With borders reopening and plans in motion after two hectic years as a result of the pandemic, thousands queue up across different embassies to apply for visas. The spike in the number of people applying for visas has resulted in delays which are causing further challenges for people.
Among the countries with a giant backlog of visa interviews, the USA tops the list with an expected delay of three years. A media report has highlighted that wait times to receive the B1 (Business) and B2 (Tourist) visas are nearly 3 years. In India, the wait time for B1 and B2 visa applicants is around 1,000 days.
The report highlighted the US State Department website, which highlighted the waiting period for these visas to be around 961 days, as on November 23. In a statement released previously this month, the US is dedicated to facilitating “legitimate travel to the country while safeguarding national security”.
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The report by NDTV further highlighted the waiting for different cities in India, where those in Mumbai have to wait 999 days, while those in Hyderabad have to wait for 994 days. Meanwhile, applicants from Chennai are to wait 948 days while those in Kerala are to wait 904 days, as per data from the State Department website.
The Statement Department on its website further stated that the wait time to receive an interview at the embassy or a consulate may change every week and is affected by the incoming workload and staffing. It further reiterated the wait times mentioned are estimates and not a guarantee of availability.
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As thousands of students have travelled to the country for higher education, parents remain uncertain as to when they can visit their children. On his visit to the country in September, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar raised the issue with the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. The US diplomat stated that he is “extremely sensitive” to the issue and that the situation is similar around the globe as a result of the pandemic.
In further statements, the State Department highlighted that US visa processing has rebounded quicker than expected and is projected to reach pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
Citing Covid-19 restrictions in public places, hindered the country’s ability to provide in-person interview appointments to applicants, a requirement by US law for visa purposes.
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Source: NDTV