6 Easy steps to apply for USA Tourist Visa from India

 From snow-covered beaches to beaches and modern cities and open skies – experiencing the United States of America is about a lot of things. On average, over 79.6 million international tourists apply for a USA tourist visa every year. 

Best places to visit in USA

There are numerous places to explore in the “land of the free”. Some of the best ones include:

• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

• Times Square in Manhattan, New York

• Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida

• Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California

• The Grand Canyon, Arizona

• Mount Rushmore in Keystone, South Dakota

• French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana

• Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas Valley, Nevada

• Niagara Falls, New York

• Statue of Liberty in New York, New York

Types of USA tourist visa

Indian nationals learning how to apply for USA tourist visa from India will allow them to come to the United States of America as a tourist – as well as study for a short time or attend an interview. 

There are two types of USA tourist visas: 

• B1 Visa - For business purposes, attending educational conferences, buying/selling property, or negotiating a contract or deal. 

• B2 Visa - For tourism, medical purposes, attending social events, sports/musical/cultural events, or registering in a short-term course or program. 

What is the eligibility to apply for USA tourist visa from India?

In order to meet the US tourist visa requirements from India – you would be mandated to meet the following eligibility criteria: 

• Have a passport that is valid for a period of at least 6 months. 

• Have sufficient financial resources. 

• Have no criminal track record or ongoing cases. 

• Be in good condition to travel to the USA. 

• Have strong ties to their home country. 

• Be able to convince them that the purpose of the visit is for a temporary duration. 

How to apply for USA tourist visa from India?

Looking for how to apply for USA tourist visa from India? Follow these 6 easy steps.

STEP 1: Get a digital photograph: A digital photograph is asked as a US tourist visa requirement from India. Make sure the photographs are professional, clear - and in the required dimensions.   

STEP 2: Fill in the tourist visa application form: You will now need to fill in the tourist visa application form DS160. Once completed, you will be issued a 10-digit barcode. 

STEP 3: Pay the processing fee: Pay the required tourist visa processing fees. You can either pay electronically, through a bank transfer, or at a designated bank by cash. 

STEP 4: Schedule an interview appointment: You will be required to schedule and attend two interviews, one for biometrics and the other for a personal interview with the US Embassy or Consulate. 

STEP 5: Biometrics at VAC: A biometric generally includes your electronic fingerprints and a digital photo that is submitted along with the US tourist visa requirements from India. 

STEP 6: Attend the interview at US Embassy/Consulate: Attend the interview on your scheduled date at the designated USA Embassy or Consulate. Make sure to carry the required documents. 

What are the documents required for a USA tourist visa?

When learning how to apply for USA tourist visa from India –gather all the required documents beforehand. This will help you avoid any type of processing delays. You will be asked to gather the following documents: 

• Valid Passport (current and old passports).

• DS-160 form confirmation page.

• Application fee payment receipt.

• Photos.

• Copy of appointment letter.

• Current income proof, tax payments, ownership of business or property, or assets.

• Travel itinerary and other explanation for the trip you have planned.

• A letter from the employer. This letter should mention your designation, salary, employment period, authorized vacation (if any), etc.

• Court or criminal records in case of conviction/arrest anywhere. It has to be provided even if you were pardoned or have completed your sentence period.

What is the processing time for a USA tourist visa?

The processing time for a USA Tourist Visa depends on the country from which the applicant is applying. The time can typically vary from 18 days to 21 days. From India – you can expect it to be processed within 15 days. 

Best way to fast-track your Canada Study Visa application

 The majority of international students who come to Canada are from India. 

According to expert stats from study abroad consultants in Mumbai, Indians received over 35% of the new student visas issued by Canada last year, far more than the second-place nation (China, at 21%). Out of the total 640,000 international students studying in Canada, 34% are Indian.

Best way to apply for a Canada Study Visa

Step 1: Look into Canadian Designated Learning Institutes (DLIs) to find the courses that catch your attention. The government has granted DLIs—universities, colleges, and other educational institutions—allowed to accept international students. In Canada, there are more than 1,500 DLIs, with two-thirds of them in Ontario and Quebec.

