US Consulate in Mumbai Fully Resumes Visa Services

The US Consulate General in Mumbai has officially reinstated full visa processing services, bringing relief to countless applicants who have faced delays due to the prolonged closure during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes all visa categories, significantly cutting down wait times and addressing the backlog of applications.

Comprehensive Visa Processing Resumed

In a major development, the US Consulate General in Mumbai has resumed scheduling routine visa appointments across all categories. This move encompasses the acceptance of 221(g) submissions, a critical process for visa applicants needing to provide additional documentation.

“Applicants with previously cancelled appointments due to the pandemic have been notified with instructions on rescheduling,” confirmed a spokesperson for the US Consulate General.

This reinstatement of services is crucial for individuals and families who have had their travel plans disrupted over the past few years. The Consulate’s proactive approach aims to streamline visa processing and reduce the accumulated backlog, facilitating smoother travel arrangements for applicants.

Also Read: Skip the Long Wait! Apply for a US Visa from These Countries Instead

Immigrant Visa Application Guidelines

For those seeking to apply for an immigrant visa, the process involves several key steps:

1. Sponsorship: Applicants must be sponsored by either a close relative who is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident or by a prospective employer in the United States. The sponsor initiates the process by filing a petition with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

2. Petition Approval: Once USCIS approves the petition, it proceeds to the National Visa Center (NVC) for pre-processing. Applicants should follow the NVC’s guidelines and consult the Consulate’s website for detailed instructions on completing their application.

3. Diversity Visa Lottery: Individuals selected through the Diversity Visa Lottery will receive further processing instructions from the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC).

Also Read: Major Fee Hike for H-1B, L-1, and EB-5 US Visas Goes into Effect Today

Significance of the 221(g) Submissions

The acceptance of 221(g) submissions is another significant aspect of the Consulate’s resumed operations. This process allows applicants to provide additional documentation required to complete their visa applications, a crucial step for many whose applications were in limbo due to the Consulate’s closure.

Streamlining Travel Plans

The reopening of the US Consulate’s visa services in Mumbai marks a pivotal moment for many who have been awaiting this development. It promises a smoother and more efficient visa application process, facilitating travel and migration plans that were stalled by the pandemic.

For further information on the resumption of visa services and application procedures, applicants are encouraged to visit the official website of the US Consulate General in Mumbai.