Regular readers of MurthyIndiaBulletin and MurthyIndiaDotCom are aware that a new visa application procedure has been in place in India since September 26, 2012. Under the new procedure, all nonimmigrant visa applicants requiring a personal interview must schedule two appointments – one with the Offsite Facilitating Centre (OFC) to complete biometrics, and the other with the U.S. Embassy / Consulate for the visa interview. The visa interview with the U.S. Embassy / Consulate will be cancelled automatically when an applicant fails to attend the biometrics appointment – this is considered a “no show.” If there is a “no show,” the profile will be released for scheduling a new appointment only after 11:59 PM IST on the day of the original biometric interview. Be advised that the visa application fee will be forfeited if the visa interview is rescheduled three times. We request applicants to plan ahead, to avoid cancelling the visa interview — or not showing up — unless there is an emergency.