The visa processing capacity of the U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu, Sichuan province, is expected to improve when its new visa hall opens this October.

In the expanded hall, the number of visa interview windows will be increased to eight from the previous four, according to Consul General Peter Haymond on Wednesday.

The number of visa applications we have approved increased by 25% in 2012, and is still on the rise this year, said Haymond.

The U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu will also increase the number of visa officers and improve working conditions in its visa office.

This year, the consulate general is prioritizing the promotion of American tourism. Besides facilitating the visa process, the consulate general will also help arrange delegates from various American states to promote tourism in southwestern China, Haymond added.