Wait times for obtaining a US visa have been a significant concern for Indian travellers. However, there’s encouraging news for Indians planning to visit the US. Beginning January 1, non-immigrant US visa applicants can reschedule their interview appointment once without incurring any fees. This means more flexibility for applicants.
It's important to note that if someone misses their appointment or needs to reschedule a second time, they must book a new appointment and pay the application fee again, as stated by the US embassy this week. These changes aim to ensure fairness in securing visa interview slots and significantly reduce wait times. Visitor visas cater to those who wish to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1 visa), tourism (B-2 visa), or both (B-1/B-2 visa).
“Starting January 1, 2025, you can still schedule your first nonimmigrant visa appointment at the location of your choice,” the embassy explained. “If you need to reschedule for any reason, you will be able to do that one time. If you miss your appointment or need to reschedule a second time, you’ll need to book a new appointment and repay your application fee. Since wait times are long, please make sure you can attend on the date you’ve selected.”
The embassy stated that these changes will simplify and expedite the appointment process for all. We urge applicants to attend their scheduled appointments to ensure the process remains efficient and fair for everyone.
As of Thursday, December 19, the wait times for B1/B2 (visitor) visas are as follows: 429 days in Hyderabad, 436 days in Kolkata, 438 days in Mumbai, 441 days in Delhi, and 479 days in Chennai.
Applying for a US B1/B2 visa as an Indian citizen requires a $185 application fee, roughly INR 15,730. This fee is non-refundable, emphasising the importance of thoroughly preparing your application to maximise your chances of approval. The visa interview is typically the final and most crucial step in the application process. Your level of preparation can significantly impact the outcome. While this step may seem intimidating, you can approach it with confidence and ease by preparing correctly and understanding what to expect. Check here for our guide.
In February 2024, Rena Bitter, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, gave an interview to the news agency PTI. She noted the historic increase in the number of Indians travelling to the United States, mentioning that the embassy processed 1.4 million visas the previous year. Despite these significant improvements, she acknowledged that there are still wait times for first-time tourists. She emphasised the ongoing efforts to address this issue.
