Behold the Indian Visa God!

Hinduism is known for having many gods. Add the Visa God to the list.

USCIS approves visa petitions and US consulates overseas grant visas. However, it seems that the residents of Hyderbad, India have found a source that positively influences USCIS and consulates to grant visas: Lord Balaji at the Chilkur Balaji temple.

India, partially by virtue of its enormous population, receives many of the available immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. Competition can be intense in the country with a limited number of visas available for a large population. Looking for an advantage, visa applicants have taken to making the pilgrimage to the temple and pray to Lord Balaji for luck with their visas.

There is a set ceremony for hopeful applicants. Worshippers make 11 laps around the inside of the temple. There are reports of applicants offering their passports and coconuts, which are prevalent in Indian cuisine.

Students decades ago reported that their visas were granted if they made the pilgrimage to the temple. Their reported success has led to the ritual of thousands of applicants running to the temple for good luck with their immigrant or nonimmigrant visa. In fact,  even the Wikipedia page for the temple recognizes it as the Visa Temple.

In addition to immigrant visas, many Indians enter the United States on an F-1 Student visa or H-1B specialty occupation visa. The H-1B visa is subject to a lottery and would be appropriate for any source of inspiration or good luck.