US consulate in Kolkata starts priority visa slot for parents aged 50+

The US Consulate in Kolkata has announced a new update for Indian citizens applying for B1/B2 visitor visas. The consulate has introduced “priority appointment slots” for parents aged 50 years and above whose children are legally living in the United States.

According to the US Consulate in Kolkata, this step has been taken to reduce waiting time for eligible applicants. In a statement shared on X, the consulate said that parents visiting their children in the US will now get faster appointment access if they meet the required conditions. Officials said the move is aimed at helping genuine travellers with verified reasons for travel and strong family connections.

At present, this facility is only available at the US Consulate in Kolkata.

The B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant visa meant for temporary visits to the United States. The B1 category is mainly for business purposes, while B2 is for tourism. Many applicants apply under the combined B1/B2 category for both travel and business-related visits.

As per the US Department of State’s visa guidelines, applicants must prove that their visit is temporary and that they plan to return to India after their stay. They are also required to show proof of financial support for the trip and demonstrate strong social or economic ties outside the US.

Along with this update, the Kolkata Consulate has also announced a new visa scheduling system for verified business travellers. The consulate said the new system will help genuine business visitors get quicker appointments and support trade and investment ties between India and the United States.

The announcement comes shortly after the US Embassy in India highlighted over $20.5 billion in investments made by Indian companies in the United States during the 2026 SelectUSA Summit.