I have scheduled appointment on 02/16/24 with Miami VFS for Schengen visa through France. Post your questions and I will try to get answers. Update on 02/28: Received my 2nd-time Schengen visa this time with 2 years validity. I will make a new video on the second time experience.
Me and my husband both applied for for netherlands through san francisco vfs. I got my passport with visa in 1 week but husband passport is till not delivered. It has been 3 weeks. What is the timeline to process visa and do they process individually even though we applied together
@@Bowl2Soul I submitted mine today but this time I got UPS tracking. Last year we applied together and received passports in 2 separate FedEx envelopes on the same day. Do you have the tracking information? If there is no update on tracking then call them.
Contact the Embassy and explain them the situation. It’s 2 different applications sent in one package. They should be processed at same time.. something is not right
Very informative. I like the simple, precise, and up to date information you shared. Appreciate you helping others understand the process and sharing knowledge. Thank you. 🙏
Hi sir, great explanation, i am trying to apply for schengen visa through france for November. my fiancé and i want to travel to france after marriage but we want to apply before marriage as we want to travel immediately after marriage and we do not have much time to apply after marriage so what are the documents requirements for my fiancé as i will be the sponser of the trip but only difference is i am applying before marriage for both of us and travel time is after marriage?( i am in USA) Please advise.
I am on H1B and my wife H4... My one kid is H4 and Other kid is US citizen... Not sure in this case in application do we need to mention US citizen Kid and take her to submit application ... or not required.
I am also planning to apply for the france embassy. I already once got schengen visa earlier and this is for the second time. Can you tell how did you get schengen visa for 2 years? This will help me to make future travel plans to europe without again apply for the visa.
@@NandaInUS hey, can you let me know seperately about it? Because I have my travel plan on Nov 22nd so I need to apply for the visa as soon as possible. And I believe it'll take time for you to make the video.
Bro US lo F1 visa students ayyi vundi europe lo relatives visiting ki vellalsi vasthe round trip incase vallu expenses pettukunte , Financial documents evarivi submit cheyyali bro?
They took my visa copy(color print) from passport and I94. Anyway, visa is in passport, and you will be submitting passport along with your supporting documents. I carried I797 original copy, but it was not needed. Hope this answers your question.
Did she get her I-20 signed for travel before the visa interview? Also did you use your F-1 visa as the resident permit? And what you use for the number? Sevis number or the red number on the visa?
very great video, I have two questions, what do you mean by VISA APPLICATION DAY, does it means, the application must be submitted in person and where do I submit all my documents after filling it? lastly please how and which website did you book your flight for 25$ please. thank you. I will appreciate your prompt reply.
I doubt you can do that. Give a try. Do you also get i20 like F-1 students? If yes, then travel endorsement should be valid for at least one year. In your case you’re moving permanently. They may suggest you to apply from India. Worth giving a try.
@@NandaInUS my J1 program completes by September and I will need to go back to India by September. But I want to go to a vacation in Spain before going to India. my doubt is can I apply Spain visa before my J1 finish. So I can go to Spain and go back to India.
Thanks for creating this video it def helps people applying, i do have few Questions since u recently applied.. 1. Photos can we take from walgreens/cvs? 2. can you provide your sample cover letter please. 3. Our plan is France, Netherlands & Belgium, but days are divided like this: 1st 1.5 days france, next 2 days Netherlands, next 2 days belgium and then back to france for 2.5 days.. and port of entry exit wld be france, is that okay applying to French Embassy? 4. Also our company doesnt give a leave letter or PTO confirmation, but we do get a Employment verification, is that enough? Appreciate your quick response as our appointment is next week. TIA.
1. Yes, but you need to mention the dimensions of the European passport size, not the US size. 2. Send me an email and I will share it. 3. I HIGHLY recommend showing more days in France during your visa application and changing your plans after your visa is approved. 4. Same in my company as well. I used the employment verification letter along with the leave approval document. Also, leave approval had a comment "Europe Trip"
Thanks for the informative video. I have a few questions: 1. What if my port of entry is Denmark and I will be staying longest in France ? 2. Would you mind sharing which city/vfs office you applied to? I see these reviews and ratings that are making me anxious and confused. Thanks again!
because unlike Canada and uk, you have to go for biometrics, before sending your documents to the vfs. does it mean, I will be submitting my documents, on the day of my biometrics ?
Very good informative video , can you recommend how to get Schengen visa to Italy, I am looking for fingerprint appointment Miami consulate of Italy but it’s very hard to get an appointment, please do share your thoughts.. it will really help us .. Thank you ..
