US has introduced measures to prioritize and expedite the processing of student and work visas.
US has introduced measures to prioritize and expedite the processing of student and work visas.
The United States government announced that it will start accepting student visa applications for the Fall semester in mid-May.
“In mid-May, the U.S. Mission to India will open the first batch of appointments for the upcoming student visa season. Additional appointments will be released later in the season. Prepare for your appointments and stay tuned for more student visa-related announcements!” the US Consulate General in Hyderabad tweeted.
To address concerns about wait times, the US has introduced measures to prioritize and expedite the processing of student and work visas.
Last week, an Embassy official confirmed that the Biden administration’s commitment to processing all Indian student visas for the fall session.
The country extended the visa waiver program, allowing certain students, professors, research scholars, short-term scholars and specialists (F, M and J visa applicants) to bypass in-person interviews when applying for a visa until December 31, if they meet the applicable criteria. Applicants must apply for the visa in their country of nationality or residence.
Consular officers may waive the visa interview requirement for first-time and renewing F, M and academic J applicants who have previously been issued a visa, have not been refused one unless it was overcome or waived, and do not appear ineligible.
First-time F, M and J visa applicants from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program may be exempted from an in-person interview if they have no obvious or potential ineligibilities and have previously traveled to the US using Electronic System for Travel Authorization
International students can now apply for their study program up to 365 days before the start date, a significant increase from the previous limit of 120 days.
Starting May 30, the US State Department will raise fees for non-petition based non-immigrant visas such as student and exchange visitor visas, from $160 to $185.
