Travel visas to the U.S. for Indian nationals are taking well over a year. Indians are waiting between 60-280 days for an employment-based visa. This issue has been taken up several times by India’s External Affairs Ministry. However, the Mumbai Consular Chief stated plans are in place to process a record number of Indian visas this year.
Over 82,000 student visas were issued via American embassies and consulates in India in 2022. This marks a return to pre-pandemic levels of processing. A similar number is expected again in 2023. The goal is to reduce the backlog for first-time applicants for B1 and B2 tourist and business travel visas. Visa appointments for up to 250,000 B1 and B2 applicants were opened throughout India in recent months.
For visa renewals, applicants can submit their files via e-mail. The U.S. Embassy has enabled global locations to assist in adjudicating those cases. This frees up the staff at U.S. embassies and consulates in India to complete interviews for first-time applicants. In addition, adding staff and working days are being activated.
If you have questions about your U.S. immigration matter, contact us anytime at ILBSG. We work with our clients in their particular situations to ensure they get the right advice.
