Hope you got a chance to attend the Facebook Live session hosted by U.S. Embassy's Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs, Mr. Don Heflin on Thursday June 10th. The session was definitely an informative one and provided a ton of clarification regarding Student Visa appointments for applicants starting in Fall 2021. 

Booking a visa slot 

• Thousands of slots will open on Monday June 14th morning for July and first half of August across all U.S. Embassies in India!!
• Do not request for an emergency appointment if you're starting your program in Fall 2021- this was repeated over and over again. You should be able to get a normal visa slot in time for your program start date. Fun fact, 95% of the students get the visas well in time before their class start date.
• While trying to book an appointment, do not refresh repeatedly- or else you will be locked out for at least 48 to 72 hours and this cannot be fixed under any circumstances. Please be patient!
• Depending on the situation, they might open up more slots before July 1st and then again before August 1st.
• You are allowed to book an appointment at any Embassy across India. However, it is recommended that you avoid travel and go to the nearest Embassy.
• Parents holding a valid tourist (B-1/B-2) visa are prohibited from travelling to the United States, neither can they put in a request for a new B-1/B-2 visa.

For your interview -

• You can carry a Printed and signed copy of your electronic I-20 in case you have not received a physical paper copy from your university.
• COVID RT-PCR Test is not required for the visa appointment.
• If your I-20 states that you're fully funded through a scholarship, you need not show a proof of personal funds.
• You don't need a letter from the university stating that your classes will be held in-person.
• If your F-1 is already approved, and your University changes, you'll just need to explain to the immigration as long as your Visa and I-20 are valid. Make sure your $350 SEVIS Fee is paid before the interview.

• Quarantine is not mandatory once you land in the USA. However, you will need to get an RT-PCR test done 72 hours before travel.
• To get information on the requirement for COVID Vaccination, please reach out to your final university. The visa decision does not depend on this at all.
• Do not take a flight via Europe!