On September 29, 2022, Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs Don Heflin answered questions on behalf of the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. In his introduction, he expressed an understanding of the long wait times and processing delays facing applicants in India. He also expressed his empathy for the hardship experienced by many H and L visa holders who have been prevented from traveling to and from India on account of the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Heflin continued by announcing that the Embassy would make 100,000 appointments available to H and L visa applicants in the coming fiscal year. In an effort to catch up with backlog, the Consulate will be prioritizing appointments for temporary workers and plans to open more slots for student (F/J) visas in the months ahead. At present, the Embassy continues to de-prioritize the scheduling of interviews for first-time B-1/B-2 applicants. Also, on account of volume, processing times for H and L applicants using the Dropbox option have backed up. Meanwhile, applicants for B-1/B-2 visas eligible to use the Dropbox and first-time H/L applicants are seeing improvements in processing times.
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy underscored its commitment to alleviating backlogs. Some of the measures to be taken include: hiring more personnel, updating the Embassy website more frequently, and implementing other strategies aimed at reducing backlogs, improving efficiency and decreasing wait times.
Mr. Heflin noted that, on account of attrition and other factors, they are currently facing a staffing shortage of 70%. They are working hard to close the gap, with a goal of being 100% staffed by summer 2023. In addition, the Consular Section is increasing its use of the Dropbox in lieu of in-person interview. Applications submitted via the Dropbox may be reviewed and adjudicated by remote means, thereby expediting the process. The State Department is also deploying Vice Consuls from the U.S. and from larger embassies on temporary assignments in order to help manage and reduce backlog.
The Consul advised frustrated applicants to consider applying in third countries, which may have better availability. TCN (third-country national) applicants should look at posted wait times for other Consulate to find more favorable wait times, check the Embassy website to determine whether they are accepting TCN applications and double check any visa requirements for entering the third-country, Mr. Heflin confirmed that visa applicants residing in India who are not Indian nationals may also submit applications to U.S. Consulates in India. In deciding whether to accept a TCN case in India, the Consulate looks at where applicants live and not where they were born or what passport they carry.
In the near future, the Consulate is expecting to announce changes to the fee structures. For now, any payments for Immigrant or Non-immigrant Visas paid during the pandemic will remain valid if the applicant books the appointment within the next year. To qualify, the appointment need not occur in the next year for the fee to apply. Applicants can still reschedule or move appointments per their preference. For more information on Fees for Visa Processing, see.
Mr. Heflin underscored that, on account of Covid and other factors, consulates around the world are experiencing staffing shortages and processing delays. He hoped and believed that the measures being put in place will help to alleviate the challenges exacerbated by the pandemic and to bring things closer to normal. To listen to the full interview, click here. For additional questions on applying for Immigrant and Non-immigrant Visas, contact us.