Hi, I do not have a H1b stamping but have my h1b approved. I'm planning to apply for the schengen visa in november and plan for (Itlay,France and Greece) the trip in april.and will be going to India and get my h1b stamping done by jan. Can I apply for the schengen visa for France or Italy now and make the actual port of entry in April to Greece as I will staying equal number of days in each country? Can you please tell me which country i can apply without my H1b stamping?
1. If you don’t have valid US visa then your chances of getting Schengen visa is very low. 2. You have valid H1B approval but no visa. You have plans to stamp H1B visa in India in Jan and travel to Europe in April. Schengen visa validity is not for fixed duration like US visas. They can approve Schengen visa for 3/6/9 months based on application. Few people got visa approved as per their travel plans. So this one is tricky 3. If you’re staying equal number of days in each country then you can apply with any European country. Hope this answers your questions. My advice would be to get H1B stamping first. Enter USA and then apply for Schengen. This will be a straightforward and smooth process. Your chances will be high. All the best 😊
Hey, thanks for the video. We are a family of 4 with 2 kids are US citizens and myself and wife have green cards. Do we have to go to VFS global for Swiss VIsa as well or directly apply with COnsultate in Atlanta.
My knowledge is limited when it comes to swiss immigration though I have traveled to Switzerland and it remains in one of my top 10. Coming to your question. Schengen form remains the same for all European countries including swiss. A few countries opted 3rd party like VFS for visa processing. I don't know if VFS is partnered with VFS or not
One more question if I apply sachwen visa from US as Indian citizen as France application from vfs do I need to go to visit France also but I want to see Switzerland only can I skip france?
No rule like that but it depends on port of entry officer in Switzerland. If he/she is strict then your entry can also be denied. Very rare case that can happen but it has happened to one of my relatives. Just be prepared with your answers for why you didn’t go to Paris? May be you have plans to visit Paris from Switzerland by train/car etc.
"The US Residence permit or Visa...three months" as you mentioned in the intro - why do we need atleast 3 months beyond intended departure date from Schengen?
I don't know, but it was told to us in our first appointment at VFS Miami. Also, the checklist mentioned about PASSPORT only "A travel document, issued less than 10 years ago, containing at least two blank pages, with a period of validity at least 3 months longer than the date on which you intend to leave the Schengen Area or, in the case of a long stay, at least three months longer than the expiry date of the visa requested. Be sure to transmit (scan) ALL PAGES of your travel document containing visas, entry and exit stamps or any other inscription."
Thanks for the video. It's super useful. I have generated the two application numbers by successfully submitting the application but when I enter my details on VFS global, it shows on the first page that they have appointments but when I enter all the details of both aplicants, there are no slots for me to pick in any location. Can you help re why am I not seeing slots?
Hi Nanda, Thank you for this short and very informational video. Since all the trip associated costs is sponsored by me, Could you please advise how can I present this information on the Schengen visa application form for my wife who is on H4. Additionally related to the same topic what documents would my wife need to submit to show trip sponsorship by me. Thank you..
1. Your pay stubs and bank statement for last 3 months Or 2. If you filed taxes jointly then download it from IRS website + (pay stub or bank statement) On Schengen application you will mention your name as sponsor on her application and you will be mentioning the same in cover letter. In our case we had joint bank account this made things easier. Also we filed tax together. Hope this helps
i'm planning to go for 7 days, first 2 days in Portugal and 5 days in France, as I'm spending my maximum days in France, so i should apply in France embassy, even tho my port of entry will be Portugal or i have to apply to Portugal embassy as that's my port of entry ?
1. Your main destination will be France . 2. At the time of applying for visa, you need to show your air tickets entering France and leaving Portugal. Note: 1. Circumstances changes after getting visa and you can change your itinerary and change flight tickets. 2. If it’s your first ever Europe trip then I recommend entering France first and Portugal later. How many days you stay In each country doesn’t matter. 3. You will not be going through immigration counter while traveling within Europe. Meaning you will not have port of entry stamp when you visit to Portugal from France
For visa purpose and to keep things simple, if I plan a 3 week duration across 3 different cities in single country, do we need to show stay / accomodation for each of those 3 cities? Or stay within first city suffices?
Since you will be mentioning that in cover letter it will be nice to have those bookings in every city in same country. It will make your case stronger.
Hi thanks for this video. I am on student visa. My US visa was stamped on my previous passport and I am applying for my visa with the new passport. So should i be submitting both the passports? Thanks for the help!
