The U.S. Department of State has announced a significant new pilot program that would allow certain B1/B2 visa applicants to obtain a visa interview appointment within 10 business days by paying an additional $750 expedited appointment fee. The program is expected to take effect on July 1, 2026 and continue through December 31, 2026. New Expedited Visa Appointment Fee for B1/B2 Applicants According to a Temporary Final Rule published by the Department of State, eligible B1/B2 business and tourist visa applicants will be able to purchase access to expedited interview appointments at selected U.S. embassies and consulates. The expedited appointment service will be offered only at designated posts and only in limited quantities. Federal Register Document 2026-11513 | 22 CFR Part 22 | Effective: July 1 – December 31, 2026. This can be found here. Applicants who choose this premium option will pay: Standard MRV Fee: $185 Expedited Appointment Fee: $750 Total Government Fees: $935 (excluding any reciprocity fees, where applicable What Does the $750 Fee Include? The expedited appointment fee provides access to an earlier interview appointment, generally within 10 business days, subject to availability. It is important to understand that the fee only accelerates appointment scheduling and does not affect the substantive adjudication of the visa application. Applicants will still be subject to: Standard visa eligibility requirements Security screening and vetting Consular officer interview Administrative processing, if required. Does Paying the Fee Guarantee Visa Approval? No. The Department of State specifically states that payment of the expedited appointment fee does not guarantee visa issuance and does not expedite administrative processing. Applicants must independently establish eligibility for the visa category sought. Why Is the State Department Introducing This Program? The Department cites long visa wait times at certain consular posts and increasing demand for time-sensitive travel. The pilot is also intended to help the government evaluate demand for a fee-based expedited appointment system ahead of major international events, including the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. The Department estimates approximately 25,000 applicants may utilize the service during the pilot period. Will Regular Applicants Be Affected? According to the Department, expedited appointments will be capped at a percentage of overall interviewing capacity. Officials indicate that the pilot should not significantly affect appointment availability for applicants using the standard scheduling process. Humanitarian Expedites Still Available Importantly, the new fee-based service does not eliminate existing no-fee expedite options for: Medical emergencies Humanitarian situations U.S. national interest cases Other qualifying urgent travel circumstances Our Analysis This proposal represents one of the most significant changes to U.S. visitor visa appointment scheduling in recent years. For applicants facing urgent business travel, conferences, family events, or other time-sensitive travel needs, the program may offer a predictable alternative to traditional expedite requests. However, applicants should carefully weigh the substantial additional cost against the fact that visa approval remains entirely discretionary and subject to all normal eligibility requirements. Need Help With a U.S. Visa? At The Visa Code, we assist individuals and businesses worldwide with U.S. visa and consular matters, including B1/B2 visitor visas, H-1B visas, L-1 visas, student visas, immigrant visas, waivers, and administrative processing matters. Bottom line: If you have a genuine, time-sensitive reason to travel to the U.S. before December 31, 2026, a business meeting, a family event, a medical need — this $750 pathway may be worth it. But go in with eyes open: paying $750 does not buy you a visa. It buys you a faster seat in the interview chair. At The Visa Code, we are monitoring which posts will participate and will update clients the moment travel.state.gov publishes the list. Questions? Write to us at info@thevisacode.com

The $100,000 H-1B employer fee is DEAD — for now. U.S. District Judge Leo T. Sorokin (D. Mass.) vacated the fee in California et al. v. Mullin, No. 1:25-cv-13829, on June 8, 2026. His holding in plain terms: → The $100,000 payment is a TAX — not a regulatory fee → Only Congress can impose taxes → The President had no delegated authority to levy it The court rejected the government's broad immigration authority argument entirely. Nowhere in the INA, the judge found, did Congress hand the President the power to tax H-1B petitions. For employers and beneficiaries who put filings on hold since September 2025 — the road is clear again. ⚠️ BUT here is the critical caveat: The Trump administration has already signaled an appeal to the First Circuit. A stay pending appeal could reimpose the $100,000 barrier within days to weeks. At The Visa Code, we are monitoring this litigation in real time and will continue to share more updates.

