When will the US Embassy in India extend the visa fee?
US Embassy in India has extened the Visa Appointment Fee (MRV Fee) validity by an year to September 30, 2023 . If you were not able to book an appointment since the consulates have been closed due to COVID, you are in good shape as you have until Sep 2023 to book an appointment. See screenshot below
When will the US see more appointments in India?
We will see more appointment slots from Jan 2022 to May 2022 as per new guidance by head of US Consulates in India. Check Guidance by US Head of Consulates in India for appointments
When will the NIE expire in 2021?
This is effective from July 6th, 2021 . Also, this will apply to previously issued NIE exceptions by the consulate as well. The same was confirmed by US Embassy in India as well.
When will the MRV fee be extended?
MRV Fee Payment Validity Status : US Consulates in India have extended the MRV fee ( Visa Appointment Booking Fee) payment validity until September 30th, 2023 (extended in Nov 2021 by an year) to make sure all applicants get time to schedule visa appointment. It is updated on the US Embassy and USTravelDocs India Website.
Is the US visa stamping cancelled in 2021?
Due to the Presidential proclamation on April 30, 2021, that imposes a travel ban to the US from India, US Consulates and Embassy in India have canceled all US Visa stamping regular visa stamping appointments until further notice. There is no estimated date when they will lift the travel ban. Currently they are only serving cases that fall under NIE or part of exemptions in proclamation.
Do I need a new visa if I already have one?
You do not need a new US Visa, if you are already in US. As long as you have your I-797 approval valid and I-94 valid, you are fine. All you need to do is maintain Status. Read US Visa vs. Status Difference
Has the B1 appointment changed?
No Changes to the B1/B2 Appointments. This was one of the most frequently asked question and US consulate did not give any information on this. See below screenshot and check Top 10 FAQs of week on US Embassy Website
How many countries does VFS work in?
Out of the 64 client governments that VFS Global works for in 144 countries at 3,390 application centres, it has already resumed operations 632 centres in 80 countries for 51 client governments.
Does VFS accept visas?
Complying with the norms, regulations and relaxation of the Centre as well as the state governments and specific embassies, VFS Global is all set to accept visa applications for select countries across a few Indian cities.
Can VACs be opened?
Sharma: Our VACs can open only when the local Embassy /Consulate provides approval for the re-opening. VFS Global does not decide about the re-opening of a Visa Application Centre on its own. The local Embassy / Consulate provides approval for the re-opening.
Do visa applicants have to wear masks?
Sharma: As per guidelines prescribed by the World Health Organization, as well as local authorities, customers and employees at Visa Application Centres will be subject to body temperature checks, face masks and gloves - for their own protection and that of others. Centres are also maintaining preventive measures such as disinfecting high-contact surfaces, use of hand sanitizers, and social distancing practices.
Do visa applicants have to wear masks?
Customers and employees at visa application centres have to wear face masks and gloves and undergo temperature checks.
Is VFS Global reopening?
VFS Global, the visa outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, is reopening visa application centres in select Indian cities. The services have been resumed following approvals from the respective embassies/consulates in India and local authorities.
When will India open its borders?
With international travel resuming, several countries are opening up their borders to welcome visitors. Beginning October 15, 2021 , India has begun issuing visitor visas to those boarding chartered flights and for those boarding regular flights from November 15, 2021.
What happens if a non-immigrant visa is refused?
If the visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer will refuse issuing a U.S non-immigrant visa. In certain cases, the consular officer may give another chance to evaluate the visa application. This is called Administrative Processing.
When will travel restrictions be lifted in 2021?
The White House announced that they will lift all travel restrictions for over 32 countries on November 8 , 2021. This would mean that fully vaccinated visitors holding a valid visa will be allowed to enter the USA.
Can you expedite a visa interview?
Can you expedite your chances of getting a visa interview appointment? Under certain circumstances, U.S. consulates may expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforeseen situation like a death of an immediate family member, personal medical emergency, or that of an immediate family member or in the case of international students, school start date.
Can you expedite an interview date?
Under certain circumstances, U.S. consulates may expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforeseen situation like a death of an immediate family member, personal medical emergency, or that of an immediate family member or in the case of international students, school start date.
Are You Eligible For An Expedited U.S. Visa Interview Appointment?
Every non-immigrant visa applicant has to first submit the online visa application Form DS-160, pay the application fee, and schedule the interview appointment by seeking the first available appointment. With most U.S. consulates in India temporarily closed, the wait times are pretty lengthy.
