Except during a public holiday, weekend, or in a case of certain unavoidable reasons, the US embassies and consulates are usually open for interviews.
Are the US embassies and consulates open for interviews?
Except during a public holiday, weekend, or in a case of certain unavoidable reasons, the US embassies and consulates are usually open for interviews.
How do I prepare for an interview at the US Embassy?
Prior to the interview, ensure you have followed the U.S. Embassy or Consulate interview preparation instructions. On the scheduled date and time of your interview appointment, go to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with your printed visa application (DS-260) confirmation page.
Is the US Embassy in Mumbai Open for immigrant visa?
The U.S. Consulate in Mumbai reopened all immigrant visa services. Routine nonimmigrant services remain limited at U.S. Embassy New Delhi and the consulates Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai. The U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou has resumed processing of fiance (e) and immigrant visa applications.
How do I apply for an immigrant visa interview?
On the scheduled date and time of your interview appointment, go to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with your printed visa application (DS-260) confirmation page. A consular officer will interview you (and accompanying family member beneficiaries) and determine whether or not you are eligible to receive an immigrant visa.
How to get an expedited visa appointment?
Does administrative processing include time?
Can a consular officer refuse a visa?
About this website
Are U.S. embassies still issuing visas?
Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected the Department of State's ability to process immigrant visa applications. U.S. embassies and consulates are working to resume routine visa services on a location-by-location basis as expeditiously as possible in a safe manner.
Is U.S. Embassy open for new visa?
The U.S. Mission to India is pleased to resume processing of routine in-person B1/B2 visas appointments starting in September 2022.
How long is the wait for a U.S. visa interview?
These are currently around 2-4 weeks until the actual visa receipt after sending the documents to the U.S. consulate.
How long does it take for NVC to schedule interview 2022?
How long does it take to get an appointment? Although NVC strives to schedule appointments within three months of NVC's acceptance of all requested documentation, this timeframe is subject to the operating status and capacity of the consular section.
Which dates are available for U.S. visa appointment?
US Embassy confirmed on April 18th, 2022 that they plan to open B1/B2 visa appointments for first-time applicants with interviews starting from September 1st, 2022. Appointment Slots to open now and then in the upcoming weeks. They will be interviewed after the Student visa season in September 2022.
Are visa slots open for fall 2022?
Earlier in May, the Embassy opened its first batch of interview slots for dates in June and the first half of July 2022, as the Times of India reported.
How can I get U.S. visa immediately?
Applying for an Expedited Appointment Pay the visa application fee. Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. If the Embassy approves your request then you will receive an email alerting you to schedule your expedited appointment online.
How can I get a fast appointment for U.S. visa?
To request an expedited visa appointment, please register through the normal process and follow the prompts for expedited service. The decision to grant an expedited appointment is made on a case-by-case basis, but generally requests are accommodated if the applicant can demonstrate a legitimate need.
Why are U.S. visa appointments so long?
Wait times for all Family Preference and Employment categories continue to be lengthy due to substantial backlogs. It is not possible to provide precise wait times for immigrant visa appointments, as facilities, staffing resources, and local conditions all affect capacity and scheduling.
Is NVC scheduling interviews for 2022?
While in May 2022, NVC reported 421,136 eligible immigrant visa applicants still pending the scheduling of an interview after May 2022 appointment scheduling was completed, resulting in a growing backlog of 5,350 immigrant visa cases in June.
What month is NVC working on?
The NVC is currently working on cases that were received from USCIS on or before April 13, 2022. The NVC creates visa cases by entering petition data into the system.
Will USCIS speed up 2022?
USCIS Extends Premium-Processing to Certain Pending Immigrant Petitions. On May 24, 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an expansion of premium processing service to two additional categories of Form I-140 immigrant petitions.
Is U.S. Embassy open for B1 B2 visa?
The US Embassy announced on Sunday that it was resuming tourist and visitor B1-B2 visa appointments in India from September after the rush for student visas ended.
Is U.S. issuing B2 visa now?
We have now resumed routine B1/B2 processing, however due to high demand, we are experiencing extended wait times across all visa categories. Applicants with an urgent need to travel should follow the instructions at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/gm/gm-niv-emergencyappointment.html.
