The interview waiver has been extended to some nonimmigrant visa applicants in the US. The US State Department also announced that it is committed to facilitating nonimmigrant travel and reducing visa waiting times.
The interview exemption facility has been extended with the consent of the Home Security Department.
According to the new announcement, the authority has been asked to extend until further notice the purpose of waiving
the in-person interview for applicants renewing visas in the same classification within 48 months of the expiration of the prior visa.
This decision will benefit foreign workers, including many Indians. The Ministry of External Affairs said we have resolved to waive the interview for some nonimmigrant visa categories.
Visa categories include: Temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers (H-2 visas). Students (F and M visas). Academic exchange visitors (Academic J visas).
Particular beneficiaries of unapproved individual petitions. Officials waiving interviews have also reduced visa waiting periods at many embassies and consulates.
Personal appointments will be much easier for other applicants who need to be interviewed.
Efforts to reduce the visa waiting period
Nearly half of the almost seven million nonimmigrant visas issued by the State Department in the fiscal year 2022 have been upheld without in-person interviews.
The ministry said that we are reducing visa waiting times worldwide even after the pandemic.
We endeavor to make every effort to reduce the waiting period as quickly as possible.
This also includes the first-time tourist visa application. However, based on local conditions, Embassies and Consulates may require personal interviews at their respective levels.
Despite several attempts, the waiting period for visas in the US has yet to achieve its target. However, the Ministry of External Affairs has also urged the concerned departments.