Flight tickets are mostly non refundable. With refund means it will cost 10 times more. So the question is what if I don’t get visa ? Flight cost will be a loss? That is a huge amount for a family
If we have to go in May end or June first week when should we apply for visa ? Also if we are 3 members applying for visa parents and 1 kid then how many visa appointment slots we have to book ? Thanks
We applied in April and traveled in June. So apply 2 to 3 months in advance. Assuming kid is non US citizen then a group appointment slot but 3 visa applications.
Thanks Nanda! I have one question on how to pre book a flight ticket for the visa. Do I have to pay full flight charges and I believe it won’t be refundable. Please share some steps and link on how to prebook the flight tickets for the visa application. Thanks!
Hi can you please let me know did you book the refundable air tickets or you just took a chance and booked non refundable air tickets I am concerned since if the air tickets are non refundable and for any reason we don’t get the visa then the tickets go waste can you please guide thanks
There are agencies in India who book tickets for Schengen visa. They charge 1000-2000 INR per person. They will cancel the ticket after your outcome of visa application.
Hello Nanda, Thanks for this information. The video is very detailed and very helpful. I'm on H1b and my wife lives in Canada as a PR holder. Can we apply separately in two different countries or is it easier to get visa approved if we apply together from Canada as we both are PR holders, but I live in US? Also, are these dates and port of entries should be followed without fail? As we are not sure yet about the countries we would visiting or entering first.
The more I think about your case it is better to apply individually. You apply from USA and let her apply from Canada. If you both apply from Canada then I am not sure of document requirements for applicants from Canada. You don’t have to stick to your planned itinerary. My plans changed bcoz my flight was delayed by 1 day. You can change your plans after visa approval. Validity of visa is tricky one. I got 6 months multiple entry and my friend got 3 months. We both applied at the same time.
Thank you sharing this information. I am planning to travel Schengen area on multiple entries with Netherland being my entry nation. While filling the application, it asks the address as well as place of residence. As a third country national living in US on H1B, should i put my country of origin or US address? Thanks in advance!
So far, you explained everything THE BEST and SIMPLEST way! Have watched several videos and yours is the most brief and yet informative and truly helpful!! Thanks!! 🙌👏🏻😊
Hi Nanda, Thanks for the very informative video! I am trying to fill application for France short stay. I have H1 stamping till 25 and new I-797 approved till 26. Should I use my stamped visa details in the application or latest I-797? Any idea? Also, pls share the cover letter you used if you can. Thanks!
@@NandaInUS thanks! My wife is working currently in h4 EAD. Do I have to mention that in application. If I mention that then I have to submit leave approval for her too? Any idea?
Hi, I am planning to travel Europe in May(10-22), but my H1b visa stamp expires on July 15. I have an approved i797A for next three years. Will that be okay?
My tickets were already confirmed and can be verified online. No questions were asked on travel tickets. They just took the print out copies of our tickets.
Depends. May I know what documents you're showing? For example if you're submitting pay stub and bank statements then tax return document is not required
Hello sir, thanks for your info. I wanted to know if you’re aware how soon Spain grant visa as I heard France and Denmark are bit quick with the process. Hence I’m in a bit dilemma that which country i apply to get prompt response/approval.
I am not aware of Spain visa process. Process to apply for Schengen visa is same but few countries opted 3rd party services like VFS. These 3rd party have better understanding on processing times from consulates. Traveling to Spain very soon with my previous Schengen visa (still valid). Let me research.
Hi Akansha I just checked on their website www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/visa-the-netherlands/schengen-visa/apply-united-states Process is similar as explained but you will be making an appointment with VFS Global Netherlands to verify and drop your documents for Schengen visa. Hope this helps
Any idea about approx approval time? One of friends has got appointment on 11th April from Boston and we are planning to travel on 16th May. Fingers crossed 🤞
I applied recently and this time it took 11 days. If it’s French embassy then keep in mind they are busy coz of Olympics.. You shouldn’t be having any problem based on the dates you mentioned.
Hi Nanda, we are on h1b but our visa stamping is expired currently. But we do have extended approved i797. We are planning to stop over in Europe on the way to India and get visa stamping done in India and return back to US. Can we apply for Schengen visa or will be rejected due to no valid H1b visa stamp?
I submitted my Schengen visa application for 2nd time on Feb 16th. Person at VFS said they will take I797 copy if we don’t have valid visa. Before starting application just call your local VFS and check once. Most likely they will accept your application. Also you need to show air tickets USA-EUR-IND
Hi, I appreciate your video and explanation. My wife and I are planning to travel to Italy and Greece. We're staying in Greece longer, so I know I need to lodge my visa application with Greece. But do you know if all Schengen visas are completed online? Or if I have to complete the application form on paper and pen, and then take the application with all my documents to the Greece embassy here in Los Angeles. Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you so much for your time, as I know it's valuable.
