Personal appearance mandatory for US visas

It is now a test of patience for those who are willing to get US Visa, now the new visa regulations make the personal interview mandatory for all the participants. This would result is delay in the process of issuing visas.

The new visa rule would come into effect from July 14 following the security concern of US after the terrorist attack on WTC. However they stressed that the new rules were not India-specific. Visa seekers will now have to book their interview appointment with a counsellor at the US Embassy or its consulates at least a month ahead.

Though processing will take longer, embassy officials say it will not make getting a visa more difficult criteria for qualification remain the same. Those exempt from personal appearance can still use the drop box facility.

Embassy officials said student visas will be processed on priority so they can be cleared before school starts in the US. July 31 will be set aside just for student visas, they said.

Applicants from south India can apply at New Delhi or Kolkata where queues are shorter than in Chennai. But this being peak season, those applying now at New Delhi or Kolkata can hope to get an interview appointment only in August. Those planning to travel after October should book after the summer rush.

Appointments for Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata can be booked at www.ttsvisas.com; applicants from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, MP and Chhatisgarh can book at www.visa-services.com or visa facilitation centres at Mumbai, Ahmedabad or Pune.