NEWS FROM INDIA- The US Consulate Mumbai has begun limited Immigrant Visa Services as Covid-19 Numbers Continue to Drop!
By
Dev B. Viswanath, Esq.
Big news from the US Embassy in India regarding restarting Immigrant Visa Processing at the US Consulate -Mumbai, albeit at a much slower and limited pace than before the Covid-19 pandemic. Still, very good news!
As of June 7, 2021, the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai is reopening Immigrant Visa Unit appointments of all types:
- Rescheduling of cancelled appointments
- SB-1 status and visa applications
- LPR services (boarding foil)
- Reissuance of expired visas
- K applications
The Consulate will continue to contact those people with appointments that were cancelled in April-May 2021 and Spring 2020, in chronological order, by visa category, with instructions to continue processing their cases. The Consulate is also resuming 221(g) submission in all categories and the scheduling of routine cases through the National Visa Center, by visa category, as public health conditions allow.
Due to limited appointment availability, the Consulate is currently unable to reschedule any cancelled appointments directly, and availability for rescheduling may be very limited, with appointments unavailable at some times. Furthermore, in light of the unpredictability of the pandemics affects on the local population as well as possible outbreaks again, timelines and guarantees that the processing will continue without disruption, cannot be made.
New appointments can be made through the consular website for visa appointments. The post will add appointments as often as there is availability, but please expect appointment slots to fill quickly. Please continue to monitor the website for appointment availability. Detailed information on the current status of visa services and restrictions related to the COVID-19 can also be found on the consular webpage.
Please note that travel restrictions remain in effect in many states in India and the availability of appointments does not mean that you will be able to travel to the Consulate or a Visa Application Center (VAC). Please ensure you will be able to travel before making an appointment.
As appropriate, visa applicants should follow the instructions given to them for registering for appointments, and monitor their email address for confirmation and further information. Multiple separate attempts to contact the Embassy or Consulate will slow communication. For more questions on the Consular reopening or Immigrant Visa Processing, please contact an experienced Immigration Attorney.