Send me an email and I will share the cover letter. Here is my experience traveling to Paris ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Qc3qWO_cA9k.htmlsi=HThdWy0LdA6v2srL. Add the Palace of Versailles and the Louvre Museum to your list.
Hi.. thanks so much for your efforts.. its a very informative one! I am also F1 visa holder. Planning for trip in june.. could you please tell me is there any possibility that I will list my passport while in the delivery process?? I am but scared, as my apartment is not that safe.. can I track when they are coming to deliver the passport??
Trust me that fear. I lost my passport with F-1 visa back in 2018 while on stem OPT. My car was robbed near Golden Gate Bridge. Now coming to your question. No, chances are very low that a passport will be lost. You can track the passport; a signature is required at delivery time. I received my 2nd Schengen visa today and this is how I was tracking www.ups.com/track?track=yes&trackNums=1Z53F1R82919979577&loc=en_US&requester=ST/trackdetails
I booked my tickets through a tavel agency back in India. They will reserve a ticket for you until you're done with Schengen visa.. They charge 1k-2k per person.
Quick question on the France application, at one point. It is asking for booking information, I believe it is only asking for stay in Paris because I see only one option. Please correct me if I am wrong here or if I missed something. And you mentioned I will be doing booking for other countries but those only need to be shown when we go for an appointment. Right ??
Yes, you're right. Please see below comment You will be mentioning about other countries visiting in this field. Box 25: Member State of main destination (and other Member States of destination, if applicable) You're right. Here only France booking information is asked. Not about any other country accommodation. Box: 30. Surname and first name of the inviting person(s) in the Member State(s). If not applicable, name of hotel(s) or temporary accommodation(s) in the Member State(s) : At the time of visa appointment they will ask for all hotel booking information in every European country and flight tickets within Europe (if booked). Alternatively you can say you're traveling to plan by train within Europe and tickets will be booked later. I am applying for 2nd time. My appointment is on Feb 16th in Miami. Let me know if you have any specific question and I can get answer from VFS. All the best :)
one more question regarding personal information like address. so my question is should I submit my current address which is from USA or I need to provide what is there in my passport which is India address@@NandaInUS
Hello Nanda, If I’ve to apply with Swiss Embassy for schengen visa, Can I go to any location of their’s or MUST go to Atalanta one if I’m from NC state? Asking as DC is near to me compared to Atlanta.
You should be fine, I think unless they've specified that if you're from the ABC state, head to Atlanta, and if you're from XYZ, go to DC. For further clarification, please contact the number below: Tel. +41 800 24-7-365 or Tel. +41 58 465 33 33
They do have 6 locations I believe but I don’t remember top of my head. Create the account at VFS global France. Try to schedule appointment and it will show you how many locations are available.
These are the locations as per the VFS. So answer is yes France Temporary Enrollment Location - Seattle France Visa Application Center-Atlanta France Visa Application Center-Boston France Visa Application Center-Chicago France Visa Application Center-Houston
Not sure if you’re moving permanently or for any other work in India. Below is my experience in 2022 at VFS global Miami I had a valid H1B approval copy but visa was expiring. I wanted to visit Europe and then go to India for stamping. VFS didn’t accept my application and asked me to resubmit after H1B visa stamping. Hope this helps.
@f3ns9rf4b nope. Not sure if things have changed in 2 years. If VFS is in the same city you live then visit and get your question answered before starting the entire process. You can send email to this address with your query Info.FranceUSA@vfsglobal.com
Hello Nanda, your videos are super helpful and great work!! I have a question, I have a group appointment at vfs, do I need to take 3 copies of my salary slips and bank statement and attach with my wife's and child's application or only one set is enough? Wife is not working and child is very small, so in my cover letter i have mentioned that I will be responsible for all there expenses.
How did you get a group appointment can you please share ? I am trying to book an appointment but I am getting only slot for 1 applicant or 2 applicants I am not getting the group option this is at vfs chicago
Hi , iam planning to travel to italy from may 24th to june 9th 2024 .... i have an indian passport with a usa visa stamped till 26th august 2024 . Is the 3 months rule mandatory .
