Apply for visa early due to heavy demand: US embassy

The US Embassy in New Delhi has recommended travelers across India to apply early for USvisas due to heavy demand. The embassy said that applicants should be aware that the summer is a peak travel season and there will be delays in getting visa appointments.

"Travelers should apply early to avoid potential delays," the embassy said in a release, adding that "the US Embassy and its four Consulates are constantly working to improve service and meet demand".

The release also warned applicants to beware of scams and fraud. The only way to get a US visa is through official channels.

“Someone can either apply and have an interview at a US Embassy or consulate, or if they have had a visa before and meet certain criteria, they may qualify to have their visa renewed. Anyone claiming they can guarantee a visa in exchange for a fee is attempting to defraud you. Applicants should be smart and apply the right way,” the release said.

It said that presently the applicants across India may have to wait for 30 days or more for a visa interview appointment. It said that presently the applicants across India may have to wait for 30 days or more for a visa interview appointment.

Mission India’s nonimmigrant visa workload is one of the largest in the world, processing over a million visas a year. In the last five years, the demand for visas to travel to the United States has increased by over 60%,” the US embassy said in astatement.

It said that Consular sections in Mission India are currently only able to expedite visa appointments for cases involving genuine emergencies.