What one needs to learn about temporary work visas in the US

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Many noncitizens hope to get work in the United States, but a number of standard regulations and procedures must be strictly followed to get that chance. Applying for a temporary worker visa is one way of doing so. Typically, people try to obtain a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa depending on the length of stay, for temporary visit or permanent residency, respectively. The temporary worker visa is a specific type that is required for a noncitizen who wishes to obtain a permit for working in the United States during a defined duration. It bears to emphasize that this is neither permanent nor indefinite.

The United States made a detailed categorization of various industries where a possible employer might be classified under and the corresponding kind of visa that an applicant must secure to enter the country officially as a temporary worker. Other categories might also consider country of origin and degree of employer-employee relationship as factors in visa type eligibility.

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H-1B visas are for specialty occupations that require higher education degrees and skill sets, while H-2As and H-2Bs are for agricultural and non-agricultural works. H-3 is designated for a trainee or Special Education visitor who works with children with disabilities. L is a visa category that includes intracompany transferees. O is for exceptional individuals who have attained great achievements in their fields. The different P categories are intended for artists, athletes, and entertainers working in various capacities, while Q-1 accounts for participation in an international cultural exchange program.

Before the visa application for temporary work, the United States obligates the future employer to file Form I-129 which is also known as the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. It must, in turn, be approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Other pertinent requirements and procedures might be unique to specific US embassies or consulates. One should check this information by visiting their dedicated websites that outline tailored processes for visas application.

Cox & Kings Global Services is a business process outsource agency that was incorporated in 2008. It specializes in providing administrative support and managing non-judgmental tasks related to the entire lifecycle of a visa, passport, and consular application process to support the consular sections of diplomatic missions. To know more about its work and services, visit this website.

What to know about upcoming changes to the U.S. passport

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Americans who have upcoming international travel plans should be extra-aware that now might be the best time to apply or renew their passports, as huge changes are coming. In fact, the U.S. Department of State estimates that these new implementations would raise passport applications and requests to as much as 20 million come 2018.

There’s no reason to wait it out if you don’t want to ruin your planned vacation and trip overseas. These requests are actually already piling up as people start to take note of the urgency. This surge is mainly due to the imminent installation of a vicinity-read frequency identification (RFID) chip. Once fully implemented, this chip will make for a more efficient and convenient airport experience as well as deter fraud, as it will provide biometric data on all passengers.

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Complementing the installation of the new RFID chips is the passing of the Real I.D. Act, which is set to take effect in January 2018. This new law comes with a set of federal security guidelines that will govern state driver’s licenses, require more specific information from users, and introduce machine-readable technology for better traffic management.

The Real I.D. Act is crucial to air travel and for passport holders altogether as it’s a nationwide implementation. Meaning, if certain states have yet to comply with the act's requirements completely and have yet to issue actual or temporary new identification cards, passengers may find themselves prohibited from traveling abroad or even entering the airport.

Incorporated in 2008, Cox & Kings Global Services has been providing administrative support and managing non-judgmental tasks related to the entire lifecycle of a visa, passport, and consular application process. Learn more about the company’s services here.

Not quite a tourist: Securing a Thai transit visa

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For many foreign travelers, entering a country would typically require a visa, or an endorsement on the passport indicating that the holder can enter and stay for a given period. An example of this is the tourist visa, which is required for those who will travel for pleasure or short medical procedures.

Another type of visa that is given to foreigners who wish to enter a country is the transit visa.

Although there are similarities between tourist and transit visas, their main difference is that a tourist visa gives more time to the traveler to explore the country, whereas the transit visa just gives an individual enough time to pass through the country before heading to their final destination.

Application procedures for a transit visa are the same with the tourist visa. For example, if you are securing a Thai transit visa, you need to have a passport or a travel document with validity not less than six months. A correctly filled visa application form, a photocopy of confirmed returned ticket, and a proof of hotel accommodation need to be presented as well, among other requirements.

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Holders of transit visa will be allowed to stay in Thailand for 30 days. Their stay may be extended for another 30 days if warranted. Long-term extensions, similar to tourist visas, can be obtained, too, but the holder of transit visa cannot apply for a work permit. Transit visas can be changed to non-immigrant visas if needed.

Apart from travelers who will be passing through Thailand before proceeding to their final destination, individuals who can apply for transit visa include participants of sports activities and crew of a conveyance coming to a port or station in the kingdom.

