Infinite News Desk
An individual who has already secured any kind of US visa would be qualified for a visa interview waiver for student, business, and tourist visas, according to a senior official from the US Embassy in India. A visa waiver is also granted to applicants whose B1 and B2 visas have expired over the last four years. In an effort to reduce visa appointment waiting lists at embassies, the Department of State has approved consular officers to waive in-person visa interviews for non-immigrants, including international students and some temporary workers. The United States embassy in India informed that they have opened new slots for B1/B2 visa interview waiver for those who are eligible.
According to a press release from the Department of State, consular officers will waive in-person interviews for international students until the end of 2023, according to reports. The extension will also assist temporary agricultural and non – agricultural workers (H-2 visas) and academic exchange visitors ( J visas), in addition to students on F and M visas. Others include those who were granted nonimmigrant temporary labour visas as a result of successful individual petitions, including the following:
- People with Specialized Professions (H-1B visas)
- Trainee or Visitors from Special Education (H-3 visas)
- Intra-company movers (L visas)
- People who exhibit extraordinary ability or accomplishment (O visas)
- Athletes, artists, and performers (P visas)
- Individuals taking part in organizations for international cultural exchange (Q visas)
The Department of State notes in its statement that one of its goals is to speed up the reduction of visa wait times worldwide, including those for tourist visas, particularly in light of closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.