US to resume student visa processing in five metros from Aug 17 – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The US will from next Monday (August 17) resume processing students visas in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata as this fall semester is about to begin from next month. Thousands of Indians students who got admission to US colleges have been waiting for the process to begin.
The US embassy will, however, continue to remain closed for routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services. “We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date,” the embassy website says.
The US Embassy in Delhi Tweeted Friday: “Our consular sections are opening to process student and academic exchange visitor visa applications on a limited basis. Student visas are a high priority, and we will make every effort to assist applicants in a timely fashion, while keeping our customers and staff safe. However, due to our very limited appointment availability we may not be able to accommodate all requests in time for the start of the fall semester.”
The embassy’s website says: “We are pleased to announce that consular sections at the US Embassy in New Delhi and our Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata will begin processing of student and academic exchange visitor visa applications on a limited basis on August 17. Through consultation with our health and security professionals, we will open in a limited manner that puts the safety of our customers and staff first. “
The US will first process emergency student and exchange visitor appointment requests received prior to August 12 and then offer public appointments. “We will refresh appointments as we have availability, generally two weeks in advance. Prospective students and exchange visitors should schedule an appointment no more than three weeks prior to their class start date. We expect appointment slots to be filled quickly,” it says, while advising applicants to monitor the website for availability.
“Student visas are a high priority, and we will make every effort to assist student visa applicants in a timely fashion, while keeping our customers and staff safe. However, due to our very limited appointment availability we will not be able to accommodate all requests in time for the start of the fall semester. We will try to handle requests based on when we receive them and when classes will start, with priority to those cases whose classes are starting earlier. We ask for your patience during this time.”
It adds: “This being said, we continue to remain closed for routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa services. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date. The MRV fee is valid and may be used to schedule an interview appointment in the country where it was purchased within one year of the date of payment. If you have an urgent need to travel, please follow the guidance provided at http://cdn.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-expeditedappointment.asp to request an emergency appointment.”