Despite efforts to minimise the backlog, the average wait period in India for a US visa appointment is still more than 500 days. As a result, the US embassy in India today recommended Indians travelling abroad book an appointment at their final destination's US embassy or consulate. For example, it indicated that Thailand has an appointment capacity for B1 and B2 visas (travel and business).
Based on the latest tweet from the US embassy in India, you can get a visa appointment with the US Embassy or Consulate at your destination if you have a future international trip. @USEmbassyBKK, for example, has opened B1/B2 appointment capacity for Indians visiting Thailand in the coming months.
Also Read: USA Magnetised 2 Lakh Indians for Higher Education in 2021-22: 19% Hike Reported
To shorten visa processing delays, the United States has implemented additional initiatives, such as conducting special interviews for first-time applicants and increasing the number of consular staff. As part of the comprehensive approach to reducing the visa backlog, the US embassy in Delhi and consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad organised "special Saturday interview days" on January 21.
The US State Department has also implemented remote processing of interview waiver cases for applicants with prior US visas. Over 2,50,000 new B1/B2 appointments were advertised by the US mission in India two weeks ago.
According to a top US visa officer who recently spoke with the news agency PTI, the US is putting all of its efforts towards lowering the excessive visa wait times in India. This involves dispatching a team of consular employees to the country and opening its other overseas embassies, such as those in Germany and Thailand, to Indian people needing visas. Following the removal of coronavirus-related travel restrictions, India was one of the few countries where applications for US visas climbed dramatically.
Also Read: Applying for US Visa? Avoid these 3 Major Mistakes
Long wait times for first-time visa applicants, particularly those seeking under the B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) categories, have raised concerns in India. The waiting period for first-time B1/B2 visa applicants in India was approximately three years in October last year.
Get Experts’ Help to Apply for US Study Visa!
Source: NDTV News