New US Visa Rescheduling Rule To Cut Wait Times For Indian Travelers In 2025

If you're an Indian planning to visit the United States, there's some exciting news for you! Starting January 1, 2025, nonimmigrant US visa applicants can reschedule their interview appointments once without paying any extra fee. However, if you miss your appointment or need to reschedule again, you’ll need to book a new slot and repay the application fee. This update comes straight from the US Embassy, aiming to make the visa process smoother and fairer for everyone.  

New US Visa Rescheduling Rule To Cut Wait Times For Indian Travelers In 2025

Read More: Australia Introduces New Visa Policy To Manage Student Arrivals

Why This Change?  

The embassy explained that this new rule is designed to reduce long wait times and make the application process fair. Visitor visas, like the B-1 (for business), B-2 (for tourism), and the B-1/B-2 combo, let people enter the US temporarily.  

But here's the current situation—wait times for B1/B2 visa appointments are really long. As of December 19, 2024, here’s how long you’d wait at different consulates in India:  

- Hyderabad: 429 days  

- Kolkata: 436 days  

- Mumbai: 438 days  

- Delhi: 441 days  

- Chennai: 479 days  

These numbers are shocking, right? That’s why the embassy is encouraging applicants to choose their appointment dates carefully and make sure to show up on time. By doing this, the system stays fair, and everyone can get their appointments quicker.  

Big Plans for 2025  

Here’s something even more exciting: the US Government plans to add one million extra visa appointment slots in 2025! Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "We will add an additional one million visa appointments in the financial year 2025. That’s on top of the record number we had this past year."  

To give you some context, the US issued 11.5 million visas in 2024, and 8.5 million of those were for visitors. That’s a 10% jump from the year before!  

What About the Costs?  

Applying for a US B1/B2 visitor visa will cost you $185 (about INR 15,730). Keep in mind, this fee is non-refundable, so plan your appointments wisely!  

What Does This Mean for Indian Travelers?  

With these changes and extra slots, the visa process should get faster and more efficient. This is great news for Indian tourists who’ve been struggling with painfully long wait times.  

So, if you’re dreaming of a trip to the US, start planning now! These updates could make your journey a lot smoother and more enjoyable. After all, good things come to those who prepare!