In a significant move to combat the prolonged waiting period for B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) visa interviews in India, the US consulate in Frankfurt has introduced exclusive interview appointments for Indian candidates.
According to a statement from a US Embassy official in Delhi, the US Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany, has allocated a significant number of nonimmigrant visa interview slots exclusively for Indian applicants.
This initiative aims to provide relief to applicants who have been grappling with exceptionally long waiting times in India.
Drastic Reduction in Wait Times
According to the official State Department’s website, the current wait times for B1/B2 visa interview appointments in India have reached staggering durations.
As of the latest data, hopeful travellers can expect to wait for 441 days in Hyderabad, 486 days in Chennai, 526 days in Delhi, 571 days in Mumbai, and a daunting 607 days in Kolkata. In stark contrast, the wait time for visa interviews in Frankfurt is a mere three days.
This drastic reduction in wait times comes after the backlog of visa applications from India had nearly reached three years during the previous winter. The US consulate acknowledges that more work remains to further expedite the visa application process.
Measures to Address the Visa Backlog
In response to the alarming backlog, Indian nationals were granted the option to apply for visas at US consulates outside India, such as in Bangkok. Over the past year, various measures have been implemented to reduce the extensive waiting period, which peaked at nearly three years last winter.
Technical Glitches Addressed
In addition to lengthy wait times, Indian applicants have encountered technical glitches when using the new portal for scheduling non-immigrant visa interviews. US Embassy officials have assured applicants that efforts are underway to promptly resolve these issues, expressing regret for any inconvenience caused by these technical difficulties.
Record Visa Issuance and Ongoing Improvements
US missions in India have demonstrated a commitment to reducing the visa backlog and accommodating the growing demand. In the first half of 2023, they issued nearly 8.8 lakh non-immigrant visas, marking a 46% increase compared to the same period in pre-pandemic 2019.
Multiple Initiatives to Address Backlogs
To mitigate the backlog, Indian passport holders were granted the option to apply at US consulates abroad, such as Bangkok, although data on the utilization of this option remains unavailable.
The official further added, “We also remind applicants of the option to travel outside India for nonimmigrant visa interview appointments as they are able. In particular, our consulate in Frankfurt has set aside nonimmigrant visa interview appointments specifically for Indian applicants.”
Enhanced Student Visa Processing
The United States has also made significant changes to streamline student visa processing. Student visas (F and M) can now be issued up to 365 days in advance of the program start date, a permanent change effective since January 26, 2023.
In FY 2022, the US embassy and consulates in India issued more than 125,000 students and exchange visitor visas, solidifying India as the second-largest source country for US international students, with China leading the way.
International students contribute over $32 billion annually to the US economy, supporting more than 3 lakh jobs. The US is on track to issue the most student visas in a year since FY 2016, highlighting the country’s commitment to international education.
Conclusion
This concerted effort by the US consulate in Frankfurt and the US embassy in India seeks to alleviate the burden on Indian visa applicants and streamline the visa application process, ultimately fostering smoother international travel.
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