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US B1/B2 Visa Renewal Rule Reverts, Longer Waits for Indians

14 February 20251 min read
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRSUS B1/B2 VisaRenewal RuleReverts, LongerWaits for Indians14 February 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

Indians renewing US B1/B2 (business and tourist) visas face longer queues after Washington restored its pre-COVID renewal policy.

Key facts

  • A temporary relaxation from November 2022 allowed interview-free renewal when the visa had expired within 48 months.
  • That window is back to 12 months, so fewer applicants qualify.
  • Waits have eased from the 999+ day peak yet stay long: New Delhi and Mumbai over 440 days, Chennai 436, Hyderabad 429, Kolkata 415.

Exam angle

  • B1/B2: business and tourism visas.

Test yourself

1. After the US reinstated its pre-COVID policy, B1/B2 visas can be renewed without an interview if expired within how many months?

The window reverted from 48 months to 12 months.

2. The temporary COVID-era relaxation for US B1/B2 visa renewal was introduced in which month and year?

The 48-month relaxation began in November 2022.

3. US B1/B2 visas are issued for which purposes?

B1/B2 is the business and tourism visa.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 14 February 2025 (10 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizFebruary 2025

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