New Delhi, Sep 8: The United States has revised its non-immigrant visa rules, ending a practice that allowed Indian applicants to secure quicker interview slots in third countries, the Economic Times reported.
The US Department of State has clarified that interviews must now be scheduled in the applicant’s country of citizenship or legal residency. Exceptions apply only where routine non-immigrant visa operations are not conducted.
This change removes a critical workaround used by Indian travellers during the Covid-19 pandemic, when US consulates in India faced backlogs of up to three years. Many applicants then booked faster appointments in cities such as Dubai, Bangkok, or Singapore. That option has now been formally withdrawn.
Non-immigrant visas include categories such as tourism (B1/B2), student (F-1), temporary workers, and fiancés of US citizens. Immigration experts warn the move will have significant implications. Gnanamookan Senthurjoti, founder of The Visa Code, noted that students and tourists who earlier applied in Europe, Asia or the Middle East must now reapply in India. The rule also affects certain work visa renewals, creating uncertainty for applicants already in process.
For Indian tourists and corporate travellers, the change complicates planning. Analysts say the ability to book urgent overseas appointments was particularly useful for business professionals. The Hindustan Times observed that the new rule could disrupt both corporate meetings and personal trips.
Travel industry executives caution that families may now consider alternative destinations, while businesses face higher costs. Wait times at US consulates in India remain lengthy despite additional staff deployments, with demand still above pre-pandemic levels.
The US remains a top destination for Indian students and travellers, but experts stress that advance planning is now essential. With no sign of policy reversal, the era of quick overseas visa appointments for Indians appears over.
