US reduces wait time for Visa to 580 days, says 'India top priority'

India is the top priority for the US, according to US Visa authorities, who also noted that the US had issued 36 percent more visas to Indians so far this year than in pre-Covid-19 pandemic times. The longest wait time, typically for first-time visitors, has been reduced from over 1,000 days to around 580 as a result of such measures, which also include interview waivers for repeat visitors, increased staffing at consular operations in Indian missions, and "Super Saturdays" when mission staff simply process visas all day.

While addressing a media interaction organized by Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services in the Bureau of Consular Affairs Julie Stufft said, "India is the number one priority that we are facing right now. We are absolutely committed to getting out of this situation. Anyone in India seeking a visa appointment or visa have to wait for that's not certainly our ideal."

She further said, "So far this year, we have issued 36 percent more visas than we did before the COVID pandemic in India. And that is a huge percentage of progress." Stufft also announced that come fall, the US will start the Visa stamping program domestically within the US for visa renewals, including H-1 and L-1.

Acknowledging that the difficulties are still being experienced, authorities said the agency was also expanding its interview waiver process for select temporary workers, students, and academic exchange visitors.