It was also made clear that drop box appointments are mandatory and there are no plans for US consulates to go back to walk-in for dropbox like in previous years. It was clarified that the consulates cannot as yet work full capacity due to staffing issues, budget, hiring people and other Covid induced restrictions. With this encouraging news comes the update that US missions in India plan to operate at about two-thirds of their capacity for 2022.

One of the major takeaways from the session for those hoping to book a visa appointment included the news that the US embassy and consulates have a goal to issue about 800,000 visas in the next 12 months. Read: US to make 20,000 drop box interview waiver appointments in India (January 7, 2022) The US Consulate in Chennai hosted a live Q and A session on Tuesday with Don Heflin, Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs for India, answering queries about visa appointments and consulate operations. US consulates in India aim to issue 800,000 visas in next 12 monthsĪs US visa stamping and issuing of new visas remains a hot button topic for Indians post the pandemic, American mission in India is working to clear some confusion regarding how the visa situation is likely to look like in the coming months.

What is dropbox appointment us visa