Bengaluru: City residents, especially students and tourists planning trips to the U.S. to visit their families and softward professionals in line for their visa appointment at the US consulate office in Chennai were in for quite a time. Chaos and confusion have been caused over the law and order situation in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu.
According to a couple of candidates who had interviews scheduled on Monday could not attend the interview fearing the violence and now they need to reschedule their interview schedule. “I was supposed to leave on Sunday night by bus, but following the news of tension in Chennai city, my parents advised me against the trip. My company was sending me. Visiting US is a dream I am nurturing from my child hood days. There is already a fear that US may impose ban on work visa,’ said a software professional who wished to be anonymous.
When to reschedule: a techie who received admission into one of the elite universities of the US and was waiting for the Chennai-bound train in Cantonment railway station said that he is clueless about the next appointment date. ‘I am going to Chennai today. But issue is the tense situation expected to continue for few more days. So I am afraid Visa may be delayed by a month,” he said.
What are Non-immigrant Visas?
A nonimmigrant visa is used by tourists, business people, students, or specialty workers who wish to stay for a particular period of time in the United States to accomplish specific purposes. According to U.S. visa laws and regulations, most nonimmigrant visa applicants must demonstrate to the consular officer that they have strong ties to their country of residence and must show that they intend to depart the United States after their temporary stay.
Why applicants are worried
According to the candidates, tensed situation may continue in Chennai for few more days. As Visa interview is conducted only in Chennai, they may feel that their travel plans may be delayed by nearly two to three weeks.
US consulate notification
Due to scheduling changes, the Nonimmigrant Unit of the Chennai Consulate will not be able to honor your appointment today, Dec 5, 2016. As you have already completed your biometric appointment at the Visa Application Center you can just reschedule your interview appointment with the Consulate. There is NO NEED to contact the call center or customer support—simply login to your profile and reschedule both of your appointments.
