New Us Visa Rules:How will they impact Travelers?
The United States has introduced new visa rules effective January 1, 2025, aimed at improving efficiency, reducing wait times, and ensuring fairness in the visa application process. The key changes include¹ ²:

*Limited Rescheduling*
– Applicants can reschedule their nonimmigrant visa appointments only once without incurring additional charges.
– If an applicant misses the rescheduled appointment or needs to change it a second time, they will need to book a new appointment and repay the application fee.

*DS-160 Form Accuracy*
– The DS-160 form must be filled accurately and completely to avoid cancellation of scheduled appointments.
– Minor corrections can be made without rescheduling, but significant changes require a new booking.

*B1/B2 Visa Appointments*
– Routine processing for B1/B2 visas has resumed, but applicants face extended wait times, with some consulates in India experiencing delays of over 400 days.
– Expedited appointments are available for emergencies, but denied requests will retain the initial booking.

*Impact on Applicants*
– The new rules encourage applicants to plan carefully and attend their scheduled appointments to avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs.
– Applicants are advised to utilize the Interview Waiver Program if eligible, to avoid long waiting periods.

*Wait Times in India*
– The US Embassy in India has reported significant wait times for B1/B2 visitor visas, ranging from 429 to 479 days in major consulates, including³:
– *Mumbai*: 438 days
– *Chennai*: 479 days
– *Delhi*: 441 days
– *Kolkata*: 436 days
– *Hyderabad*: 429 days

*Record Visa Processing*
– In 2023, the US Embassy in India processed a record 1.4 million visa applications, achieving a 75% reduction in visitor visa wait times. However, rising demand has again placed immense pressure on the system.