Important Update for U.S. Visa Applicants in India The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India have revised the official Consular Exchange Rate used for visa and consular fee payments. Effective May 25, 2026, the Consular Exchange Rate has increased from INR 96 per U.S. Dollar to INR 98 per U.S. Dollar. This revision corresponds to recent movements in the Indian Rupee-U.S. Dollar exchange rate. Applicants paying visa fees in India should ensure that they use the updated exchange rate when calculating fee payments. Effective May 25, 2026: USD 1 = INR 98 Recent Revision History Effective Date Consular Exchange Rate January 13, 2025 INR 87 per USD September 29, 2025 INR 92 per USD February 2, 2026 INR 94 per USD April 1, 2026 INR 96 per USD May 25, 2026 INR 98 per USD Impact on Common U.S. Visa Fees The increase from INR 96 to INR 98 per dollar raises the rupee amount payable for visa application fees. Visa Category USD Fee* At INR 98 Increase B-1/B-2, F-1, J-1 and most NIV categories $185 ₹18,130 ₹370 H-1B, L-1, O-1, P and R visas $205 ₹20,090 ₹410 K Visa $265 ₹25,970 ₹530 Immigrant Visa Processing Fee $325 ₹31,850 ₹650 * Fee amounts are based on standard Department of State visa fees currently in effect.

In a historic announcement, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on April 19, 2026 extended Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card eligibility from the 4th generation to the 6th generation for persons of Indian origin in Sri Lanka. AI Generated Image The announcement was made during his two-day state visit to Colombo — the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Vice-President to Sri Lanka. What's new: ✅ OCI eligibility now covers up to the 6th generation ✅ Sri Lankan government-issued certificates now accepted as proof of nativity ✅ Simplified documentation process for estate workers and families ✅ Expected to improve access to education and economic opportunities in India This is a long-awaited milestone for the Indian-origin Tamil community in Sri Lanka. 📖 This update can be found here:

Renewing your U.S. B1/B2 visa in India through the Dropbox Interview Waiver program requires careful timing. Missing a key deadline by even a few days can force you into a much longer, more complex process — including biometrics and an in-person interview. AI Generated Image What Is the 15-Day Rule for B1/B2 Dropbox Renewal? To remain eligible for the Interview Waiver (Dropbox) route, your appointment date must fall at least 15 calendar days before your visa exits the "expired within the last 12 months" eligibility period. Example: If your B1/B2 visa expired on July 30, 2025, your Dropbox submission appointment must be booked on or before July 15, 2026. Scheduling even one day later may disqualify you from the waiver, requiring you to complete biometric enrollment and attend an in-person consular interview instead. Our advice: Do not wait until the last date. Book your appointment well in advance to avoid complications. Where Are B1/B2 Visa Renewals Processed in India? All U.S. B1/B2 visa renewals submitted from India are adjudicated at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi — regardless of which city you reside in. A consular officer may, at their discretion, request an in-person interview after reviewing your application. If this happens, you must travel to New Delhi for the interview. It is not possible to attend your interview at a closer consular post, such as Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata. Key Takeaways for B1/B2 Renewal Applicants in India Calculate your 15-day window from your visa's expiry date immediately. Book your Dropbox appointment early — never close to the deadline. Be prepared for the possibility of traveling to New Delhi if an interview is required.

We are pleased to share another success at the U.S. Consular Post in Mumbai, where we successfully retrieved a case that had been mistakenly terminated under INA 203(g). During our consultation, we discovered that the consular post had inadvertently issued a termination notice, citing that the applicant had failed to take further action within one year of the scheduled interview. The applicant had made multiple attempts to contact the consular post for reinstatement, including through another attorney (not associated with our office) who was unable to submit credible evidence, as well as through a congressional inquiry, all without success. Our team stepped in and presented credible evidence demonstrating that "the officer had committed a legal error in terminating the case under INA 203(g)"  and this argument prevailed. Our efforts resulted in the successful reinstatement of the immigrant visa, and the consular post has since requested the applicant to submit their passport. We are thrilled to share this win a legal error averted, and a family's immigration journey back on track and even more so because the approval came faster than originally anticipated!

