Sunday, September 15, 2013

Embassy update

We haven't received our visas back from passport processing yet, but in the meantime we followed up with ACS at the US Embassy about the time they quoted us for obtaining the baby's exit visa, and received the following reply:

Dear Bluebird,

The time line is a new policy by the Indian Government.  We had people get their exit visa less than 10 days and others more than that time.  I just wanted to let you know in advance so you can be prepared.  I would think expect up to 10 days although the Government of India told us from 10 – 20 days.  Most people haven’t hired a lawyer, but if you feel more comfortable doing so, then it is your choice.

Thank you.

American Citizen Services New Delhi

This has eased our minds a bit, as staying for possibly over a month would require us to rethink finances, travel & accommodations, pet sitting plans, and work schedules. Unfortunately, neither of our employers offers paternity leave; we must use our earned vacation (which is paltry in the U.S.) and once exhausted, would have to take FMLA unpaid.  So we will tentatively plan for 3 weeks, but hopefully can return home with the baby sooner.

We have talked to a few people who have done the FRRO process by themselves and were fine, but they were very meticulous with their paperwork. We are considering using a lawyer that has been recommended by many, as the service would give us some peace of mind for the FRRO portion, which would cost $200 USD for a singleton ($300 for twins).  If they can facilitate the process to get us through FRRO quicker, the fee would be offset by the expense of staying in India.

We will continue to monitor the situation and other folks' exit process to see if the lawyer and extended stay are warranted.  If you have any relevant information, please share!

On the baby front, we have received no updates.  No news is good news!

Not our baby, just a random funny image from the web!



17 comments:

  1. The FRRO seems to treat US citizens quite well (as we are backed by rather proactive embassies and consulates). Your experience will probably make you very happy and proud to be an American...

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    1. Thanks guys, this is great to hear! Welcome home and enjoy the ride!

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  2. I think the Mumbai FRRO timeframe has been different from New Delhi FRRO for some time now. I think that for the last several months it has been a couple days longer to get an exit visa in Mumbai. That may be changing if the ACS is alluding to new policies of the Indian government. I think it would be best to hope for a speedy process but have some contingency plans in place if it ends up taking longer. Having an advocate like a lawyer is helpful to expedite the process and is well worth it if you factor in the cost of staying in a hotel for extra days.

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    1. This is what we're thinking as well, and have started planning contingencies. Work will just have to wait, and I'll have to file for FMLA if it ends up taking longer. The only real concern we have is for our pets, and we absolutely won't put them in a kennel. Like your twins, we are having relatives watch our "kids" while we are gone, but in our home and don't want to put an undue burden on our families, as none of them live in Dallas.

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  3. You will be just fine!! Just be organized, and all will be okay. We used Poonam for the FRRO, yes, even I did, but it just eased my mind knowing that she was there to handle everything should a problem arise, and there was a mistake in our paperwork that she caught and had remedied by the clinic. She will help you, and it's worth the $200 in my opinion!!!

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    1. Thanks, Kim. The fee is not a negligible sum, but in the larger scheme of things, it is a small amount to pay for peace of mind, which is priceless.

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  4. Guys just found your blog again, glad everything is OK, your gonna be daddies soon!

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  5. How come your not on the SCI blog list anymore, did you change clinics?? M

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    1. We are still with SCI and our baby is due in just a couple months!

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  6. Exciting times ahead for you! Try to not stress, all will be fine, enjoy this wonderful time.

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    1. Thanks Meg, we are trying to enjoy it! Lots of preparations. And shopping, finally! :)

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  7. Sounds like things are coming together :)

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    1. Crossing our fingers! Can't wait to meet you all in India, so excited!

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  8. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    1. Anonymous unsubstantiated allegations will be deleted.

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  9. Just get all the forms, pre-filled them. Photocopy passport pages, visa pages, and everything else...photocopy several times.
    Contact all other blogland IPs to get their insights and tips. Plan a babyshower to get all the essential items! heehee I love babyshower! LOL

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