Visa applicants in India may require or prefer to converse in their local language during their U.S. visa interview. However, as most U.S. Consulates are yet to resume regular consular operations, there is likely to be low availability of language interview appointments in India.

If the applicant is unable to book a visa interview appointment in their local language, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has advised that it is best to select an English language appointment and request a translator at the time of the interview.

Applicants should note that translation services for local languages across India are not available at all consular posts. If an applicant needs translation in a language other than Hindi, it is recommended that they make an appointment at the Consulate closest to their home, where there is a greater likelihood of having local language translators available. For example, if someone seeks an interview in Kannada, Tamil or Malayalam is more likely to find an interpreter in Chennai, Telugu in Hyderabad, Marathi in Mumbai. So, it is helpful for language applicants to choose a consular post closest to the residence where the language is commonly spoken.

Frequently asked questions, addressed by the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi on this subject can be found here.