The U.S. Embassy in India has recently implemented new measures aimed at streamlining the process for B1/B2 visitor visa interview waivers, consolidating appointments in New Delhi since March 2024.
Key Details:
The consolidation of B1/B2 interview waiver appointments in New Delhi has resulted in significantly limited availability of such appointments in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Applicants who have submitted passports for interview waiver processing may now be required to appear for an in-person interview in New Delhi, at the discretion of the Embassy.
Application forms can be submitted free of cost at Visa Application Centers (VAC) located in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, or New Delhi.
For a fee of 850 rupees (approximately US$10), applicants can also opt to deliver documents at Document Dropoff Centers in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Cochin, Jalandhar, or Pune.
Additional Information: Applicants with appointments booked before Nov. 15, 2023, are advised to proceed with their appointment to the VAC or Document Dropoff Center, presenting the updated DS-160 confirmation page. However, for appointments booked on or after Nov. 15, 2023, applicants must bring the original DS-160 confirmation page used to schedule the appointment and resubmit it with a new updated DS-160 confirmation page on the day of the appointment.
Analysis: This consolidation initiative reflects the U.S. Mission’s ongoing efforts to streamline visa processing procedures. Notably, India achieved a significant milestone in visa processing last year, handling a record-breaking 1.4 million U.S. visas in 2023 while reducing B1/B2 visitor visa wait times from 1,000 to 250 days. Visa applicants are encouraged to monitor the U.S. Embassy & Consulates visas website for further updates.
