Context:
Indian applicants renewing their U.S. B1/B2 (business/tourism) visas now face increased wait times after the U.S. government reinstated its pre-COVID renewal policy.
Key Changes & Implications
- Renewal Eligibility Rule Reinstated
- Previously, visas could be renewed without an interview if they had expired within the last 48 months (temporary COVID-era policy introduced in Nov 2022).
- Now, this eligibility period has reverted to 12 months, limiting the number of applicants qualifying for interview waivers.
- Impact on Visa Processing Times
- Though wait times have reduced from the peak of 999+ days, they remain lengthy:
- New Delhi & Mumbai – Over 440 days
- Chennai – 436 days
- Hyderabad – 429 days
- Kolkata – 415 days
- Though wait times have reduced from the peak of 999+ days, they remain lengthy:
