a) It all starts (usually) by giving the GRE.
b) Then came the time to stand in queue for getting registered into USEFI (at Churchgate) in early morning so that we can research on different universities (in 1994 internet was not as widespread).
c) Next came the process of application to several universities and the wait for an I-20. This process involved lot of paper work and getting reference letters, etc.
d) Finally an I-20 comes from some colleges and some rejects from certain others.
e) Next turn is that of US VISA. i.e., getting an F-1.
f) Once we are in USA, search starts for assistantship and on campus jobs.
g) Once Studies done , then application for PT (practical training card).
h) Search starts for a permanent job.
i) Once secured a good job, then conversion from PT to H1.
j) Once H1, then goto India for Stamping on H1.
k) Then comes Application for Green Card. Long wait to clear 3 phases for green card.
l) Once green card done, wait for 5 years on Green card.
m) Once 5 years done, apply for citizenship
n) Fingerprinting
o) Citizenship interview (history of USA)
p) Oath of citizenship.
Whew… What a long journey. Took me almost 13 years…..
Next steps are of course US passport and Indian OCI card.
After that any more journey or full stop? Time will tell. 🙂
And then the dilemma shall we go back to India or stay back…kids are growing …is it rt to bring them up here…..and there is no right answer…..
As the dialogue in Munnabhai goes
Pehle saala baap ki suno( Beta kuch padh le kuch ban le) aur phir beta ki suno…..
Prashant, between your j and p you did not include going back for marriage (Like our Manilal)….then kids….This is all part of the long journey…
Today 3 more kutchis are completing this journey. :-).
And overall in this year, there are about a dozen kutchis who will complete this journey.
For some (like me), it directly started from “j” itself by coming directly for work on H-1 visa.
PIO v/s OCI ? which one would you prefer after getting the US CItizenship
There is one catch with the OCI card – you are kind-of have dual citizenship.
One thing about getting the OCI card is – which may or may not matter to you is As a US Citizen, you have access to US Consulate in case of emergency/calamity while traveling to any other countries in the world (including india). By law, the US consulate will help you if you are in trouble while travelling. It does not have to be an emergency, it can be anything as someone cheating you or any kind of police intervention on your behalf as a US Citizen.
But if you have a OCI – you are kind of a dual-citizen and the US consulate is not obligated to help you if you get in trouble in India (but i would guess it will in other countries)