Step 2: Send applications to your preferred DLIs. Your application to DLIs will be evaluated in light of your transcripts, English language proficiency, how the program fits into your career goals, and recommendations from your professional and academic networks. A Letter of Acceptance (LOA) will be given to you by DLIs if they accept you.

Step 3: The next step is for them to apply for a federal study permit. Indians who intend to pursue their education in another province or territory other than Quebec need merely apply for a study permit with the federal government. Indian citizens who want to study in Quebec must first obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate from that province.

How to fast-track your Canada Study Visa application?

The Student Direct Stream, formerly known as Student Partners Program (SPP) – is an administrative framework between the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC). 

Launched back in April 2015, the SDS is designed to streamline the Canada Study Visa process and admissions in community colleges in Canada. Initially opened just for Indian students, the SDS quickly gained popularity – and resulted in the SDS being extended to international students from Vietnam, China, and the Philippines. 

Eligibility for SDS:

In order to be eligible to apply under Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) and its faster processing times – candidates are mandated to meet the following requirements: 

• Be a legal resident living in India, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, or Pakistan. 

• Have an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) in Canada. 

• Proof of having paid the tuition fee for the first year/semester of study. 

• Be outside of Canada when applying. 

• Have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD $10,000.

• If planning to study in Quebec, a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion.

• Medical Clearance and Police Background Report (if needed). 

• Minimum language test scores. 

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is for Indians wanting to quickly acquire a Canada Study Visa and in turn, meet the eligibility for Canada PR. 

Your ability to study in Canada will be legally confirmed by the study permit. Your LOA, evidence that you can sustain yourself financially in Canada, as well as a medical test and police certificate, are important when submitting your Canada Study Visa application. 

Indians should be able to start their Canadian studies in time for the upcoming semester if they acquire an LOA and then promptly submit their completed Canada Study Visa application. You can complete your education and apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). Naturally, the PGWP can help in your eligibility for Canada PR.

Thanks to the country’s welcoming policies, there are currently about 200,000 Indian students in Canada.

Working in Quebec: Best jobs, industries, and cities in 2023

Immigration to Quebec is going to be on another level - as the "La Belle Province” plans on inviting roughly 71,275 new permanent residents– to fill in the gaps in the Quebec jobs in demand list. 

The numbers have soared up more than 41.7% from just 50,285 candidates being invited in 2022 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Quebec’s Immigration Minister Jean Boulet downplayed this year’s boost in immigration to the province in an interview with the French-language Radio Canada television network. 

Looking to work in one of the Quebec jobs in demand? Here’s everything you need to know:

Working in Quebec

Best in demand jobs in Quebec

Service Sector Jobs

• Financial Managers (NOC 10010) – Average median income of CAD$ 46 per hour. 

• Human Resource Managers and other Professionals (NOC 10011 and 11200) – Average median income of CAD$ 43 per hour. 

• Financial and Real Estate Managers (NOC 10020 and 10021) – Average median income of CAD$ 40 per hour. 

• Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations Managers (NOC 10022) – Average median income of CAD$ 41 per hour. 

• Financial Auditors, Accountants, Analysts, Planners, and Advisors (NOC 11100, 11101, 11102, and 11109) – Average median income of CAD$ 39 per hour. 

• Professional Occupations in Business Management Consulting (NOC 11201) – Average median income of CAD$ 36 per hour. 

• Executive Assistants (NOC 12100) – Average median income of CAD$ 32 per hour. 

• Accounting Technicians & Bookkeepers, Insurers, and Underwriters (NOC 12200, 12201, and 12202) – Average median income of CAD$ 33 per hour. 

• Architects and Land Use Planners (NOC 21200, 21202, and 21203) – Average median income of CAD$ 35 per hour. 

• University Professors and Post-graduate Teachers (NOC 41200 and 41201) – Average median income of CAD$ 55 per hour. 

• College and School Teachers (NOC 41210, 41220, and 41221) – Average median income of CAD$ 38 per hour. 

Technology Jobs 

• IT Systems Managers (NOC 20012) – Average median income of CAD$ 56 per hour. 

