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If you’re a green card holder travelling to India from the United States, there are a few things you need to know. Check out this blog post for all the details.
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Introduction
As a green card holder, you are able to travel to and from the United States as often as you’d like. You can also live in the United States permanently, as long as you maintain your status. If you plan to travel outside of the United States, there are a few things you need to do before you leave and when you return, in order to maintain your status.
Before You Leave
If you plan to be gone for more than six months, but less than one year, you should apply for a Re-entry Permit. This will allow you to come back into the United States without having to go through the process of applying for a green card again. If you plan to be gone for more than one year, but less than two years, you should apply for a Returning Resident Visa. This is also known as a SB-1 visa. To apply for either of these documents, you will need to fill out Form I-131 Application for Travel Document.
You will also need to submit proof that you originally intended to live in the United States permanently, even if your plans have changed and you now only want to visit temporarily. This can be done by submitting any one of the following:
-A copy of your original green card
-A copy of your most recent US tax return
-A copy of your lease or mortgage in the United States
-Proof that your spouse or children are living in the United States
Once you have everything together, mail your application and supporting documents to:
USCIS California Service Center Attn: I-131/I-485P Santee CA 92071
Make sure that everything is sent together in one package so that there is no delay in processing. It is recommended that you send your application by certified mail so that you have proof that it was received.
You will also need to submit a passport style photo with your application. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches and show a full front view of your head with your face in center frame and taken within 6 months of submitting the form. Photos taken with filters cannot be accepted.
Applying for an Indian Visa
If you are a Green Card holder travelling to India, you will need to apply for a visa before your trip. You can apply for a visa through the Indian Embassy or Consulate in the United States. The process is relatively simple and can be completed entirely online.
When you apply for your visa, you will need to provide some basic information about yourself and your trip. You will need to have a valid passport, and you will need to know the dates of your travel. You will also need to pay a visa fee. The fee is currently $100 USD for most travelers, though it may be higher for some nationalities.
Once you have gathered all of the required documents and information, you can complete your application online. The application process is straightforward, and you should receive your visa within a few weeks. When you receive your visa, be sure to check that all of the information is correct and that your passport is valid for travel to India.
Applying for a Green Card
If you are a foreign national living in the United States and wish to travel to India, you will need to apply for a Green Card. The Green card allows you to live and work permanently in the United States and serves as your visa when travelling to India.
To apply for a Green Card, you will need to fill out an application and submit it to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be contacted by the USCIS with instructions on how to proceed with your Green Card application.
It is important to note that the Green Card does not guarantee entry into India. You will still need to obtain a visa from the Indian Embassy or Consulate prior to travelling.
Arriving in India
All visitors to India must possess a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India. In addition, visitors must have a valid visa obtained from an Indian mission or authorized visa agent. Visas are required for all foreign nationals visiting India, except for nationals of Nepal and Bhutan.
Indian visas are typically valid for six months, but some visas may be issued for shorter or longer periods of time depending on the nationality of the applicant and the purpose of travel. Multiple-entry visas are available for business travelers, students, and diplomats. Nationals of Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Palestine, Sudan and Syria may apply for single-entry visas that are valid for up to three months.
Visitors who arrive in India without a valid visa will be denied entry and will be required to return to their country of origin at their own expense. All visitors must have a return ticket or onward ticket out of India. Visitors who overstay their visa will be subject to a fine and may be required to appear before a magistrate before being allowed to leave the country.
Customs and Immigration
All visitors to India must possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad. Those who are of Indian origin and holding a foreign passport require a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) status to visit India.
Customs Regulations
The general trend is that you are allowed to bring in dutiable goods up to a certain limit without paying any duty. The limit for free import of articles is as follows:
-200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
-1L of spirits or 2L of wine
-50g of perfume
-500ml of eau de toilette
You are also allowed to bring in the following articles duty-free:
-Personal effects and gifts not exceeding Rs.25,000 in value
-New articles up to the value of Rs.10,000 purchased abroad for personal use only
Settling In
As a green card holder, you are allowed to permanently live and work in the United States. However, there are a few things you need to do to make the transition smooth and easy.
First, you should apply for a Social Security number. This will allow you to work in the United States and get government benefits. You can apply for a Social Security number at your local Social Security office or online.
Next, you need to get a driver’s license. In most states, you can do this by taking a written test and a driving test. You will need to show your green card as proof of your identity and residency status.
Finally, you should register to vote. This is optional, but it is a good way to participate in your new community. To register, you will need to fill out a voter registration form and submit it to your local election office.
Settling into your new life in the United States may take some time, but it is important to make sure that you do everything legally. By following these steps, you can make sure that your transition is as smooth as possible.
Housing and Transportation
As a green card holder, you will be able to stay in India for an indefinite period of time. You will need to renew your green card every 10 years, and as long as you maintain your status as a legal resident of the United States, there is no limit to how many times you can renew it.
You will need to find suitable housing and transportation once you arrive in India. There are many options available, and the best way to find what you need is to consult with a reliable relocation specialist or travel agent. They will be able to help you find housing that meets your budget and needs, as well as advise you on the best way to get around India.
Healthcare
Healthcare in India is generally good, but it can be very expensive if you do not have insurance. There are public and private hospitals, and the quality of care is usually better in the private hospitals. However, they can be very costly, so it is important to have good health insurance. There are many reputable insurance companies in India, and it is best to shop around to find the one that best suits your needs.
Education
If you are a Green Card holder travelling to India for degree purposes, you will need to obtain a Student Visa from an Indian Mission or Post abroad. You cannot obtain a Student Visa on arrival in India.
The following is a list of documents that you will need to submit along with the visa application form:
-A valid US Green Card
-A confirmed ticket to India
-A letter from your university in the US certifying that you have been accepted for a full-time degree course in India and specifying the duration of the course
You will also need to submit the following documentation:
-If you are below 18 years of age – a notarized letter of consent from your parents or legal guardian authorizing your travel to India and giving their contact details. If only one parent has full custody of you, please provide documentary evidence of this such as a court order. If your parents are deceased, please provide documentary evidence of this such as a death certificate.
-If you are above 18 years of age – copies of your parents’ passports with their valid US visas and copies of their Green Cards, OR a notarized letter from your parents or legal guardian authorizing your travel to India and giving their contact details
Conclusion
You will need to have a valid passport and a Green Card to travel to India. You must also have a return ticket and sufficient funds to cover your stay in India. You will need to apply for a visa at an Indian consulate or embassy before travelling to India.
