US Visa Rule: No personal interview, long waiting period. Check the latest details

The rules do not apply to applicants “who have a previous refusal that has not subsequently been revoked or overcome,” the embassy informed.

Additionally, applicants who renew a visa within 48 months of expiration are also eligible for an interview waiver, the embassy added.

However, the waiting period will remain long for non-immigrant visa appointments at the US Embassy in New Delhi and consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai due to pandemic-related disruptions, it said.

US Visa Approval: How to Request an Expedited Appointment

According to the official US Embassy website, applicants can request an expedited appointment through our online appointment system at ustraveldocs.com.

If the meeting request is approved, the applicant will receive an email notification.

“Speed ​​dating slots are very limited. Please note that due to the high volume of requests, we are unable to accommodate all travelers prior to their scheduled travel dates, even if the purpose of travel is time sensitive,” the embassy wrote.

Extension of validity of visa fees:

Although many applicants have paid the visa application processing fee, they are still waiting for the appointment. To clear the doubts of such applicants, the US Embassy stated, “The US Mission will extend the validity of your payment (known as MRV fee) until September 30, 2023 to allow all applicants who have not been able to schedule an appointment for a visa, as a result of the suspension of routine consular operations, an opportunity to book and/or attend a visa appointment with the fee already paid”.