US embassy in India restarts drop-box applications, but only students and emergency cases are getting interview appointments

• The US Embassy is accepting drop-box applications to renew visas but interview appointments are only being approved for student visas and emergency situations on a case by case basis.
• The embassy halted the scheduling of interviews in March 2020, and there is no word on when rescheduling is set to take place.
• For people whose applications got cancelled in March, the US Mission to India has extended the validity of your payment — the MRV fee — until 31 December 2021.

The US Embassy in India has announced that consular sections across the country will restart accepting dropbox applications for renewals of non-immigrant visa categories. In fact, a new document listing new appointments for dropping off renewal requests will be released every two weeks.

While that may allay the concerns of many, those waiting on interview appointments will have to wait a little longer.

Only US student visas and emergency cases are getting interview appointments
The embassy stopped taking visa appointments in March, earlier this year, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit India. Any appointments that were already in place were cancelled indefinitely.

And, right now, only student visa applications for the US and emergency cases are being entertained. “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are able to process only a limited number of in-person F, M, and J visa appointments and select other categories that meet strict emergency criteria,” said the Embassy spokesperson.

Source: US Department of State

Other categories like the tech industries coveted H-1B visa holders, will have to wait. “We will expand in-person services once local conditions allow us to do so while ensuring the safety of the public and our staff,” said the US embassy spokesperson explaining why there is no specific date at this time for re-opening full fledged interview appointments.

Since flights are limited, very few people are able to relay their travel plans and use of visa to the US authorities.

If you’re one of the many whose application got cancelled in March, the US Mission to India has extended the validity of your payment — the MRV fee — until 31 December 2021.

“Applicants do not need to take any action to extend your fee validity. Please continue to monitor our website for information on when we will return to routine visa operations,” the spokesperson explained.

How do US visa drop-box applications work in India?
According to the US Mission in India, if you’re someone who is looking to renew a US visa that’s currently valid or recently expired, a drop-box appointment is really all you need. “An interview is not required for most visa renewals, and we will adjudicate your application and mail your passport and visa back to you at the location of your choosing,” the US Embassy told Business Insider in a statement.

However, certain applications may require a face-to-face meeting. If that is the case, someone from the embassy or consulate will get in touch with you over either email or phone but there is no guidance on when that appointment will eventually be scheduled.

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