• Engineers (including Computer Engineers) (NOC 21300, 21301, 21310, 21311, 21320, 21321, 21322, 21330, 21331, 21332, and 21390) – Average median income of CAD$ 46 per hour. 

• Computer Analysts & Consultants, Database Analysts, Software Engineers & Designers, Computer Programmers & Interactive Media Developers, and Web Designers & Developers (NOC 21211, 21220, 21221, 21222, 21223, 21233, 21231, 21230, 21232, and 21234) – Average median income of CAD$ 44 per hour. 

Healthcare Jobs

• Healthcare Managers (NOC 30010) – Average median income of CAD$ 43 per hour. 

• Medical Administrative Assistants (NOC 13112) – Average median income of CAD$ 29 per hour. 

• Chemists or Pharmacists (NOC 31120) – Average median income of CAD$ 55 per hour. 

• Specialist Doctors, General Practitioners, Family Physicians, Dentists, and Vets (NOC 31100, 31101, 31102, 31103, and 31111) – Average median income of CAD$ 41 per hour. 

• Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists (NOC 31202, 32109, and 31203) – Average median income of CAD$ 37 per hour. 

• Medical Lab Technologists, Technicians, and Assistants (NOC 32120, 31303, and 33101) – Average median income of CAD$ 28 per hour. 

• Registered Nurses and Nursing Supervisors (NOC 31300 and 31301) – Average median income of CAD$ 42 per hour. 

Manufacturing Jobs

• Manufacturing Managers (NOC 90010) – Average median income of CAD$ 42 per hour. 

• Machinists & Machining and Tooling Inspectors (NOC 72100) – Average median income of CAD$ 22 per hour. 

• Metal Workers, Iron Workers, Welders, Machine Operators, and Carpenters (NOC 72102, 72105, 72106, and 72310) – Average median income of CAD$ 39 per hour. 

• Mechanical Foreman, Supervisors, Equipment Operators, and Mechanics (NOC 72020, 72021, 72022, and 72401) – Average median income of CAD$ 36 per hour. 

• Supervisors in Petroleum, Gas, Chemical, Plastic, Food & Beverage, and Forest Product Processing (NOC 92011, 92012, 92013, and 92014) – Average median income of CAD$ 26 per hour. 

Best industries in Quebec

Currently, there are five industries in Quebec that have been actively contributing employment opportunities in the Quebec jobs in demand list. 

• Manufacturing industry

• Mining industry

• Agriculture and Agri-food industry

• Hydroelectricity industry

• Services industry

Best cities to work in Quebec

With better job opportunities, a higher pay scale, and stronger networking – Quebec is one of the best provinces in Canada to work and settle in. The minimal eligibility for Canada PR, low points requirements, and quick processing times – are some of the other key factors behind the increasing number of immigrants wanting to work and settle in the province of Quebec. 

Some of the best cities in Quebec to work in include Montreal, Quebec City, Gatineau, and Sherbrooke. 

5 reasons why students favor Canada to study abroad!

 The trend of Indian students studying abroad is not new. According to a study abroad consultant in Delhi, there has been a steady increase in the number of Indian students studying abroad in the past few years. Around 261,406 Indian students traveled overseas in 2020, and 71,769 did so in 2021.

Although Indian students frequently go to different locations around the globe for their studies, they have been increasingly choosing Canada as a study destination in recent years. 

Why is that? Here are – 

5 Reasons to study in Canada in 2023

Excellent Educational 

Canada offers a variety of benefits to Indian students studying inside its borders. For starters, there are several globally-renowned specialty programs provided by Canadian colleges and universities in the field of Business, Engineering, Healthcare, and Information Technology. 

Warm Culture 

Canada promotes multiculturalism. Unlike other countries, Canada is known for having a friendly culture – and the warm & welcoming culture adds to its allure. With such advantages alongside a high standard of living, Canada is a popular choice among Indian students. 

Work Opportunities 

The Canadian government allows its international students to work up to 20 hours a week during their semesters – and full-time during summer and winter breaks. Moreover, you won’t need to apply for a separate work permit for this. It is included in your study visa. 

