Are B1 B2 Visa Slots Open in India?

If you are planning to travel to the United States for business, tourism, or medical treatment, you will need a B1/B2 visa. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been restrictions on international travel and visa processing worldwide.

So, are B1/B2 visa slots open in India Let’s find out.

Overview of B1/B2 Visas

A B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States temporarily for business (B1) or tourism/medical treatment (B2) purposes. The validity of this visa depends on the applicant’s purpose of travel and may range from 3 months to 10 years. The maximum stay allowed is typically up to six months per visit.

COVID-19 Impact on Visa Processing

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted international travel and visa processing globally. The United States Embassy and Consulates in India suspended all routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa appointments in March 2020. Since then, they have been offering limited emergency appointments only for certain categories of visas.

However, as of August 2021, the US Embassy and Consulates in India have resumed non-immigrant visa services for all categories of visas including B1/B2 visas. This means that applicants can now schedule appointments for regular (non-emergency) visa interviews.

Scheduling a B1/B2 Visa Appointment

If you wish to apply for a B1/B2 visa from India, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Complete the online DS-160 application form.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. Schedule a visa appointment.
4. Attend the visa interview at the US Embassy/Consulate.

Note that due to the high demand for visa appointments, there may be a wait time of several weeks or even months before you can secure an interview slot. Therefore, it is recommended that you plan your travel well in advance and submit your visa application as soon as possible.

Conclusion

In summary, B1/B2 visa slots are currently open in India. The US Embassy and Consulates have resumed non-immigrant visa services for all categories of visas, including B1/B2 visas.

However, due to the high demand for appointments and the ongoing pandemic situation, there may be delays in scheduling an interview slot. Therefore, it is crucial to plan your travel well in advance and submit your application as soon as possible.