We are pleased to report that the consular posts in India have resumed processing of routine B1/B2 visa applications requiring an in-person interview. Though the consular website indicates that the interview dates are available from September 2022; we noticed that since only limited slots are available, the interview dates have been taken and dates are available only for the early to later part of 2023.

It may be recalled that the consular posts in India stopped processing of routine B1/B2 visas in March 2020. There is a huge rush for B1/B2 applications as business travelers and travelers planning to visit the United States for a holiday or to visit family have been waiting for over 2 years for the opportunity to apply for a visa.

We expect the business (B1) visa applicants to find it more difficult to establish the need for a personal visit because COVID has taught the world to operate and conduct meetings remotely. One must re-evaluate the need for a personal visit prior to applying for a B1 visa. The official update on resumption of B1/B2 appointments can be found here.