All U.S. visa applicants need to attend a personal interview except certain category of non-immigrant visa applicants who are eligible for the interview waiver program. Visa application process in India has two parts, first the biometric appointment and the second is the actual visa interview. 

Biometric Appointment at the Visa Application Center

Applicants under the age of 14 or over the age of 79 are not required to appear in person for the biometric appointment, a family member or representative may submit the required documents, as stated in the appointment letter at the visa application center, on the scheduled date and time to complete the process.

Visa Interview at the Embassy/Consulate

All U.S. visa applicants, including those under the age of 14 or over the age of 79, need to appear in person for the scheduled visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the scheduled appointment date and time. 

No Show Requires a New Fee Payment

If the applicants fail to attend the interview, this will result in their application being marked as a “No Show”. Under the new regulations, applicants are required to pay a new visa fee and restart the entire visa application process.

Conclusion

We urge U.S. visa applicants to take cognizance of the above new requirements and ensure that they appear for the visa interview at the scheduled date and time. If one is aware that he or she cannot attend the scheduled interview, then, it is important to cancel and reschedule to a new date (permitted once).