US to overhaul visa appointment system in India, reducing wait times starting January 2025

Starting January 1, 2025, the US Embassy in India will implement new regulations for scheduling and rescheduling non-immigrant visa appointments to improve the process and reduce the significant wait times that applicants currently face. The update will impact various visa categories, including B1/B2 visitor visas and student visas. The changes are part of ongoing efforts by the US government to address the increasing demand for visas and improve efficiency.

The new rules will allow applicants to reschedule their visa appointments once without incurring additional fees. However, if they miss their rescheduled appointment or need to reschedule a second time, they will be required to book a new appointment and pay the application fee again. The US Embassy stated that these changes are aimed at providing a more efficient, fair system for all applicants and reducing delays in the visa process. The embassy has emphasized that applicants should attend their appointments as scheduled to avoid the additional steps of rebooking and paying the fee again.

Despite the changes, wait times for visa appointments in India remain lengthy. For B1/B2 visitor visas, applicants are facing long delays across major US consulates. In Mumbai, the wait time is approximately 438 days, in Chennai it is 479 days, in Delhi it is 441 days, in Kolkata it is 436 days, and in Hyderabad it is 429 days. Wait times for student visa appointments are also significant, with 193 days in Mumbai, 106 days in Chennai, 150 days in Delhi, 143 days in Kolkata, and 115 days in Hyderabad. These extended wait times remain a challenge, even with the introduction of new scheduling flexibility.

Additionally, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new rule to modernize the H-1B visa process, set to take effect on January 17, 2025. The reform aims to streamline the approval process for H-1B visa applicants and offer greater flexibility for US employers in filling critical job vacancies. The rule is particularly relevant for Indian nationals, who make up a significant portion of H-1B visa holders. The changes are expected to enhance the efficiency of the H-1B visa program, making it easier for US companies to hire skilled workers from abroad.

These updates follow efforts made in 2023, when the US processed a record 1.4 million visas for Indian applicants, achieving a 75% reduction in visitor visa wait times. However, the surge in demand for US visas has led to a resurgence in processing delays. The embassy and DHS aim to reduce wait times further through these changes, but applicants are still encouraged to plan their applications well in advance due to the high demand and extended processing times.