In a move that brought much relief to thousands of Indian students set to begin hybrid model classes in US universities this Fall, US Embassy Consulate announced that it will begin processing student visas in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata from August 17 onwards. As there is a backlog of applications received before August 12, the visa processing will first be done for emergency student and exchange visitor appointment requests already received until that date. The US Embassy will then continue to schedule public appointments on a 'limited basis' while ensuring health and safety of its staff in coronavirus times. According to the release:
“Student visas are a high priority…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.”
It advised students to schedule an appointment not more than 3 weeks before they are to begin classes.
It may be noted that many US universities are welcoming international students back on their campuses for the fall semester starting in the last week of August through early September.
