New Delhi: With the summer season already set, there’s huge rush for US visas and there is an advise for Indians to apply early. The US Embassy on Tuesday said that visa applicants from all over India may have to wait for a total of 30 days to get a visa interview. The announced wait time is going to stay for at least the next few months, it said.

“Mission India’s non-immigrant visa workload is one of the largest in the world, processing over a million visas a year,” the statement said.

“In the last five years, the demand for visas to travel to the United States has increased by over 60 per cent. Travelers should apply early to avoid potential delays,” the embassy said in the release.

As per the statement, the Embassy in New Delhi and all the four Consulates across India “are constantly working to improve service and meet demand, but applicants should be aware that the summer is a peak travel season and there will be delays in getting visa appointments”.

The statement also advised applicants to be aware of scams and fraud and reminded them the fact that there is only one way to get US visa, and that is through official channels.

“Someone can either apply and have an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate, or if they have had a visa before and meet certain criteria, they may qualify to have their visa renewed,” the statement said.

“Anyone claiming they can guarantee a visa in exchange for a fee is attempting to defraud you. Applicants should be smart and apply the right way,” it added.

The Embassy also warned all the applicants to beware of all type of scams and frauds and said, “The only way to get a US visa is through official channels. Anyone claiming they can guarantee a visa in exchange for a fee is attempting to defraud you. Applicants should be smart and apply the right way.”

It further said that Consular sections in Mission India are currently only able to expedite visa appointments for cases which involves genuine emergencies.

You May Also Read: 2008 Bhainsa Riot Case: All 9 Accused Of Hindu Vahini Go Scot Free After Court Acquits Them