NRI Helpdesk: How To Expedite Your US Visa Processing?

I filed Form N-400 to naturalize as a U.S. Citizen but it was denied as I had been outside the U.S.for over a year due to pandemic.Is there a way I can appeal this denial. Also,I have a green card that is valid for 11 months can I return to the U.S. and continue residing there?

One of the mandatory criteria to naturalize as a citizen in the U.S. is continuous residence and physical presence in the US. Extended absences would break the continuity. After an extended absence, the clock is reset, and one would need to be physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the next 5 years before one is eligible to naturalize.

If a green card holder stayed outside of the US for 1 year or more and had not applied for a re-entry permit before leaving the country, it is assumed that he/she has abandoned his/her PR status.

In certain circumstances that, among other things, are beyond the control of the green card holder it might be possible to procure a returning resident visa from the U.S. Consulate.

I hold an Indian passport and have been in India since 2015. Now intend to go back to the U.S.to be with my family (wife and two daughters - who are all American citizens). How can I achieve this?

In these circumstances, you could procure a tourist visa to visit the family for brief periods of time. However, if you wish to reside with them one of the qualifying family members would need to file a petition to sponsor your green card. A green card or lawful PR status allows you to live in the U.S.

I'm an H-1B worker and my wife is on H4. We have a young daughter who is a U.S. citizen and is due for her MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccines. We are currently in India and need to return to the U.S.to take care of this. Does this qualify for an emergency dropbox (we are eligible) appointment?

Expedite requests for business, education/exchange (F, M, J visas), medical emergency are considered on a case-by-case basis. In our experience unless there is a serious medical emergency the Consulate will not grant an expedite request for non-urgent medical procedures. Also, MMR vaccines are available in India and that could work against your request for an expedite.

My daughter's H-4 visa has been pending since February 18, 2022 and is under administrative processing under 221(g).Is there any way to expedite the visa processing?

When a case is pending under 221(g) you may write to the Consulate to inquire about the status. With regard to expediting the application - one cannot request an expedite for a 221(g), but if you have an appointment to address the 221(g) issue or attend an interview you may follow the instructions to book emergency appointments on the Consulate's website if you qualify for one.

My visa application is pending with a 221(g). My OPT EAD expires On July 1, 2022 and the first appointmentfor the 221(g) interview I could book July 15, 2022.Is there a way to expedite this?

I am a doctor from India, who has been granted an 'observership' in the U.S.I am unable to find a B-1 visa appointment and because I have never held a U.S. visa I do not qualify for a "dropbox" application. Would I qualify for an emergency visa appointment?

According to the information published on the U.S. Embassy, New Delhi's website expedites requests for business, education/exchange (F, M, J visas), and medical emergencies are considered on a case-by-case basis. In our experience seeking a visa for the activities you describe are not likely to qualify. In any event, to request an expedited appointment you first need to have a regular visa interview appointment.