US Embassy Issues Strict Warning: Visa Applicants Showing Up on Old Appointment Dates Will Be Denied Entry
The US Embassy in India has issued a strong advisory to visa applicants, warning that anyone arriving at consular offices on their original appointment date — after receiving a rescheduling notice — will not be allowed entry. The announcement was shared on the embassy’s official X account, stressing that applicants must strictly follow the updated appointment schedule.
According to the embassy, those who have received a reschedule email should attend only on the new date. Turning up on the earlier scheduled day will result in refusal of entry. The measure is aimed at preventing overcrowding and streamlining daily operations at US consulates, where visa demand continues to remain high.
Why the Warning Matters
Visa interview slots in India are often in heavy demand, with applicants experiencing long delays, especially for tourist and business categories. While recent improvements have reduced wait times across several consulates, officials say these gains can be maintained only if applicants follow updated appointment instructions.
The embassy said it “looks forward to assisting applicants on their new appointment dates” but reiterated that showing up on an outdated schedule will not be permitted under any circumstances.
Visa Wait Times Improve Across India
Latest data from the US State Department shows a noticeable shift in visa appointment availability across Indian cities:
New Delhi
- F, M, J visas: reduced from ~2 months to 0.5 month
- B-1/B-2 visas: improved from 6.5 months to 3.5 months
Chennai
- Earlier B-1/B-2 wait: ~5 months; now listed as N/A
- Other interview-required visas: reduced from a 5-month waiting period to 3 months
Kolkata
- B-1/B-2 visas: ~4.5 months average; next slot at 5 months
- F, M, J visas: 2.5 months
Mumbai
- B-1/B-2 visas: remain among the longest at 9.5 months
- Student and exchange visas: 3 months
Hyderabad
- B-1/B-2 visas: ~5 months
- F, M, J visas: 2.5 months
- H, L, O, P, Q visas: 2 months
Despite improvements, consular officials stress that scheduling discipline is crucial to maintaining timely processing.
What Applicants Should Do Now
The embassy advises all applicants to:
- Check email frequently for appointment updates
- Attend only on the newly assigned date
- Avoid arriving early or on outdated schedules
- Bring updated confirmation documents to the visa centre
Failure to follow instructions may result in delays, rescheduling, or denial of entry.
Our Thoughts
The US Embassy’s advisory comes at a crucial time when visa demand from India is among the highest globally. Even small lapses in scheduling can disrupt daily operations at consular offices, especially in cities where appointment windows remain stretched. The rule is firm, but necessary — managing large applicant volumes requires strict adherence to updated schedules.
At the same time, the improving wait times across categories highlight ongoing efforts by the US government to reduce the long-standing visa backlog. Faster processing for student, work and visitor categories is a positive sign for travellers, families and businesses. However, the wide differences between cities, especially in Mumbai and Kolkata, show that challenges remain.
As travel picks up again and visa demand rises, following official guidelines will be essential for a smoother experience. TheTrendingPeople.com will continue tracking updates from US consulates across India.