March 22, 2004 - The State Department announced that U.S. consular sections in New Delhi and Kolkata (Calcutta) will accept nonimmigrant visa applications from the Chennai and Mumbai consular districts to assist those with an urgent need to travel to the United States.

According to the State Department announcement, applications will only be accepted from applicants who will apply in person, speak English fluently, have not previously been refused a visa for any reason, and can demonstrate an urgent need to travel before an appointment is available at the US Consulate General serving their place of residence.

While the average wait for an appointment at New Delhi and Kolkata is currently only a few days, there is a two week wait for appointments at the consular section in Mumbai and an almost five week wait at the consular section in Chennai.

A complete copy of the announcement can be found at http://usembassy.state.gov/mumbai/wwwhwhatsnew.html

###