U.S. Embassy hosts “Super Saturday” to clear visa backlogs in India

Hyderabad: The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, along with Consulates in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad, will operate on December 7 to host its fourth “Super Saturday.” This initiative, launched earlier this year, is part of an ongoing effort to address the growing demand for U.S. visas in India by holding special interview days on weekends.

With more Indians seeking to travel to the United States for work, education, family reunions, and tourism, the U.S. Mission in India has introduced multiple measures to reduce visa appointment wait times.

High Demand Drives New Measures

India has seen an unprecedented surge in visa applications over the past year, and the U.S. Mission has responded with innovative strategies to handle the workload. These include:

• Special Saturday Operations: Providing additional interview slots for first-time visa applicants requiring in-person appointments.

• Remote Processing: Streamlining visa renewals and waivers by processing these applications remotely for individuals with prior U.S. visas.

• Increased Staffing: Adding more consular officers permanently to manage operations.

Mark McGovern, Consul General at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, explained the significance of these efforts: “This year, we’ve already processed more than one million visas across India. Each visa processed represents a family reunified, a business opportunity created, or a student embarking on a new academic journey. These initiatives aim to keep up with the growing demand and make the process more efficient.”

Visa Backlog Eases Post-Pandemic

The U.S. Mission to India has made significant progress in reducing wait times, which had surged during the pandemic. According to officials, interview wait times for most visa categories, including student and employment visas, are now at pre-pandemic levels or better.

“The people-to-people ties between the United States and India are stronger than ever,” McGovern added. “We understand how important these visas are for families, businesses, and individuals. That’s why we’re going the extra mile, even if it means coming in on a Saturday.”

Visa Trends in India

India remains one of the largest sources of U.S. visa applications globally. The country has seen a steady increase in demand for student and employment visas, driven by opportunities for higher education and professional growth in the United States. The “Super Saturday” events have been pivotal in managing this demand while maintaining efficiency in visa processing.

For those seeking more information on visa requirements or to schedule an appointment, the U.S. Mission has directed applicants to visit its official website: U.S. Travel Docs.