--- Published on April 14, 2026 AI Generated 1. Can I travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if I have been arrested?   No. Travelers with a history of arrest are not eligible for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). You must apply for a U.S. visa, and your eligibility will be determined during the visa process. 2. Why does the visa application take longer to process if I have a conviction?   Applications involving convictions require additional review by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of State. This extended process often results in longer timelines. 3. Do I need to provide court documents again if I have applied for a visa before?   Yes. Even if you have previously applied for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, you must submit all relevant court documents related to your arrest and conviction with each new application. 4. How can I obtain a copy of my court record if convicted in the United States?   You should contact the court where you were convicted. The record must clearly state: The nature of the offense committed The section(s) of law violated The penalty imposed 5. What if I was arrested but not convicted, or cannot obtain court records?   If your arrest did not result in a conviction, or if records cannot be obtained, you may submit a sworn statement with your visa application. The statement should include: The location (state and county) of the arrest The reason for the arrest If convicted: details of the offense, law violated, and penalty imposed Under current policy (as of April 2026), if records are unobtainable, consular officers may place the case on indefinite hold under INA §221(g)  or refuse the application under INA §214(b) . 6. What happens if I am convicted or arrested after receiving a visa?    In most cases, the visa will be prudentially revoked under INA §221(i)  by the issuing consular post or the Department of State. You must then apply for a new visa, submitting updated court records with your application. 7. How do immigration officers know if I have been arrested?   Immigration officers at U.S. ports of entry have access to multiple information sources. Attempting to conceal an arrest or conviction can lead to serious consequences. 8. What if I do not disclose my prior arrest or conviction? Failure to disclose is considered misrepresentation of a material fact. This can result in permanent ineligibility for admission under INA §212(a)(6)(C)(i) . 9. When should I apply for a visa if I have a conviction?   Because applications involving arrests or convictions may take several weeks or months to process, apply well in advance of your intended travel date. Do not purchase tickets or finalize travel plans until your passport has been returned with a valid visa. 10. What does a prudential visa revocation under INA §221(i) mean, and how does it affect status in the U.S.?   A prudential revocation under INA §221(i)  is a precautionary action by the Department of State that cancels the visa stamp when new information (such as security updates or a criminal record) raises concerns. Inside the U.S. : This does not automatically end your lawful nonimmigrant status. You remain valid as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your visa category. Future travel : The revoked visa cannot be used again. If you leave the U.S., you must obtain a new visa before reentry. 11. What should one do if the case is pending under INA §221(g)?    Applicants must first submit all required documents, including the police arrest report, final court orders, and evidence showing compliance with the court’s final order. If the case remains under administrative processing, it is advisable to engage an experienced immigration attorney. The attorney can liaise with the consular post, escalate the matter to the Department of State in Washington, and, in some cases, pursue a Congressional inquiry. As a last resort, applicants may consider filing a Writ of Mandamus  in Federal Court to compel action.

