The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced that beginning October 1, 2023, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India will begin centralizing the processing of most nonimmigrant visa interview waiver (drop box) cases in Chennai. This update can be found here and details are provided below.

Highlights of the Announcement

• Effective October 1, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India will begin centralized processing of most drop box application except for applications for B1/B2 visas. B1/B2 visa applications will continue to be processed at every consular post in India.

• All C1/D, F, H, J, L, and M dropbox appointments scheduled on or after October 1, 2023 will be available only in Chennai.
• Applicants will still be permitted to drop off and pick up their drop box related documents at any of the five Visa Application Centers (VACs) or six Document Drop Off Centers located throughout India. The same will be forwarded to the U.S. consulate in Chennai for processing.
• If a personal interview is required, then, such applicants will be required to travel to the U.S. consulate in Chennai to attend the interview.
• This change does not affect drop box appointments scheduled prior to October 1, 2023 but happening after October 1, 2023.

Conclusion

The DOS has noted that this change is one of the many measures being taken in an attempt to streamline visa processing in India, thereby increasing efficiency to meet the high demand for visas. We will continue to provide updates on this important topic as they become available.