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HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases...Addressing U.S. Visitor Visa Wait Times
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The Department of State is committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States while safeguarding national security.
Many applicants for U.S. visas are required by U.S. law to appear in person. However, local pandemic-era restrictions on public places like our overseas consular sections curbed our ability to see visa applicants. This reduced the number of visa applications the Department could process. Now that most countries have lifted restrictions, ninety-six percent of our embassies and consulates can provide routine visa services. The combination of pent-up demand from the past two years combined with regular seasonal demand has resulted in extended wait times for U.S. visa interview appointments in some locations – most notably for first-time visitor visa applicants and immigrant visa applicants in some countries.
The Department of State is successfully lowering visa interview wait times worldwide. We have doubled our hiring of U.S. Foreign Service personnel to do this important work, visa processing is rebounding faster than projected, and in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 we expect to reach pre‑pandemic visa processing levels.
As of November 2022, the median worldwide wait time for a tourist visa (B1/B2) interview appointment is about two months, and applicants with urgent travel needs who meet certain criteria can apply for an emergency appointment, usually available within days. We are committed to continuing our progress and further reducing visa interview appointment wait times as quickly as possible.
In the past year, we have made great strides in returning to pre-pandemic visa processing levels and in reducing appointment wait times by doing the following:
- We are waiving in-person interviews where possible while safeguarding national security.
- We have significantly reduced wait times at many embassies and consulates by working with the Department of Homeland Security to expand our authority to waive in-person interviews for certain nonimmigrant visa categories and for many renewals while still ensuring national security.
- Almost half of the nearly seven million nonimmigrant visas we issued globally in FY2022 were adjudicated without an in-person interview.
- We have exceeded pre-pandemic levels of processing in key visa categories that support the U.S. economy.
- We issued forty percent (40%) more H-2 visas for seasonal agricultural and nonagricultural workers in FY 2022 than in FY 2019. This effort increases legal immigration pathways, reduces irregular migration to our southern border, improves supply chain issues that contribute to inflation, and safeguards our nation’s food supply.
- We issued more student visas in FY 2022 than in any year since FY 2016. During the 2021 – 2022 academic year, international students contributed more than $32billion to the U.S. economy.
- In FY 2022, we issued one hundred and forty-five percent (145%) more employment-based immigrant visas applied for by most healthcare workers when compared to FY 2019.
- We nearly matched pre-pandemic processing rates for the airline and shipping crew members who are essential for maintaining global supply chains.
- We are processing more visas with fewer consular officers.
- As of the end of FY 2022, we were already processing ninety-four percent (94%) of the nonimmigrant visas we processed in FY 2019, and one hundred and thirty percent (130%) of immigrant visas compared to FY 2019 monthly processing averages.
- We continue to add more consular staff abroad, but in the meantime, we have implemented efficiencies that allow us to do more work with fewer resources, all while safeguarding national security.
- We are working as a global team.
- We have used innovative technological solutions to electronically redistribute nonimmigrant visa workloads from overseas posts with high visa appointment wait times to other posts with additional capacity.
- Each day, for example, U.S. consular officers in different parts of the world remotely adjudicate thousands of nonimmigrant visa applications for applicants from countries with long interview wait times who do not require an interview. This has allowed our consular officers in those countries to focus on first-time and other visa applicants who do require an interview.
- We are providing greater transparency to visa applicants.
- To promote greater transparency and improve customer service, we added new tools on travel.state.gov, so the public can view and compare wait times across embassies and consulates for both nonimmigrant visa interviews and interview waiver applications.
These achievements are just the beginning of a new approach to our work. The dedicated staff of the Department of State will continue these and additional efforts to address the unprecedented demand, so the American people and U.S. economy benefit from keeping our doors open to lawful visitors.
FAQs
How do I write a letter to the U.S. Embassy for a tourist visa? ›
- Full name.
- Date of Birth.
- Full address.
- Contact information such as phone number and email address.
- Applicant's relation to the host in the U.S.
- The purpose of their trip.
- Applicant's length of stay in the U.S. with specific dates.
Two weeks ago, the US mission in India published over 2,50,000 new B1/B2 appointments. Despite efforts to reduce the backlog, the average waiting time for a US visa appointment in India is still above 500 days.
What is the current wait time for US visa appointment? ›The current wait-time at Indian consulates for the B1/B2 visas (Interview Required Visitors) are: New Delhi: 596 days. Chennai: 625 days. Mumbai: 638 days.
How can I write expedite request for US visa? ›To request a review for expedite, please submit a scanned letter (or statement) to NVCExpedite@state.gov from a physician (or medical facility). The letter must include the physician's (or medical facility's) contact information, and declare a life or death medical emergency exists.
How do you address a letter to the US consulate? ›The letter must be addressed to the U.S. Consulate and should provide the reason for the visit. My name is [Host's Name], residing at [Host's Address] and I am a United States Citizen / lawful permanent resident alien.
