The US has implemented a new policy requiring individuals applying for non-immigrant visas to schedule their interviews in their country of citizenship or legal residence, except in areas where the US does not usually conduct visa operations. This directive will particularly affect Indian applicants, preventing them from obtaining B1 (business) or B2 (tourist) visas by applying in different countries to avoid prolonged wait times in India, a tactic frequently utilized during the extended delays experienced during the COVID-19 crisis.
Non-immigrant visas include categories for tourists, business travelers, students, temporary workers, and those planning to marry US citizens. The US State Department announced the global application of this rule, effective immediately. The current wait times for B1/B2 visa interviews in India are significant: approximately 3.5 months in Hyderabad and Mumbai, 4.5 months in Delhi, 5 months in Kolkata, and 9 months in Chennai.