US Tourist Visa: US To Resume In-Person Tourist Visa Appointments From September

Last Updated on Nov 15th, 2023 by Renu Dahiya, Leave a Comment

The United States Embassy has recently stated that it will resume routine in-person tourist visa appointments from September 2022. This news has been welcomed by thousands of families who have been waiting for a long period to visit their relatives and friends residing in the United States. 

The US Embassy in a statement announced: 

“We are resuming routine in-person tourist visa appointments in September 2022. Previously, scheduled placeholders have now been canceled. Applicants whose placeholder appointments were canceled may now re-enter the scheduling system to book regular appointments. Appointments have been opened through 2023.” 

Tweets Shared by the U.S. Embassy India – 

The U.S. Mission to India is pleased to announce that we are resuming routine in-person tourist visa appointments in September 2022. Previously scheduled placeholders have now been cancelled.

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) May 29, 2022

Highlights About The Latest US Tourist Visa Appointments News

• The US embassy plans to resume the personal/physical tourist visa (B1 and B2) visa appointments in September 2022. 
• Any placeholder appointments that had been made previously have been canceled. These visa applicants may now re-enter the scheduling system and van book their regular appointments. 
• Tourist visa appointments are available through 2023.
• The United States embassy also speeds up the application process for tourist visas (B1 & B2) along with work and study visas. 

Important Note – Please be noted that those applying for US tourist visas personally/physically attend a visa interview at the United States embassy or consulate. 

Suggested Read - How to obtain a tourist visa for USA from India

US Embassy Fastens The Tourist Visa Process

Earlier, the US embassy fastened the process of study and work-related visa applications. But travelers who have planned to fly to the United States as a tourist have been subject to very long delays and waiting periods due to the inability to get a visa appointment anytime this year or even next year. 

Now, applying for US tourist visas (B1 and B2) has also been encouraged at the same speed at which study or work visas are being processed. Travelers who were unable to travel to the US for several reasons during this pandemic period are asked to apply in September 2022. 

US Tourist Visas – B1 And B2 

The US Tourist visas i.e. B1 and B2 visas permit foreign citizens to enter the US territory as a visitor/tourist, to visit relatives and friends, or for business purposes. These visas have a 10-year maximum validity period. US tourist visa holders are permitted to stay in the country for up to 6 months at a time. 

B1 Visa – B1 US tourist visa allows entry for internationals who want to visit the United States for business, attending conferences/meetings, contract negotiation, and other business-related activities. 

B2 Visa – B2 US tourist visa allows internationals to visit the United States for tourism, pleasure, or to meet family and friends. 

Suggested Read - Informative Guide on U.S. visas for Indian citizens

No COVID-19 Restrictions

The requirement of taking the COVID-19 test a day before boarding flights to/from the USA for travelers was lifted in June 2022. Now, there are no strict restrictions to fly for any foreign citizen from any part of the world. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are interview slots open for US student visa applicants?

A: Yes, the United States embassy has opened visa appointments for students. Those who are planning to apply for a US student visa can take an appointment through the official website of the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India. And, the interviews for F, M, and J visas will start after August 14th, 2022.

Q: What are placeholders?

A: Already scheduled placeholders were the US tourist visa interview appointment slots that were given to first-time visa applicants, who were not eligible for an interview waiver. 

Q: Why did US visa appointments stop?

A: The USA mission in India stopped conducting in-person B1-B2 visa interviews in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the US embassy plans to reopen then in-person tourist visa appointments from September 2022. 

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About Renu Dahiya | View Posts

Renu Dahiya is a passionate writer who worships her profession. Her love for writing has encouraged her to pursue her career as a writer. Her friends call her a “travel worm” and always come to her to know some interesting traveling tips and destinations. Renu is a repository of knowledge about traveling who knows which place should be visited in which season. Oh yes, she is insanely in love with dancing too. Writer, traveler and dancer, a perfect combination! Without a doubt, she is a complete package.