The long visa appointment wait times reported over the summer have decreased significantly and U.S. Consulates in India are now reporting the following greatly reduced wait times:

However, even with these shortened wait times, applicants who are living in the United States and planning to travel back to India for a visit over the holiday season should try to book their visa appointment at the earliest possible time. In order to avoid delays in visa issuance, applicants should make sure they have all required documents in hand on the day of their visa appointment. Assuming the visa is approved for issuance, it generally takes only 1-3 business days for return of the passport.

Prepare Now for Holiday Travel

As peak holiday travel season approaches, individuals should review their travel documents and take steps in advance of international travel to avoid or minimize disruptions in their travel schedule, or delays in their ability to reenter the United States in the appropriate classification. Temporary workers and other nonimmigrant visa holders in the United States should also confirm that they have a valid visa for return to the United States following international travel. If a new visa application will be required, applicants should schedule their visa appointments now, as U.S. Consular visa appointment slots fill up quickly in December and January. Visa issuance after an appointment may also be delayed during the holiday season. Applicants are therefore advised to schedule their appointments for a day at the beginning of their trip in order to maximize the time in-country for return of the passport with the visa once the visa is issued.

As always, Foster attorneys are available to answer specific travel-related questions and provide additional information regarding the requirements for international travel. Foster will continue to monitor visa appointment availability and will provide further updates as appropriate in future Foster Immigration Updates^© and on our firm’s website at www.fosterglobal.com.