The US Consulate in Kolkata has announced the introduction of priority slots for B1/B2 visa applicants who are parents aged 50 years and above, as well as legitimate business travelers. According to the consulate, the new system aims to help qualified travelers with established ties and verified purposes, reducing wait times for those who meet certain conditions.

The consulate has introduced four new categories for B1/B2 visa applicants, including business professionals, parents visiting children with legal status, general tourism and travel, and recent visa refusal. Visa expert Priyesh Sharma noted that these new categories are currently only available for applicants selecting the Kolkata embassy/consulate.

The introduction of these new categories comes as B1/B2 visa applicants have recently experienced higher denial rates, with visa officers emphasizing the need for stronger ties to India and a lower likelihood of settling in the US.

The US Consulate in Kolkata stated that the new visa scheduling system is part of its efforts to support trade, investment, and economic growth between the US and India. The consulate will continue to process visa applications, with the new system aiming to streamline the process for qualified applicants. The impact of this new system on visa application processes and wait times will be closely monitored in the coming weeks.