Is NVC scheduling interviews in 2022?
While in May 2022, NVC reported 421,136 eligible immigrant visa applicants still pending the scheduling of an interview after May 2022 appointment scheduling was completed, resulting in a growing backlog of 5,350 immigrant visa cases in June.
Is U.S. tourist visa open now in India?
However, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are now opening appointments across all visa categories. All applicants who applied for a B-1/B-2 visa and had their applications cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic, and all other first-time applications may look for new appointments.
US Visa Processing Times - How Long Does it Take to Get a US Visa? - Donuts
The processing time for a US visa application depends a lot on the type of visa you are trying to get. While the temporary nonimmigrant visas might take you up to a few weeks, or months at most, the immigrant visas can take years to get approved.
Scheduling Appointments - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India
Follow the instructions below to schedule your required appointments online: 1. If your visa interview appointment was scheduled by the National Visa Center (NVC) or the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC): The majority of immigrant and diversity visa applicants in India have their interview appointment scheduled by NVC or KCC.
Apply for a U.S. Visa | Schedule My Appointment - USTravelDocs
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website and Consular Post websites are the definitive sources of visa information. Should there be discrepancies in content, the Consular Affairs website and Consular Post websites take precedence.
Apply for a U.S. Visa | Schedule/Change My Appointment - USTravelDocs
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website and Consular Post websites are the definitive sources of visa information. Should there be discrepancies in content, the Consular Affairs website and Consular Post websites take precedence.
Scheduling an Appointment - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada
U.S. Citizens with emergencies, please call: 613-238-5335. Outside of Office Hours, contact: 613-238-5335. Outside of Canada: 613-238-5335
Official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service - English
Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) and Immigrant Visa (IV) Urgent Information For Visa Applicants Regarding Novel Coronavirus. Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Government has imposed restrictions and requirements that may affect travel to the United States.
How to get an expedited visa appointment?
In all cases: You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.
Does administrative processing include time?
These estimates do not include time required for administrative processing, which may affect some applications. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.
Can a consular officer refuse a visa?
The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa. If a visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer must refuse that application. However, some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing.
How to get information on a visa?
First, the fastest and easiest way for you to get the information you need is to regularly check the website of your closest U.S. embassy or consulate. That is where the most up-to-date information about operations will always be, as well as information about the best way to get in touch with the embassy or consulate.
Is there a restriction on immigrant visas?
So let’s turn to the current situation of the rescission of Presidential Proclamation 10014, which means there’s no general restriction existing on issuing immigrant visas. However, many immigrant visa applicants are subject to other presidential proclamations, including those for certain countries during the preceding 14 days before entry or attempted entry to the United States. These countries are China, Iran, Brazil, UK, Ireland, South Africa, and the 26 countries in the Schengen Area. Spouses and children of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents are excepted from these restrictions.
Can you have multiple appointments for a visa?
Finally, please come to your appointments prepared with the documents outlined on your appointment letter. Just like with communications, using multiple appointments to present more information will slow down your visa processing as well as others. Again, we’re looking to serve as many people as we safely can, and we’re grateful for your patience.
Is the Biden-Harris visa process still in place?
However, many immigrant visa applicants are subject to pandemic-related presidential proclamations remaining in place that restrict issuance of visas, including for those who have been in certain countries during the preceding 14 days before entry or attempted entry to the United States. Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services Stufft explains the current state of immigrant visa processing, the restrictions that remain in place, and how the Department of State is seeking to reduce the backlog of immigrant visa applications as efficiently as possible within the process designed to secure U.S. borders.
What is consular interview?
A consular officer will interview you (and accompanying family member beneficiaries) and determine whether or not you are eligible to receive an immigrant visa. As part of the interview process, ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken.
Who must attend an immigration interview?
Who Must Attend the Interview. You, your spouse, and any qualified unmarried children immigrating with you, must participate in the interview. All traveling applicants required to participate will be named on the interview Appointment Letter you receive from the National Visa Center (NVC).
What to bring to an interview?
