We receive inquiries from those applicants seeking to obtain the B1/B2 visa for business or tourism purposes to the U.S. The drop box facility is available to B1/B2 applicants eligible to renew their visas, children under the age of 14 and applicants aged over 80 years.

Our MISPL team recently contacted the U.S. Consulate help desk to seek clarification as to why the interview dates are not available for even drop box eligible B1/B2 applicants. It was confirmed that the U.S. consulate has not started processing regular B1/B2 applications and that interview slots will only be visible and available after regular operations resume.

Unfortunately, at this time, if an applicant has made an initial application through the drop box and has been issued the INA 221(g) letter advising to appear for a personal interview, the visa applicant does not have the option to request an emergency appointment. Requests using the CGI portal and the consular inquiry email receive a standard response. Such applicants may have to wait until regular operations resume.

We will continue to monitor this situation and keep applicants updated on developments.