How can I write invitation letter for US visa b1 b2 tourist? ›- Name and contact information for the host.
- Host's immigration status (for example, “U.S. citizen”)
- Relationship between the host and the visa applicant.
- Visa applicant's full name and address.
- Purpose of the trip.
It can take up to three weeks for the NVC to process the DS-261. After the NVC has processed your DS-261, you need to pay two required fees online, for a total of $445: the State Department's application processing fee ($325) and the financial support form fee ($120).
How long b1b2 visa takes? ›As of November 2022, the median worldwide wait time for a tourist visa (B1/B2) interview appointment is about two months, and applicants with urgent travel needs who meet certain criteria can apply for an emergency appointment, usually available within days.
Why B1 visas are getting rejected? ›Common ineligibilities leading to Visa Refusal
You have not fully completed the Visa application. You have not provided all the supporting documents. You did not establish eligibility for the Visa category. You were convicted of a crime that involves moral turpitude.
Create an account/ login into your ustraveldocs account. Click on 'provide feedback'. Then write a letter mentioning fast-tracking the date. Make sure to include the original form I-20 or DS-2019.
How can I accelerate my US visa appointment? ›
To be eligible for an expedited US Visa appointment, you need to first have a regular visa appointment already in place. Using the same USTravelDocs portal, after you pay the fee, you will have the option to schedule a visa appointment. Do not worry about the date, it can be anytime (even next year too).
How do I rush my US visa appointment? ›If you have urgent medical or humanitarian need of travel and you cannot schedule an appointment prior to your proposed date of departure then, schedule the first available appointment and click on the “Request Expedite” link.
How do I expedite my b2 visa? ›- STEP 1: SCHEDULE THE FIRST AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT. ...
- STEP 2: SUBMIT EXPEDITE REQUEST FORM. ...
- STEP 3: WAIT FOR THE DECISION. ...
- STEP 4: LOG BACK IN TO YOUR PROFILE. ...
- STEP 5: CANCEL YOUR OLD APPOINTMENT. ...
- STEP 6: SCHEDULE THE EXPEDITED INTERVIEW.
Dear Sir/Madam: My name is Maria, and I am requesting to expedite the case of my father, Jose Chavez, NVC case number XXXXXX, because I am facing an emergency medical condition and need him to help care for me during my surgery (put the reason that applies to your case here).
What qualifies for emergency visa appointment? ›The Emergency Visa service is only for US passport holders of Indian origin and their family members required to visit India due to a genuine family emergency, such as critical illness or death of a family member. Documentary evidence will need to be provided and the applicant will be charged an emergency service fee.
How do you greet a consulate officer? ›When your turn for the interview comes, enter the room with a smile, greet the officer with a warm hello or hi. S/he may ask you 'how are you doing'. Reply politely and thank them for asking. If your visa is granted, thank them politely and leave.
How do you greet a consulate? ›Dear Jane,
Address a consul general as 'Mr./Ms./Dr./etc. (Name)' – using the honorific to which he or she is personally entitled. Among diplomats, only ambassadors have a special form of address.
Please email acsnd@state.gov for urgent CRBA requests. The U.S. Embassy is located on Shantipath in the Chanakyapuri area of New Delhi.
Are US visa appointments open for B1 B2 visa? ›Please continue to monitor the USTravelDocs.com website for appointment availability. We have now resumed routine B1/B2 processing, however due to high demand, we are experiencing extended wait times across all visa categories.
How much bank balance is required for US tourist visa? ›How much money do I need to show for US Tourist Visa? Officially, there is no limit for the money to be shown for the US Tourist Visa. Any amount that can validate the overall expenses for your US trip must be adequate. This includes to and fro air tickets, medical insurance, boarding, lodging, shopping, etc.
Does B2 visa need invitation letter? ›
A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa.
How do I contact the Department of State for visa processing? ›National Visa Center (NVC): For NVC case-specific inquiries, you may call 603- 334-0700 or email NVCInquiry@state.gov.
Why is US visa processing so slow? ›Many of our embassies and consulates continue to face staffing challenges that began during the pandemic. This means that ongoing visa delays are a worldwide problem, not one specific to India. But very few US missions in the world share the same volume and complexity of visa workload as India.
Why is visa Processing slow? ›Delays are usually caused by additional security and background clearances due to your citizenship, ties to specific countries, or field of study. These additional clearance checks may take several weeks to several months to process. There is no way to circumvent or expedite this process.
How do I expedite my B1 B2 visa? ›Applying for an Expedited Appointment
Pay the visa application fee. Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. If the Embassy approves your request then you will receive an email alerting you to schedule your expedited appointment online.
Qualifying for a B-2 tourist visa is not automatic, and for people from some countries, not easy. It depends on what you plan to do during your visit and whether you can convince the U.S. consular authorities that you will really return home afterward.
What is a good reason to extend B2 visitor visa? ›In some cases, you may be able to file the Form I-539 extension request after your B1/B2 visa expiration date if you can verify: There are extraordinary circumstances that couldn't be helped – such as the need to be hospitalized to treat severe injuries or a sudden illness.
