidated and were crying at the end of their interviews.

Our passports have now arrived (with the visa stamp) but I hope i never have to do this again, I'd rather go to another country!