Indian citizens and NRIs living in the US are required to obtain a Schengen visa to visit any country in the Schengen region for temporary stays. The application process for Schengen visa would depend upon the main destination country, legal status of the applicant, and other factors.
Learn in this comprehensive guide the eligibility criteria, where to apply, documents required and how to get a Schengen visa for Indians in USA.
Eligibility for Schengen Visa Application from USA
Indian citizens who are legally residing in the US can apply for a Schengen visa from within the US, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. The key eligibility requirements for Schengen visa include:
- Valid US Status: You must have a valid long-term US visa or residence permit, like H1B visa, F-1 visa, or a Green Card. If you are in the US with a standard tourist visa, like B1/B2 visa, then you cannot apply for Schengen visa from within the US. In such case, you must apply from your home country.
- US Visa Validity: Your US visa or residence permit must remain valid for 3 months from the date of departure for the trip.
- Passport Validity: Similarly, your Indian passport must have a validity of 3 months from the date of departure. Additionally, the passport must have two blank pages.
- Clean Record: You must have a clean record to become eligible. This includes no criminal history or previous immigration violations.
Documents Required for Schengen Visa from USA for Indian Citizens
The required documents for Schengen visa for Indian passport holders are as follows:
- Passport: As stated above, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the departure date and have two blank pages.
- Photos: For Schengen visa application from USA, you are required to submit recent passport sized photos meeting the ICAO guidelines. Documitra can help you with getting your home clicked photos submission ready. Visit the Photomaker page for more information.
- Proof of US Status: Valid US non-immigrant visa or residence permit demonstrating your legal status in the US.
- Travel Medical Insurance: You must have a travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 valid across all the Schengen visa countries.
- Financial Proof: You must provide ample proof of finances to demonstrate you can cover the trip and stay. This can be done through recent bank statement, pay slips, etc.
- Travel Itinerary: You must also submit confirmed flight tickets and proof of accommodation through hotel bookings, host invitation, etc.
- Other Supporting Documents: Provide other relevant documents to make your case stronger, like employment letter or enrolment letter.
Which Schengen Country Should Indians in the USA Apply Through?
Indian passport holders residing in the US can apply for Schengen visa through processing partners like VFS Global or BLS International, depending upon the destination country.
- Main Destination Rule: If your travel plan includes one country where you will spend most nights, then you should apply through that country.
For instance, if your travel plan looks like this:
France – 7 days
Spain – 2 days
Italy – 2 days
Then, you must apply through France.
- For Equal Stays: If your intended plan includes equal stays at multiple Schengen countries, then you must apply to your first port of entry.
Where to Apply for Schengen visa for Indians from USA
The correct visa application center will depend on your main Schengen country. After determining the country through which you must apply for a Schengen visa, you must apply through the application center that covers your US state of residence. For instance, for Germany, you must apply through the BLS International in your jurisdiction, while for France you should apply through the application center of TLS Contact.
Apply for France Schengen Visa
Apply for Germany Schengen Visa
Italy Schengen Visa Application
How to Get a Schengen Visa in USA as an Indian
As already stated, the Schengen visa application from USA depends on the applicant’s category and main destination country. Having said that, typically, the process for Schengen visa for Indian citizens in USA is as follows:
- Determine Where to Apply: The first step in the Schengen visa for Indian passport holders in USA application process is determining the correct authority to apply through. You must apply at the embassy, consulate or the servicing application center of the Schengen country where you will spend the most time. If you are spending same time in different countries, then apply at the application center of the country where you will go first.
- Documentation: Gather the required documents. Proper documentation is essential to get visa approval on time.
- Online Application: Visit the official portal of the service provider or Embassy/Consulate of the country through which you are applying. Fill the online application form for the Schengen visa. Provide the necessary details, including the purpose for travel.
- Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the relevant visa application center. There you must submit the application package along with your biometrics.
Common Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection
Indians living in the US often face this major problem of getting their Schengen visa refused. There are many factors that come into play for this. Some of the common reasons for Schengen visa application rejection are:
- Improper Documentation: Missing documents or incomplete filing is a leading cause for visa rejection.
- Inconsistent Information: If the information provided on the application does not match the supporting documents or is incorrect, then your visa application will be rejected.
- Wrong Jurisdiction: You must apply through the correct application center that covers your US state of residence.
- Applying late: Applicants who apply too close to their date of departure often get their visa rejected. It is recommended that you apply at least 15 to 30 days before your departure date.
- History of Violations: If you have a history of immigration violations or criminal record then it is most likely that your visa application will be denied.
- Poor Ties to the US: If you cannot manage to provide strong ties to the US or your home country, demonstrating intent to go back after the trip, then your visa can be delayed or rejected.
How Documitra Can Help with Schengen Visa
Applying for Schengen Visa from USA for Indian Citizens can be exhausting and confusing. More so with determining eligibility and where to apply through. Therefore, it is wise to take professional help. Documitra has a team of professionals who have helped thousands of applicants with visa applications.
FAQs
Q. Can I apply for a Schengen visa from USA for Indian citizen?
Yes, Indians who are legally residing in the US can apply for a Schengen visa from USA. Indians who are in the US on a long term visa or a residence permit are eligible. While those in the US with a short-term visa, like a B1/B2 visa must apply from India.
Q. Is it necessary to have travel insurance to apply for Schengen visa from USA?
Yes, it is mandatory to have a valid travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000. Moreover, the insurance must cover travel, medical emergencies and repatriations.
Q. Can Indian passport holders in the US with a tourist visa apply for a Schengen visa?
No, if you are in the US with a tourist visa, then you cannot apply for a Schengen visa from USA. You can apply for Schengen visa from India once you go back.
Q. When should I apply for Schengen visa from USA as an Indian citizen?
You should apply at least 15 days before the departure date. However, you should also note that you must not apply 6 months beforehand either.
Q. What can I do if my Schengen visa application was rejected?
The first step is determining the reason for rejection. Then only can you prepare for resubmission accordingly. Moreover, it is wise to apply with professional help like Documitra who know the process inside out and can increase your chances of approval exponentially.