High Affordability 

When comparing to educational institutes in other popular study-abroad countries such as the UK and Australia. Canada’s tuition is highly affordable. To further lower the costs, you can even apply for scholarships and education loans. Seek guidance from a study abroad consultant in Delhi to know more about the same. 

Immigrant Friendly 

Canada is a country built by immigrants, for immigrants. According to statistics, 97.5% of international students, including those hailing from India – were successfully granted permanent residency in Canada. Canada targets to retain students for permanent residency after completing their studies in Canada. 

Do you need a Canada Study Visa?

All international students who want to study in Canada must get a Study Visa and permit. There are however certain conditions where you would not require a study visa in Canada. You can get in touch with a study abroad or the best immigration consultant in India to know more about this. 

You are a family or a staff member of a foreign representative in Canada accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development Canada.

• You apply for a study program that lasts 6 months or less. 
• You are a member of foreign armed forces from the Visiting Forces Act. 
• You are a citizen of another country, but you have your Indian status registered in Canada.
• You are a refugee or refugee claimant. 
• Your parents are refugees or refugee claimants. 

The Canadian government has forecasted that from 2022-2023, the number of study permit holders will rise to approximately 753,000 international students. Considering the quick process and minimal requirements to apply for a Canada Study Visa – now is the best time to immigrate to Canada from India as a student. 

Things to know before studying in Canada for Indian Students

 A few months ago, The Times Higher Education published a list of the top universities in the world, which included about 30 Canadian institutions. The process to apply for a Canada study visa has gotten trickier than it used to be as Canada has grown to be a more competitive study destination. This article by the best study abroad consultant in Delhi for Canada outlines things you must know before studying in Canada. 

Colleges and Universities in Canada

Canada showcases some of the most-renowned universities and colleges – and its education system is one of the best in the world.  Canadian colleges are perfect for those looking to pursue pre-graduation studies and post-graduation diplomas, whereas, the universities are for those wanting to acquire a master’s and MS in Canada. 

Intakes in Canada

There are three different intakes for Indian students wanting to enroll in a Canadian university/college. This includes the fall intake which starts in September, the winter intake which starts in January, and the summer intake which starts in May. In certain universities and colleges in Canada – intakes may also be named as the semester. 

Courses in Canada

• Bachelor’s Courses 

If you’ve finished your +2 schooling, there are a number of opportunities to study in Canada for a 2-3-year diploma or a 4-year bachelor’s course. Undergraduate courses are offered by both universities and colleges in Canada.

• Master’s Courses

If you’ve completed your diploma or bachelor’s degree, there are a number of opportunities to study in Canada for a Master’s or MS in the same field. There are a number of universities in Canada for Master’s which appear in the top university rankings.

Student Partners Program 

The Student Partners Program (now known as Student Direct Stream), is an administrative framework between the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC). Launched back in April 2009, the SPP was designed to streamline the admissions and visa process for community colleges in Canada. Since a large number of Indian students apply to various specialized trade requirement-based diplomas and post-graduate diploma programs – the SPP increased the number of visas issued to Indian students.

Working in Canada after Studies

A Post-Graduate Work Permit is not a direct roadmap to Canadian permanent residency – it does, however, allow students who graduated from a Canadian DLI (Designated Learning Institute), to remain in Canada for a certain period and gain Canadian work experience. This in turn qualifies them to apply under other Canadian PR pathways such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). 

Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

Although a majority of Canadian universities and colleges offer affordable tuition, there are still some courses that can seriously leave a dent in your pocket. Identifying scholarships and education loans from the selected education institute in Canada – is a great way to fund your studies abroad. Seek guidance from a study abroad consultant in Delhi for Canada to know more about the same. 

A rise in number of International Students 

IRCC has forecasted that from 2022-2023, the number of study permit holders will rise to approximately 753,000 international students. Considering the quick process and minimal requirements to apply for a Canada Study Visa – now is the best time to immigrate to Canada from India as a student. 

Don’t know where to start? Get in touch with a study abroad or the best immigration consultant in India today!