Hi all. I intend to apply for a US visa to attend a conference that is scheduled for mid-August where I will be presenting a paper on my ongoing PhD research. I am a UK resident on a student visa that is valid till the end of my PhD in 2028 however, I am currently out of the UK on fieldwork and will only return at the end of July or start of August.
Would it be realistic to start the application now with a plan to have the appointment scheduled around August 2nd when I need to travel to the US around August 11th.
I am wondering if people that have been scheduling appointments recently have seen if the system has appointments in late July and August. I would not bother starting the process and paying the fee if the only appoinments I would view are for October or such. I also are looking for advice on my chances of getting the visa based on my profile. PhD Student in the UK with full phd funding and visa valid till 28. I also have two children who happen to be British via their father and would be staying behind in the UK. I also have investments in my home country and have significant savings in the UK. Any thoughts on my chances and advice on how to go about it.