On the application, it says the following "A travel document, issued less than 10 years ago, containing at least two blank pages, with a period of validity at least 3 months longer than the date on which you intend to leave the Schengen Area or, in the case of a long stay, at least three months longer than the expiry date of the visa requested. Be sure to transmit (scan) ALL PAGES of your travel document containing visas, entry and exit stamps or any other inscription." I applied single entry and a short stay but they approved multiple entries with 6 months validity. In your case, they might approve for less than 90 days. Check with VFS before you start applying. Also, visa processing is taking close to 2 weeks in 2024. I submitted my application on 02/16/24 for 2nd time and it is still in process as of 02/27. Maybe the Olympic games causing the delays. Try other than France embassy.
Thank you... iam applying for italian visa ...as my trip include only the places in italy .. i think vfs global doesnt deal with italian visas ... thank you for the information it was really helpful .
I have a query. I am in the US and looking for an appointment for a Schengen visa. As I observe that the available slots are near to my travel date which is on June 23. Do you know if they release more slots in between days or we only get the dates after that are mentioned as available. Also, the slots I am looking is from the link sent in email after registration of the application form. Moreover, is it allowed to go to a different embassy in the US or it must be specific to the allotted state.
@priyakshinath2542 1. A certain embassy divides the workload by states/region. If you're not able to find this information, then contact the embassy directly. 2. If appointments are close to your travel dates, then it's a very close call. I recommend planning your travel dates as per the visa appointment and visa processing times. I know this is a vague answer. Here is my experience. 1. We were able to find more appointments for France than in any other country at the same VFS location. We got a schengen visa from France. 2. After getting a visa, we had to revisit our travel plans. We traveled to Paris first, then Amsterdam, and then Switzerland.
Hey Nanda garu we have a similar situation as yours I have query do we need to provide two cover letters for each individuals or one as it is group appointment
@@ChaithriStories My aplogies. You're right. I just checked. Other than VFS, everything is the same. vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en#BMQuestionario You submit the documents directly with the embassy instead of VFS.
Great information, so helpful. Thank you! We’re going on a 7 days mediterranean cruise that leave from Spain and dock at different country. We’re flying into London and spend 2 days there. Then fly to Spain for a 3 days prior to the cruise. Since we spending more time in Spain we should apple a visa there? Even if we fly into London from FL?
Assuming you’re an immigrant in USA. You need to apply for London tourist visa and Schengen visa with Spain as well. London is not a part Schengen area. If you’re a US citizen then it’s a different story.
I hope it will be same if I travel from USA to EU then go to India instead of coming back to US. In that case does US immigration doc matters? cause I will not come back to US from Schengen country.
We were in similar situation last year. I was planning to go Europe first and then to India for visa stamping. Unfortunately, I was not able to apply for Schengen visa from USA coz of expired visa. In your case, you’re moving to India forever and no plans of returning to USA. You can give a try and let me know how it goes. All the best 👍
@@srikargudivada1236 it was not rejected. I didn't submit the documents. The timing was too tight. June 2022 end we were planning Europe trip and US visa stamping was in July 2022. We were applying for Schengen Visa around May End. My H1B visa was expiring in September 2022. I didn't wanted my passport to get struck with France Embassy.
If your visa is not valid 3 months beyond intended date of arrival to USA from EU, then chances of denying visa is high. Yes, interview is required every time you apply for Schengen visa. This interview is nothing but appointment with VFS to verify and drop off your documents. Who will send it to respective EU country embassy for further processing.
Hi Pls reply We are travelling to Netherlands (landing in Netherlands) for 4 and form Netherlands we are going to Paris, France for 3 days and again the staying in Netherlands for 4 days. Do we just need to apply for Netherlands?
@@NandaInUS thank you so much for your reply! do we need to mention that we are also visiting France in the application form? We have booked hotels for France for 3 days
@NandaInUS can you please send me a copy of your cover letter that you used removing your personal details if any, so I can refer and create my cover letter, if it is not a trouble for you...
And also could you please explain what does booking yourself an appointment mean Because someone suggested I do that first by mentioning the city I live in.
I am applying for Switzerland visa, not france. I am guessing consulte of Liyhuania handles swiss applications for less than 90 days. Btw, thank you for the response! Appreciate it
@@borragowthamchowdary3557 After submitting the application please check the last two pages. That explains what documents are required. Here is what I found in my application If you are not a US citizen, please provide proof of your legal status (green card, visa and I94 or endorsed I20 for F1 visa holders or endorsed DS2019 for J1 visa holders. The "travel endorsment" signature is valid for one year and must not expire before the date of return to the USA). Letter from the employer or proof of business ownership / business license (if self employed). If retired, pension certificate. If student, certificate of enrollment.
