Visa Stamping

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Visa Stamping

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    Visa Stamping

    Visa Stamping Services in  S K Document Centre

    Visa stamping is the process of getting an official visa sticker or stamp placed inside your passport by the embassy or consulate of the country you are planning to visit. This stamp indicates that your visa application has been approved and you are authorized to travel to that country for a specific purpose, such as tourism, work, study, or business.

    The visa stamp usually includes important information such as:

    • Type of visa (e.g., tourist, student, work)

    • Validity period (start and end dates)

    • Number of allowed entries (single, double, or multiple entry)

    • Visa holder’s details (name, passport number, etc.)

    When is Visa Stamping Required?

    Visa stamping is usually required after your visa is approved online or through a visa interview, and before you can travel. You must send your passport to the respective embassy or visit the consulate for the visa to be physically stamped inside your passport.

    What Is Visa Stamping?

    Visa stamping is the official process where an embassy or consulate places a visa sticker or stamp inside your passport after your application is approved. This stamp shows:

    • Type of visa: tourist, business, work, student, etc.

    • Number of entries: single, double, or multiple.

    • Validity period: start and end dates.

    • Allowed stay duration (e.g., 90 days within 180).

    • Passport and personal details.

    Without it, you cannot legally enter the destination country.

    General Workflow (Most Countries)

    1. Online application: Fill country-specific forms (e.g., DS‑160 for US; Schengen C‑visa).

    2. Pay fees: includes application and service charges.

    3. Book appointment: for biometrics and interview (if required).

    4. Prepare and organize documents (see section 5).

    5. Attend appointment: submit biometrics (fingerprints + photo) and attend interview.

    6. Passport submission: via courier or in person to consulate.

    7. Visa stamping: once approved, stamp/sticker is affixed in passport.

    8. Passport return: via courier or pick-up.

    Note: for Schengen visas, biometric data is valid for 5 years—so repeat biometrics aren’t always needed.

    Entry Types: Single, Double & Multiple

    • Single‑entry: One allowed entry; once you leave, the visa becomes invalid.

    • Double‑entry: Two permitted entries (e.g., leave and re‑enter once).

    • Multiple‑entry: Unlimited entries within validity (up to 90 days in 180 for Schengen).

    Tip: Multiple-entry visas are granted based on travel history, cover letters, and travel frequency .

    Schengen Visa: Deep Dive

    Eligibility & Which Embassy

    • Apply at the embassy of the main destination; if visiting multiple, apply where you spend most time or first entry.

    Document Requirements

    Common for all

    • Passport: ≥6 months validity + 2 blank pages.

    • Completed visa form + photo.

    • Round-trip flight bookings.

    • Travel insurance (€30,000 coverage).

    • Bank statements (3–6 months).

    • Cover letter + itinerary.

    • Proof of ties to India (employment, property, etc.).

    Tourist-specific: accommodation proof, travel bookings

    Business-specific: invitation letter, NOC from employer, company documents

    Minor travelers: birth certificate, parental consent, etc.

    Biometrics & Appointment

    • Required for first-time or if >5 years since last

    • Appointment at VFS/BLS; in-person with original docs

    Visa Validity & Stay Limits

    • Up to 90 days within 180-day period.

    • Validity may be shorter than allowed stay

    • Multiple-entry visas can be issued for 1–5 years depending on history

    Processing Times

    • Normally 2–15 working days; avoid last-minute applications

    • Best to apply 30–60 days before travel

    Common Pitfalls & Tips

    • Format documents well—no staples unless specified

    • Gaps or inconsistencies may lead to denial

    • Show intent to return via employment, property, family ties

    • Choose embassy wisely for higher approval rates (Belgium, Germany, Italy, Switzerland) .

    • EU Entry/Exit System launching Oct 2025—biometric tracking replaces stamping

    U.S. B‑1/B‑2 Visa (Tourist & Business)

    • Form: DS‑160 online.

    • Fee for Indians: US$185 (~₹15k).

    • Documents:

      • Passport + photos.

      • Interview & biometrics appointment.

      • Bank statements (3–6 months), salary slips, ITRs.

      • Travel itinerary and hotel/flight bookings.

      • Employer letter or invitation.

    • Validity: Usually up to 10 years multiple-entry

    • Process: Apply form → pay → schedule → biometrics & interview → submit passport → stamping → return.

    Other Countries

    Canada (Visitor/Business)

    • Apply via IRCC online.

    • Submit biometrics if required.

    • Provide passport, photos, IMM‑5257, travel and financial proofs, invitation (for business), medical checks.

    Australia (Visitor/Subclass 600)

    • Apply online via ImmiAccount.

    • Provide passport, photos, itinerary, bank proofs, health insurance.

    • Biometrics if requested; visa granted electronically.

    China, Saudi, Vietnam, etc.

    • China: requires invitation letter, bank proof (~₹160k/month), ITRs

    • Saudi: sponsor invitation, passport, photos, sponsor’s details

    • Vietnam: can be on-arrival with an approval letter + stamping fee ($25–50)

    How to Increase Approval Chances

    • Submit a strong, consistent document set

    • Explain multiple entries clearly in your cover letter

    • Highlight travel history and ties to home country

    • Be honest and confident at interview

    Role of SK Document (Service Provider)

    • Helps compile and review full document sets.

    • Drafts precise cover letters and invitation templates.

    • Manages appointment booking and tracking.

    • Guides interview prep.

    • Monitors application status and arranges passport return.

    • Provides up-to-date country-specific guidelines and checklists.

    Final Takeaway

    Visa stamping—from tourist to business—follows a clear pattern:
    Online application → Pay fees → Submit docs → Biometrics/interview → Passport submission → Visa stamping.

    While core steps remain consistent, each country has unique requirements (invitations, insurance, banking, validity). Prepare meticulously, plan ahead, and document clearly for best results.

      • Single-entry allows one entry into the country; once you exit, the visa becomes invalid.

      • Multiple-entry permits two or more entries during the visa’s validity. Schengen visas may allow one, two, or multiple entries, based on history and bilateral agreements

    Your visa has two date-related limits:

    • Visa validity: When you are allowed to enter.

    • Authorized stay: Maximum days allowed per visit, e.g., Schengen: 90 days within a 180-day period

    After USCIS approves your H-1B petition, you can start the visa stamping ~90 days before your employment start date. You can enter the U.S. up to 10 days before the start date

    Most countries require a passport valid for at least six months beyond travel dates. Exceptions exist (e.g., U.S.–India), but it's usually safer to renew before stamping

    Yes—for many U.S. visas (e.g., H-1B/H-4), you can get stamped outside your home country (e.g., Canada, Mexico), though embassy policies vary

    If details (e.g., petitioner name for H‑1B) are incorrect, contact the issuing consulate. Some travelers use their correct I‑797 notice at the Port of Entry and apply for a correction later

    Yes. If your visa stamp expires but you have a valid I‑797 petition and job, you can reapply for a new stamp—restamping is the process

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