DOS Answers Questions on IV Processing Change at Chennai
After the announcement that U.S. Consulate Chennai is no longer processing immigrant visa (IV) petitions, the AILA/DOS liaison committee contacted the Visa Office (VO) regarding the change in procedure (AILA Doc. No. 12010568). The VO responded with the following information.
Why the change? This change is in order to streamline the immigrant visa (IV) issuance process and is part of the U.S. Government's ongoing effort to provide efficient visa services throughout India. It does not affect any other category of visa, including non-immigrant visas for work, study, or tourism. The change brings India in line with other large countries, including Mexico and China, where IV processing is administered in a more central fashion within the Mission.
When will IV interviews stop in Chennai? The last day for IV interviews at U.S. Consulate General Chennai was on December 30, 2011.
I have a pending application. Where should I send my follow up documentation? If you have a pending application and were requested to provide additional documents, please contact the U.S. Consulate General Chennai via e-mail at ChennaiIVU@state.gov
Pending applications will be processed in Chennai through March 30, 2012. If an applicant has not completed his/her application process by March 30, 2012, the case will be transferred to Mumbai. The IV unit in Chennai has been working aggressively since October 2011 to bring closure to pending cases.