Consular sections across India are now accepting interview waiver applications

January 4, 2022
×Close
The Department of State has authorized consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for certain categories of visa applicants through 31 December 2022. This new authorization applies to travelers applying for F, H-1, H-3, H-4, non-blanket L, M, O, P, Q, and academic J visas who were previously issued any type of visa, if they are applying for a visa in their country of nationality or residence. This authorization does not apply to applicants who have a previous refusal that was not subsequently waived or overcome. Adjudicating consular officers may request an in-person interview if additional information is required from applicants. Applicants renewing any visa within 48 months of expiration also continue to be eligible for an interview waiver. In the coming days, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India will release more than 20,000 additional interview waiver (dropbox) appointments for Spring 2022 to allow qualified applicants to make use of the new interview waiver authority. Due to reduced staffing and numerous pandemic-related disruptions to the consulate operations since March 2020, appointment demand is high across all visa categories, and wait times may be longer for most routine nonimmigrant visa appointments at the U.S. Embassy New Delhi and the consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Upcoming Webinars
VIEW ALL

Related News

VIEW ALL
USCIS Premium Processing Fee Increase: March 2026 Update

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has announced an increase in premium processing fees pursuant to the USCIS Stabilization Act. The increase reflects a congressionally mandated, inflation based adjustment and is part of a biennial review process designed to ensure that premium processing fees retain their real dollar […]

Supreme Court blocks Trump from ending DACA

The Supreme Court on Thursday blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an Obama-era program that protects hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to the US as children from deportation.   The 5-4 ruling was written by Chief Justice John Roberts and joined by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Elena Kagan, […]

New Executive Order banning the entry of certain non-immigrants delayed as the President’s Cabinet Members and Top advisors could not reach a consensus.

  The Trump administration is weighing a significant expansion of current visa restrictions for foreign workers, widening the scope to include the highly skilled workers relied on by industries ranging from tech to healthcare. Several of President Donald Trump’s cabinet members and top advisers met on Tuesday [06/16/2020]  afternoon to discuss a possible executive order […]