In an effort to reduce visa processing delays, the US embassy in India recently announced that Indians who wish to travel overseas can now make an appointment at consulates in those countries.

The embassy cited Thailand as an example, stating that the island nation has made B1/B2 appointment slots available for Indian visitors in the coming months. The waiting period for a B1/B2 interview in Bangkok is only fourteen days.

The United States Embassy in New Delhi tweeted:

Do you have upcoming international travel? If so, you may be able to get a visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your destination. For example, @USEmbassyBKK has opened B1/B2 appointment capacity for Indians who will be in Thailand in the coming months.

To alleviate visa processing delays, the embassy began a number of new initiatives last month, including arranging special interviews for first-time applicants and expanding consular personnel strength. Additionally, the mission has begun conducting interviews on select Saturdays.

Furthermore, the US State Department has introduced remote processing of interview waiver cases for previous US visa holders.

Concerns about the lengthy waiting period for first-time visa applicants have grown. In October of 2022, the waiting period for first-time B1/B2 visa applicants in India was close to three years.

While the wait period for a student visa (F-1) has stabilised at roughly 90 days, the wait time for business and tourist visas (B-1, B-2) remains high, reaching nearly two years in most consulates across India.

Also Read: US Embassy & Consulate Open On Saturdays For Visa Interviews | The Dope