Cox & Kings Global Services’s Thailand Visa Application and Processing Centers in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Goa, and Indore handle transit visa applications. For more information, click here.

Understanding the biometric enrollment process

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that in 2016, 3.7 billion passengers flew to various destinations, a 6.7 percent hike in international air traffic from 2015 figures. But these international passengers, whether first-time travelers or seasoned globetrotters, would not be reaching their destination if they did not have the necessary travel documents.

It is, thus, important that for those who dream of seeing the world to fully understand what they need to accomplish before booking their flights and accommodations. For new travelers, a passport, an official document issued by a government bearing the holder’s identification and citizenship and right to travel to and from foreign countries, is essential. And for some countries, a visa or an endorsement that the passport holder can stay in the territory for a particular period is also required.

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Apart from the usual documents that need to be submitted when applying for a passport or visa, almost all countries these days require applicants to enroll their biometric data. After the 9/11 attacks, governments saw the need to improve security policies, particularly those that concern international travel, to prevent similar disastrous incidents. Since then, countries started improving their passport and visa application processes, with biometrics at the forefront of their revamped initiatives.

Briefly defined, biometric identifiers are distinctive, measurable characteristics that identify an individual. These physiological characteristics include but are not limited to face recognition, fingerprint, DNA, palm print, and iris recognition.

For passport and visa applications, biometric enrollment calls for the collection of a digital photograph and electronic fingerprints. When collecting biometric data, government institutions, including diplomatic missions and their outsourced service providers, must follow the international standards for capturing and storing of information. As biometric enrollment is a mandatory requirement in passport and visa processing in most countries, applicants who refuse to provide their data will have their application denied.

Visit this website to learn more about biometric enrollment service CKGS provides to the diplomatic missions it serves worldwide.

To-do list for first-time travelers to Japan

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It is not surprising that Japan is one of the dream holiday destinations of many. The Asian country’s allure is its uniqueness; Japan showcases the perfect fusion of ancient traditions and modern life. And this juxtaposition is seen all over the country – from its food (traditional vs. fusion) to its popular landmarks (ancient temples and shrines vs. museums and city towers) to the way its citizens dress up (kimono vs. Harajuku street fashion). Indeed, there is always something new to discover and experience in Japan.

If you plan to travel to Japan soon and you are a first-time visitor, here are some tips to help you plan your trip to the Land of the Rising Sun:

1. Fix your itinerary. There are many beautiful places to visit in Japan. First-time travelers can easily get overwhelmed by the country’s beauty. But before booking your flights and accommodations, it is essential to plan your journey. Although you can always come back to Japan (and many do return), it is best to maximize your stay and see and experience the best the country has to offer the first time around. Among the must-visit cities for first-time travelers are Tokyo (Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace, Roppongi), Kyoto (Fushimi-Inari-Taisha, Kyoto International Manga Museum, Gion), and Osaka (Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple, Umeda Sky Building).

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2. Embrace technology. You need a little help from today’s gizmos and gadgets to make your visit to Japan a breeze. For instance, renting a wireless router (or pocket wi-fi as it is called in Asia) helps you stay online and enables you to make calls via online phone services, download apps such as Google Translate, Tokyo Metro app, and Hyperdia, or do a quick search anytime, anywhere.

3. Secure your visa. Nationals from countries like China, the Philippines, and India would need a visa to enter Japan. It is important for travelers from these countries to ensure that they have all the necessary documents needed when they submit their visa application. Processing of application and release of passport (if approved) may take time, so it is important to take note of this when planning your trip. 

Japan visa applicants residing in territories within the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi can submit their documents to the closest CKGS Japan Visa Information & Application Center. For more information, click here.

Say cheese: Tips on taking the best biometric passport photo

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Biometric passports rely on information unique to the person. This includes not only fingerprints and iris scans but also facial features. The passport holder’s facial features would be measured against that of the photograph used in the passport to confirm their identity.

Because of the sensitivity of the software used, passport photographs must be accomplished a certain way to ensure that the correct facial features are captured. Any defects in the photographs themselves, such as distortion, can become a significant cause for delay in processing a new passport.

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Thus, guidelines exist in countries that use facial recognition biometrics to ensure that the photographs taken of each passport holders portray the face correctly. Some countries, like the United Kingdom, provide a template for photographers as a guideline to take pictures ideal for biometrics. Often, these photos should be well-lit to prevent shadow distortion and on white backgrounds to maximize the contrast of the face.

