US Consulates to Issue One Million Visas, Gears Up for Student Visa Season
The US Consulate General in India is on track to issue one million visas this year. The consulate offices preparing for student visa season had processed nearly half a million visas. Learn about the enhanced interview waiver system, various visa appointment options, and what officers recommend visa applicants do.
On Wednesday, Hugo Rodriguez, the senior deputy assistant secretary of the Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington, said that the US Embassy and Consulate General in India will issue one million visas this year.
The embassy is preparing for the next student visa season and working toward its objective with over half a million permits already processed.
Significant Increase in Non-Immigrant Visas
Rodriguez said that in the last six months, Indian foreign offices have issued roughly two and a half times as many non-immigrant visas as they did last year.
Impressively, visa processing is greater than before the outbreak in 2019. The office is dedicated to making traveling easier.
Expanded Interview Waiver System
John Ballard, head of foreign services at the US Consulate General in Mumbai, discussed visa-application improvements. He claimed the interview waiver would be utilized more regularly and that persons with any visa could submit their paperwork without an interview.
This strategy has increased visa approvals, making them easier to get.
Alternative Options for Visa Applicants
Rodriguez said that several US embassy posts outside of India have set aside visa appointment slots just for Indian applicants. This is to cut down on wait times and let more people apply.
Also, If the wait time in India is too long, people who want B1/B2 visas can go to the consular area in Bangkok or fill any open spots in Frankfurt.
Caution Against Hiring Agents
Rodriguez and Ballard advised Indians seeking US visas to avoid agents due to high wait times. They emphasised the need of showing actual paperwork and being honest about their argument.
Both authorities advised visa applicants to trust themselves and engage directly with foreign offices to streamline the process.
Even though the US Consulate General in India expects many visa applications, they still aim to make travel easy and help Indians get visas.
The consulate wants to streamline the process and make visa applicants happy. The interview cancellation mechanism and other visa appointment methods help them do this.
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