How much bank balance is required for B1 visa? ›The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank.
Why do B2 visas get denied? ›There could be many reasons why your B-2 visa was denied for immigrant intent. If, for instance, you traveled to the U.S. in the past and overstayed the time permitted under your visa or extended that stay, this might indicate to the consular officer that you do not intend to comply with the visa requirements.
How long is B1 processing time? ›B1 Visa FAQs
In general, B1 visa processing time takes around 3 months (90 days) for USCIS to process work permit applications but has been taking longer recently—often to 4.5–5 months (135–150 days) to process.
Can you expedite a tourist visa? ›
Expedited Visas
Depending on the visa requirements of specific countries, expedited visa processing can often take as little as one business day. Expedited visa services, such as those offered by Swift, can be used for both business visas and tourist visas.
You must already have a confirmed interview appointment date in order to request an expedited appointment. If your expedited appointment request is approved, you will be notified with instructions via email.
Is B1 B2 visa eligible for Dropbox? ›With these appointments, Indians whose B1/B2 visas expired within four years (instead of one year) of applying for a new one under the same category, will be eligible for this dropbox visa.
How can I check availability of US visa interview slots? ›- Install the chrome extension.
- Give your Access Code (received in the signup) in the extension.
- Log in to CGI portal from the browser you installed the extension.
- Navigate to schedule appointment on the visa portal.
- That's all. Screenshot is captured by the Chrome Extension.
You may also use the interview waiver program if you are renewing any visa (including B1/B2 visas) within 48 months of expiration. Please note that the Embassy or Consulate to which you apply may require an interview after reviewing your application.
How do agents book US visa slots? ›- Agents collect user credentials to book a visa slot.
- As agents have access to multiple login accounts, they can log in multiple times using multiple user accounts.
- As soon as the visa slots are available, they book them and book for their other clients.
Each letter should include a detailed explanation of the training, why the need to travel is urgent and explain how either the U.S. or local company will suffer a significant loss of opportunity if an expedited appointment is not available.
How do I write a letter to the embassy for urgent visa? ›I request you to kindly issue me an Urgent Visa so that I can fly first time tomorrow. Approved visa request shall be highly appreciated.
How do I write a cover letter for a tourist visa? ›- The reason why you plan to visit the Country in question,
- The dates you plan to enter and exit the country (flight reservations),
- A detailed itinerary of what you plan to do in the country,
- Proof that you have the financial means to support yourself,
The purpose of my visit. Reasons why I will comply with the terms of the visa and why I will not overstay. Information relating to dependants applying with me (delete if appropriate) My ability to adequately maintain myself [and any dependants (if relevant)] during intended UK trip.
How do I write an email to a visa officer? ›
Dear Sirs, This letter is to present [name of applicant, position and company name]. The purpose of [name of applicant]'s visit to [country name] is to represent [company name] on a visit to [purpose of visit]. We kindly ask you to grant [name of applicant] the appropriate visa for the above-mentioned purpose.
Can I apply for tourist visa without invitation letter? ›A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.
How do you address an immigration officer in a letter? ›What to Include in the Letter of Recommendation for Immigration. If applicable to a court hearing, address the letter with “Dear Honorable Immigration Judge” (if you know the name of the judge, include that as well). Also address any officers with “Dear Officer” (once again including any names you may have).
How do I write an email to the embassy for visa status? ›Sample Letter Checking on Status of Visa Application
123456, am in need of the information about the processing of my application. I applied for the visa on the 28th of August (Date). I was informed by the officials that the normal processing time taken by the embassy is 15-20 days.
Please email acsnd@state.gov for urgent CRBA requests. The U.S. Embassy is located on Shantipath in the Chanakyapuri area of New Delhi.
How do you address a visa invitation letter? ›Visa Invitation Letter Sample
Dear Sir/Madam, My name is [Name of Host], and my place of residence is at [Address of Host], United States. I am sending this letter so that it may act as support for the visa application for [Name of Visitor].
Affidavit of Support Form (Form I-134)
Form I-134 is what you need to submit to obtain a visitor's visa. Known as the Affidavit of Support, this is an 8-page document with six pages of instructions.
If you enter the United States with a valid visa (for example, a tourist or student visa) and overstay by less than 180 days, your visa will be considered void and you'll need to get a new visa in your home country if you want to come back to the United States.
Do US visa officers check bank statements? ›Yes, most embassies verify the bank statements visa applicants submit alongside their visa applications.
What is the minimum bank balance for b1 B2 visa? ›The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank. Is travel insurance compulsory for the US travel visa?
What is the maximum amount of money you can have in a bank account USA? ›
Minimum balances aside, how much money can you have in a checking account? There is no maximum limit, but your checking account balance is only FDIC insured up to $250,000. However, as we'll cover shortly, it makes sense to put extra cash somewhere it will earn interest.