Published April 13, 2026 Sometimes, what you don’t do  in a visa application matters just as much as what you do. Three business owners from the same trade approached us with a common goal: to travel to the United States to meet a long‑standing U.S. client and explore business expansion opportunities. AI Generated The Incorrect Advice They Almost Followed A well‑meaning friend suggested obtaining an invitation letter from a Chamber of Commerce  in Mumbai to “strengthen” their B1/B2 visa application. However, this raised a red flag. Using an invitation that does not reflect the true purpose of travel  can seriously damage: Ongoing visa cases Future U.S. visa applications Credibility with the consular officer (who retains all past records) We explained this using a simple analogy: Applying for a visa claiming to attend the FIFA World Cup—without knowing football—just to meet relatives in the U.S. That mismatch alone can trigger denials, especially when there have been previous refusals . Our Strategic Approach We advised the applicants to: Be fully honest and transparent  about their purpose of travel Use proper documentation from their actual U.S. client Highlight past and ongoing business relationships Clearly explain how these meetings would scale their operations Because the applicants had: ✔ Strong family, financial, and social ties ✔ A long‑standing professional relationship with the same U.S. client ✔ A clear commercial intent We were able to structure their case accurately and lawfully. 🌍 Key Challenge: Language Barrier Two of the three applicants did not speak English —often perceived as a hurdle when applying for a U.S. business visa. Our solution: Prepared them thoroughly to explain their case Ensured they requested a translator at the consulate Strategically arranged for them to attend the interview together Though this was not a group application , going together helped the officer clearly understand: Why they were traveling together How they were connected professionally Why they worked with the same U.S. client despite being separate businesses Their combination of native language responses with basic English made communication effective and credible. Result — All three visas were approved. Today, they continue to do business with the U.S. despite: Trade tariffs International business challenges Market entry barriers Their success reinforces why visa strategy matters more than shortcuts. We’re especially grateful for the trust they placed in The Visa Code —and honored by their invitation for our team to visit their town and tour their business facility. How The Visa Code Helps Businesses Grow At The Visa Code, we don’t just “file visas. "We design compliant, future‑proof visa strategies that support long‑term business growth. 📩 Need expert guidance for your U.S. visa application? 📧 Email: info@thevisacode.com 📱 WhatsApp: +91 82485 83284

After nearly four years apart , our client finally received his IR‑1 immigrant visa to join his wife in the United States. This long‑awaited approval was anything but automatic: his case was on the verge of being considered inactive under INA 203(g) , and his immigrant visa petition risked being returned to USCIS for possible revocation . Had this happened, the couple would have had to file a new I‑130 petition and wait several more years before the process could restart. AI Generated Why the IR‑1 Visa Was at Risk The IR‑1 spousal visa had been pending at a U.S. consular post abroad for close to two years without movement. Under INA 203(g) , immigrant visa cases that remain inactive for more than two years can be treated as abandoned, leading to: The consular post cancelling the case . The petition being sent back to USCIS and possibly revoked. The need to refile the entire immigrant visa petition and begin the process again. The client had no idea of the seriousness of this “ inactive ” status and only reached out to The Visa Code Attorneys about one week before the 2‑year threshold . Termination of "Inactive Cases" - Immigrant Visas Consular officers can terminate the registration of the visa petition of any individual who fails to apply for an immigrant visa (IV) within one year following notification to the applicant of the availability of a visa, pursuant to 9 FAM 504.13‑2(A) . The consular officers also have the discretion to reinstate the registration where the individual establishes, within two years following the date of notification of the availability of such visa, that the failure to apply was due to circumstances beyond their control . In our client’s case, the file was approaching this critical two‑year window, which is why timely intervention was essential to preserve the existing IR‑1 petition and avoid starting the process over. How Our Immigration Team Rescued the Case Our firm acted quickly to prevent denial and avoid refiling , taking these critical steps: Timely consular engagement : We contacted the U.S. consular post and requested that the case be retained and restored , not cancelled under INA 203(g). Updated documentation : We gathered and submitted all required additional documents , including updated financials, relationship evidence, and updated police certificates. Redoing medical exams : We obtained permission from the consular post to do the medical examination (as he failed to do the same on the first occasion) , ensuring the file met current requirements. Joint sponsor support : Since the principal sponsor did not meet the income requirements, we arranged and vetted a qualified joint sponsor to strengthen the affidavit of support and avoid inadmissibility on public‑charge grounds. A Successful IR‑1 Approval and Family Reunification Today, our client has received his IR‑1 immigrant visa and is now free to travel to the United States to join his wife. The family will soon be together after four long years of separation , avoiding the need to restart the I‑130 petition and wait for new visa availability. The client, his wife, and the friend who referred them to our firm sent heartfelt thank‑you messages , expressing how much our intervention meant to their U.S. immigration journey. This case is a powerful example of how timely legal help can make the difference between a denied or abandoned visa and successful family reunification .