Although it is sometimes possible for individuals to take their own passport photographs, it is generally recommended that they seek professional passport photo services.

And because facial recognition software cannot always account for changes caused by the movement of facial muscles, rules must be put in place to limit facial distortion through expressions. In the United States, this meant that facial expressions must be kept neutral in passport photographs. Smiles are discouraged, and only closed-jaw smiles are permitted.

Cox & Kings Global Services provides consular and diplomatic offices with a range of services covering all aspects of visas, passports, and consular application processing. Learn more about the company’s biometric services from this page.

Some tips on interacting with visa officers

Securing a visa is an activity that essentially requires an applicant to be at the top of their game. It is also a social interaction, one that will see an interesting exchange between two personas. This is a very human reality. Here are a few helpful tips on interacting with visa officers.

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1. Come earlier than schedule.

Of course, the real objective here is to be on time, but going earlier is a way to get around the unpredictable delays. This is a fair standard because tardiness can be grounds for visa disapproval.

2. Always be polite.

You simply cannot play the arrogance card here, and you would be wrong to act condescendingly. Diplomatic officers are educated people, and they are very likely smarter than you. Treat them accordingly.

3. Don’t make up stories.

Visa officers are very perceptive people. While they talk to you, their attention toward you is focused on a different number of areas on your person. These people are trained to read body language, and they can say whether or not you’re telling the truth.

4. Dress appropriately.

You can’t enter an embassy looking uncivilized. There is a certain message of respect that emanates from an applicant whenever they wear the right clothes as they speak with an officer in a formal venue. However, you can’t attend to your visa appointment in your prom clothes either. Be at the same level of fashion as the person you’ll be meeting.

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Take your meeting seriously and act with your best manners. Visa officers are professional, and if you qualify, they would even be the ones to welcome you in warmly.

Cox and Kings Global Services is a specialist business process outsource agency that serves consular sections of diplomatic missions. For visa application advice, visit this website.

Connected: Tourists provided with free SIM card in India

For the longest time, foreign tourists have found it especially difficult to get an Indian phone number. The lengthy, bureaucratic process involves submitting various documents as proof of identity and address, a photocopy of the passport that contains an official visa stamp, a supply of passport photos, and the contact details of a local reference.

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Even after all the requirements have been provided, tourists would still have to wait a couple more days for the activation of the number.

This has provided a difficult time for foreigners. For instance, when the Indian government suddenly demonetized the high-value currency, tourists found themselves stranded with essentially no cash and limited means to communicate with people who could help them.

When Indian tourism minister Dr. Mahesh Sharma visited Sri Lanka one time, he was given a SIM card. He decided to adopt the measure in his home country to guarantee the safety of foreign tourists.

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Starting February 2017, upon arrival at airports, tourists will just need to show their passport and a copy of their e-visa to receive a pre-activated SIM card that is already loaded with 50 megabytes of data and 50 Indian rupees and will expire after one month. Through the SIM card, the user is also given access to a 24-hour government helpline that provides information in 12 different languages.

Cox & Kings Global Services is specialist business process outsource agency that provides consular sections of diplomatic missions with administrative support and management services for non-judgmental tasks related to the lifecycle of a visa, passport, and consular application process. Visit this website for more information about the company.

The astounding architectural heritage of India

The architectural wonders of India go beyond the Taj Mahal and date far back in history. In fact, many of today's modern structures may have taken inspiration from the great ruins and monuments some of which have existed since the 6th century B.C. This is a look at some of India's oldest but very influential structures from bygone eras.

Khajuraho temples. Considered one of the ingenious masterpieces of Indian Art, the Khajuraho temples were built during the Chandella Dynasty between 900 and 1130 A.D. It is believed to be inspired by the Tantric school of thought with the portrayal of the sensual and non-sensual union of male and female images. These simply assert that one cannot exist without the other.

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Sun Temple, Konark. A tribute to the Sun God, the Konark Temple is an exemplary work of art from the 13th century. The intricate mammoth sculptural work is built to resemble the god's chariot, which has 24 stone-carved wheels and is drawn by seven stone horses.

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Ajanta and Ellora caves. The caves are replete with stone-carved sculptures and paintings that feature Buddhist symbols and images. These were built by many Buddhist monks over a long period and may have begun in 200 B.C.

Cox & Kings Global Services is a BPO agency focused on the administration and management of tasks pertaining to visas, passports and consular applications. For more articles about tourism in India, follow this blog.