Expect Summer Visa Processing Delays

Applicants for U.S. visas, especially those coming from India, may expect seasonal delays this summer.

What is causing these summer delays?

These delays are likely due to heightened scrutiny over the busy summer season. The Department of State (DOS) may also restrict the number of interviews conducted per day per consular officer. This restriction may increase the wait time for an interview appointment. Along with heightened scrutiny, consular officers may ask a greater number of questions during interviews. It has also been reported that applicants may be required to disclose phone contacts, social media passwords, and financial information during interviews.

The Department of State issued several cables to diplomatic and consular posts that were linked. One, issued March 17, 2017, said that if a consular post determines that an applicant may have ties to ISIS or another terrorist organization, the post must refer the applicant to the Fraud Prevention Unit for a mandatory social media review. For the above reasons, advanced planning is now critical when applying for a visa over the summer months.