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The US embassy announced the new rules to streamline the visa application process, promising reduced wait times and a fair chance to everyone for a visa interview appointment
The move to streamline the US visa application process is likely to benefit thousands of Indian techies. (Image for representation: News18)
In a massive relief for Indians looking to visit the US, new rules will be in place for non-immigrant visa applicants from January 1, 2025.
The US embassy announced the rules on Wednesday (December 18) to streamline the visa application process, promising reduced wait times and a fair chance to everyone for a visa interview appointment.
“To make sure everyone has a fair chance at getting a visa interview appointment and to reduce wait times, we’re making some changes,” it said in a social media post.
The move is likely to benefit thousands of Indian techies. It comes as the outgoing Biden administration relaxed rules for H-1B visas, making it easier for American companies to hire foreign workers with special skills and facilitate a smoother transition from F-1 student visas to H-1B visas.
The US embassy said changes have been introduced to visa rescheduling policies. Visa applicants will now be able to reschedule their appointments one time free of cost. They will, however, have to repay the application fee if they miss an appointment or need to schedule a second time.
“Starting January 1, 2025, you can still schedule your first nonimmigrant visa appointment at the location of your choice. If you need to reschedule for any reason, you will be able to do that one time. If you miss your appointment or need to reschedule a second time, you’ll need to book a new appointment and repay your application fee. Since wait times are long, please make sure you can attend on the date you’ve selected,” the embassy said in its post on Instagram.
It added: “These changes will make it easier and faster for everyone to get appointments. We encourage applicants to attend their scheduled appointments to keep the process efficient and fair for everyone.”
