On April 26, 2021, the U.S. Consular Mission to India announced significant limitations to visa and other services due to rising COVID rates and for the safety and protection of its consular staff and customers. Although no travel restrictions from India have been announced, individuals traveling to or otherwise present in India who require a visa should expect significant delays in visa issuance, including through the interview waiver (or “drop box”) program.
On April 27, 2021, further restrictions were announced as follows:
- Effective immediately, all in-person and interview-waiver appointments are cancelled at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and U.S. Consulates General in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata until May 15, 2021. Emergency services for U.S. citizens will continue and these posts will make every effort to honor emergency visa appointments.
- Effective immediately, the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai is only providing emergency services to U.S. citizens and emergency visa services. Drop-box appointments will continue to be honored.
Due to limited appointment availability and uncertainty surrounding COVID, posts are not currently able to reschedule any canceled appointments or respond to inquiries about future cancellations or appointment availability.
Operations of the U.S. Consular Mission to India are rapidly evolving due to COVID-19 conditions. Individuals traveling to or otherwise present in India who require services from the U.S. Consular Mission to India should closely monitor announcements concerning operational changes and appointment availability.
Please contact your Klasko attorney if you have any questions about this Client Alert.
The material contained in this alert does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only. An attorney-client relationship is not presumed or intended by receipt or review of this presentation. The information provided should never replace informed counsel when specific immigration-related guidance is needed.
© 2021 Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP. All rights reserved. Information may not be reproduced, displayed, modified, or distributed without the express prior written permission of Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP. For permission, contact info@klaskolaw.com.
