Nonimmigrant Visas
Business Executive Program
Some Indian companies are registered with the U.S. Embassy under the Business Executive Program (BEP). Generally, these are well-established companies with a high number of business visa requirements each year.
All nonimmigrant visa applicants must pay the standard nonimmigrant Visa Application fee and the VFS service charge at a designated branch of HDFC Bank BEFORE booking an appointment. There the applicant will receive a bar-coded receipt. The applicant may log on to the website http://www.vfs-usa.co.in and use the bar code number to schedule a visa appointment and then complete the visa application form on-line.
Very often your Human Resource Department will assist you by making the appointment for you, and by reminding you what documents you will need to carry with you. In addition to the documents needed for any Nonimmigrant visa application (documents required for a nonimmigrant visa), you will also need:
A cover letter signed by two authorized signatories from your company detailing the reason for your travel and the expected length of stay in the U.S.
The cover letter should refer to you by name. Be prepared to answer questions regarding your qualifications, time with the company, and basic trip information. You must indicate yours is a BEP application when making your appointment, unless you are applying for a tourist visa for your own personal travel.
Many companies request admittance to the Business Executive Program, as their employees may be more likely to receive business visas. However, even as an employee of a BEP company, the criteria to receive a visa remain the same. That is, you must qualify on your own merit and must be able to overcome the presumption of intent to immigrate. Answering any questions you may be asked, or providing the documents requested go a long way towards proving the validity of your application to the consular officer who considers your case. Remember, although it is helpful, being an employee of a Business Executive Program company does not guarantee you a visa.