Udaipur, December 24,2024 - Starting January 1, 2025, the U.S. Embassy in India will implement changes to simplify the scheduling process for nonimmigrant visa applicants. Under the new regulations, applicants can reschedule their appointments once without additional fees. However, if they miss their rescheduled appointment or need to reschedule again, they will be required to book a new appointment and pay the application fee again.

Long Wait Times for B1/B2 Visitor Visas
Visa wait times for Indian applicants remain lengthy despite ongoing efforts to address delays. As of now, the estimated wait times for B1/B2 visitor visas are:

• Mumbai: 438 days

• Chennai: 479 days

• Delhi: 441 days

• Kolkata: 436 days

• Hyderabad: 429 days

For applicants eligible for Interview Waiver Visitor Visas, the wait times are significantly shorter: 21 days in Delhi and just 2 days in Kolkata.

H-1B Visa Reforms for Skilled Workers
The U.S. government has announced reforms to the H-1B visa program, aiming to make it more accessible and transparent. Key updates include broadening the definition of “specialty occupation,” which determines job eligibility for H-1B visas, and introducing clearer requirements for nonprofits and government research organizations wishing to sponsor international workers.

Focus on Attracting Talent
The Biden administration stated that these changes are part of efforts to attract global talent, streamline processes, and reduce misuse of the H-1B visa program. The move is expected to make the system simpler for both skilled workers and employers.

Source: Media Reports