Good news for those who are planning to apply for a US visa for the first time; the United States (US) embassy in India has launched an initiative that will reduce visa processing time.

Also read: World’s most powerful passports in 2023, India climbs up two spots

As a part of the initiative, there will be special visa interviews (Saturday interview) for those who are required to go for the in-person visa interviews, with additional staff to speed up the visa process. There had been an incredibly long wait for the visa processing due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

Applicants with previous US visas no longer need to do the in-person interviews. The new visa processing initiative will remotely process these applications.

The consulate in Mumbai has extended their weekday working hours to accommodate more visa appointments for applicants from Mumbai.

Those applying for student visa, H and L category visa, H-1B visa, B-1 business visa, B-2 tourist visa, and crews of shipping companies and airlines, will benefit from this new initiative.

Travel to the US
If you are planning to travel to the US for tourism purposes, March to April is the best time. This is when you will get to see stunning cherry blossoms. Nature comes to life after a period of serious winter. Destinations like Washington DC, Los Angeles, Oregon, Seattle, Texas and San Francisco are some of the best places to visit around this time. Nature holidays are very popular during these months. Do add the US to your spring travel bucket list.