What to bring to the Interview 1 English Translations – If documents requiring English translation were not sent to NVC, you must obtain them and present them on the day of your interview. For more information please review the U.S. Embassy or Consulate interview preparation instructions . 2 Visa Fees – If your visa application fees were collected by NVC, you do not need to pay again. However, if you or any family member did not pay all the necessary fees, you will be asked to pay any unpaid fees at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Can a sponsor attend a visa interview?
You should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate directly to arrange separate interviews, if needed. Your sponsor/petitioner does not attend the visa interview.
When to book an appointment for a US visa?
The US embassies recommend that applicants book their US visa appointment date days before their intended travel date. This will allow the embassy or consulate to have enough time to process the visa.
Who initiates the visa application process?
If you are an immigrant applicant, your application process will be initiated by your sponsor who is based in the US. Once the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has approved your sponsor’s petition to sponsor your visa, then the following processes will be continued by you right from your home country.
How long does a non-immigrant visa last?
Some documents you will need for nonimmigrant US visa application are your passport, which must have at least six months validity beyond the period you intend staying in the US, the receipt for your visa application fee, and your DS-160 confirmation page.
What to do when filling out a travel form?
When filling the forms, ensure that all necessary information and documents are provided. You may also need to answer questions regarding your travel itinerary. If you have embarked on an international trip before, either to the US or other country (s), you may be asked to provide dates of some of your past trips.
Is a visa payment mandatory?
Keep in mind that the payment is compulsory . Without it, your application can as well be considered nonexistent. Cost of visa application varies, depending on the visa type you are applying for and your country of origin. The embassy will show you what is required in your own case.
How to prepare for an interview?
Prepare for your interview by being able to clearly and concisely describe your intentions.
How long is a visa application valid for?
There is no fee to change an appointment and visa application fees are valid for one year in the country where the fee was paid. The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law.
What determines what type of visa is required?
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
How to request an expedited appointment?
How to Request an Expedited Appointment: Applicants can request an expedited appointment through our online appointment system at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/expedited-appointment.html. You must already have a confirmed interview appointment date in order to request an expedited appointment. If your expedited appointment request is approved, you will be notified with instructions via email. You should not cancel your existing appointment unless you receive a confirmation that your request for an expedited appointment has been approved. If you have not yet received an approval or denial, your request is still under consideration.
What are the exceptions to the suspension of entry?
There are certain exceptions to the suspension of entry, including exceptions for certain family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, among other exceptions listed in the proclamations.
Is there a drop box for visa renewal in India?
Drop Box Appointments: Consular sections across India are now accepting a limited number of drop box applications for renewals of H, L, C1/D, O, I, F, M, and J visas at our Visa Application Centers. Please visit our website to determine whether you are eligible for drop box processing and schedule an appointment for document drop-off. A list of drop-off locations is available on our website.
When are IR-5 visas documentarily qualified?
Most IR-5 (parent of U.S. citizen cases) were documentarily qualified in November-December 2019.
What is a nonimmigrant visa?
Nonimmigrant Visas: Student and Exchange Visitors. Petition-based work visas, including Treaty Trader and Investors (E Visas). All other categories: Emergency only.
Is there a wait time for immigrant visas?
It is not possible to provide precise wait times for immigrant visa appointments, as facilities, staffing resources, and local conditions all affect capacity and scheduling. As of October 18, 2021, most IR1, IR2, IR5, and K visa cases being scheduled for interview were documentarily qualified at the National Visa Center in March 2021. Most Tier Three and Four cases scheduled for interview were documentarily qualified in October 2019.
Is the Consulate General in Montreal processing immigrant visas?
The U.S. Consulate General in Montreal is processing immigrant visas and will prioritize Immediate Relative family members of U.S. citizens including intercountry adoptions, fiancé (e)s of U.S. citizens, and certain Special Immigrant Visa applications, as well as other mission critical categories such as medical professionals. There are increased wait times for completing services due to substantial backlogs.
How to get an expedited visa appointment?
In all cases: You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.
Does administrative processing include time?
These estimates do not include time required for administrative processing, which may affect some applications. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.
Can a consular officer refuse a visa?
The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa. If a visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer must refuse that application. However, some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing.
