TTU: Starting January 1, 2025, the United States will implement a significant change for nonimmigrant visa applicants. Under the new US Visa Rescheduling Rule, applicants will be allowed to reschedule their visa interview once without paying any additional fees. However, if they miss the appointment or need a second rescheduling, they must book a new appointment and pay the application fee again.
Goal of the US Visa Rescheduling Rule
The primary objective of the US Visa Rescheduling Rule is to reduce wait times and ensure a smoother visa application process. This change applies to visitor visas, including:
- B-1: For business travel
- B-2: For tourism
- B-1/B-2: A combination of both
These visas allow temporary entry into the United States.
Current Wait Times at US Consulates in India
The wait times for B-1 and B-2 visa appointments in Indian consulates are currently over 400 days. As of December 19, 2024, the wait times are as follows:
- Hyderabad: 429 days
- Kolkata: 436 days
- Mumbai: 438 days
- Delhi: 441 days
- Chennai: 479 days
The extended delays are a significant challenge for Indian travelers.
Importance of Timely Appointments
The US embassy urges applicants to carefully select their appointment dates and show up on time. Missing an appointment not only delays individual applications but also affects the overall system’s efficiency. By adhering to this new policy, applicants can contribute to a faster and more equitable process.
Increasing Visa Appointment Slots
To further address delays, the US government plans to add one million additional visa appointment slots in 2025. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, “We will add an additional one million visa appointments in the financial year 2025. That’s on top of the record number of appointments we had this past year.”
In 2024, the US issued 11.5 million visas, with 8.5 million allocated to visitors, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous year.
US Visitor Visa Application Fee
The application fee for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa is $185 (approximately INR 15,730). This fee is non-refundable, so applicants are advised to plan carefully before scheduling an appointment.
Expected Impact of the Rule
The new rescheduling policy and the increase in visa appointment slots aim to expedite the application process. Although it’s unclear how much the wait times will improve, we expect these measures to provide some relief to Indian travelers.
Conclusion
The US Visa Rescheduling Rule is a positive step toward reducing visa wait times for Indian applicants. With careful planning and adherence to the new guidelines, Indian travelers can look forward to a more efficient visa process in 2025.
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