Consular sections across India now accepting drop box applications for renewals of all nonimmigrant visa categories at Visa Application Centers across India
Consular sections across India now accepting drop box applications for renewals of all nonimmigrant visa categories at Visa Application Centers across India
By: Rachel Horner
Under the Presidential Proclamation, the Department of State was barred from issuing immigrant visas. The proclamation “suspends the entry to the United States of certain additional foreign nationals who present a risk to the U.S. labor market during the economic recovery following the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak.” However, the United States embassies in India, specifically in New Delhi, Chennai Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai, have recently begun a slow but steady re-opening of services. This is welcomed news for Indian nationals who need visas and eager to return to work.
The priority for these centers will continue to be student visa applications. In addition to student visas, they will accept drop box applications for certain visa categories, including renewals of H1B and L-1 visas. However, these renewals must meet certain criteria. For example, visa applicants will be only able to renew their visa if they are applying for the same position with the same company. According to the Official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service’s website, “Applicants for H1B, H2B, L1, and certain J categories and their dependents covered by Presidential Proclamation 10052 should request an expedited appointment only if you have reason to believe you may qualify for one of the exceptions listed in the Proclamation.“ It is also important to note that the eligibility for drop box appointments has been changed from 12 months from the date of expiration to 24 months as to help mitigate the risks of COVID-19. Those who apply for renewals should expect a longer-than-normal wait time and be aware that appointments are not guaranteed due to the high volume of applications and backlog.
As for other services, such as routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa processing, they remain unavailable. The United States Embassy and Consulates in India stated that they “remain unable to resume routine American citizen services, including routine appointments for passports, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, and notarial services, at this time.” For updates on when more services will reopen, there are several sources you can utilize. For example, @USandMumbai on Twitter is answering questions and providing updates when they can. In addition, www.ustraveldocs.com/in/ is posting official updates and guidelines when possible.
As an operations analyst and proofreader at Park Evaluations, Rachel Horner reviews and edits evaluations for consistency and coherency, and ensures quality content is produced for the clients. During her free time, she likes to ride her bike and spend time with her shih-tzu, Callie.
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