In an effort to address the growing demand for travel between India and the United States, the US Mission in India has introduced another round of ‘Super Saturday’ on December 7th, a day dedicated to conducting visa interviews.
On this day, consulates across Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and the US Embassy in New Delhi will open their doors to process in-person visa interviews.
This initiative marks the fourth ‘Super Saturday‘ of the year, following the success of earlier events held in 2024. The series aims to reduce the long wait times for first-time US visa applicants, making the visa application process more efficient.
Tackling High Demand for US Visas
The US Mission in India launched the special Saturday sessions in January as part of a comprehensive strategy to manage the surging demand for US visas. These additional interview days complement several measures introduced by the Department of State, including:
- Remote processing of interview waiver cases for applicants with prior US visas.
- Increased staffing at the US Embassy and consulates to streamline operations.
According to Mark McGovern, Consul General at the US Embassy in New Delhi, over one million visas have already been processed in India this year.
“Each visa represents a meaningful story—a family reunification, a business deal, or an educational opportunity,” McGovern noted.
How ‘Super Saturday’ Makes a Difference
The innovative ‘Super Saturday’ initiative accommodates the growing travel interest among Indian applicants. On these days, consular teams work at full capacity to maximize the number of interviews conducted.
“We recognize the importance of facilitating travel, whether it’s for family, education, or tourism,” McGovern said. “Working overtime on Saturdays ensures we continue reducing wait times and making the visa process more accessible.”
Beyond Super Saturdays
The US Mission also employs other measures to expedite the visa application process. These include:
- Remote Processing: Leveraging technology to remotely process interview waiver cases for eligible applicants who have previously held US visas.
- Increased Staffing: Enhancing the number of consular officers permanently assigned to the Embassy and Consulates in India.
India Visa US Mission in India Super Saturday Travel to USA Visa Wait Times US Embassy New Delhi Consulates in India
A Commitment to Service
McGovern further highlighted the dedication of the US Mission to serving the needs of visa applicants. “The people-to-people ties between the United States and India are incredibly strong, and we understand the importance of timely visa processing,” he said.
“That’s why we are committed to going the extra mile, even if it means working on Saturdays. Knowing that we are facilitating meaningful experiences for individuals and families makes this work truly rewarding.”
Plan Your Visa Interview
Applicants looking to secure a US visa appointment should regularly check the official US Embassy website for updates. Taking advantage of initiatives like ‘Super Saturday’ can help applicants expedite their interview process.
Follow and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Google News for the latest travel news and updates!
