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U.S. Embassy to Add Limited Student Visa Interview Slots in India

It follows diplomatic appeals after Indian students faced long delays under new public social media screening rules.

Indian Students Struggle to Secure US Student Visa Appointments, Government Responds
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Overview

  • The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi will open a restricted quota of additional F, M and J visa interview appointments through the end of August to reduce a mounting backlog ahead of the fall semester.
  • Expanded vetting protocols implemented on June 18 require applicants to list all social media handles and set profiles to public, prolonging background checks and lowering embassy and consulate throughput.
  • India’s Ministry of External Affairs has formally escalated the issue to the U.S. Embassy and the State Department after receiving multiple representations from students and families.
  • A bipartisan group of 14 U.S. House members, led by Congresswoman Deborah Ross, urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to speed up processing and highlighted that Indian students contribute about $9 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
  • The embassy is also rolling out a visa FAQ sheet and a software-based solution to prioritise J-1 physician appointments in an effort to streamline scheduling.