No change in Student Visa rules; US Embassy makes it easier to apply via Dropbox
In an exclusive interview with PTC News’ senior anchor, Radha Sahni, US visa officer Ms Poornima clarified that there has been no changes in visa rules in fact it’s become easier for students to apply for student visa. She said, "We are introducing a Dropbox. Those whose visa has expired can drop in their photos, passport and application in the Dropbox. Dropbox appointments are separate and the slots are available on official website”.
"Millions of students apply for US visa every year. We will issue visas to students this year as well," she said, making it clear that Covid-19-related rules would have to be followed.
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Ms Poornima said Covid vaccination was mandatory and the vaccine should have the go-ahead of either the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the World Health Organisation (WHO).
"Students are welcome to the United States, we are trying our best to open maximum appointments for students" she added. She stressed on covid protocol and clarified that RT-PCR test could be conducted a day before travelling to the US.
FDA approved and WHO-approved vaccines are allowed.
She said there was no need of going to consultants or agents as it was sheer wastage of time and money. "One can go through the official website of the US Embassy to get all details," she added.
On the interview process, she said, "Always tell truth to the visa officer. Give correct information."
She said during the interview, one should bring only necessary documents, the list of which could be checked on the official website.
In a special Q&A session on their Facebook page, US Embassy responded to a query - Applicants who have been previously refused may reapply by scheduling an appointment at ustraveldocs.com/in. We must stress, however, that due to the required non-refundable visa application fee, it may be in your best interest to reapply only if you have new information to present to the consular officer, or if your circumstances have significantly changed. We cannot guarantee, however, that a new application will result in a different decision.
Responding to another query, US Embassy page responded, “Due to high demand, H and L appointments are full for the next several months, however we will be opening more H and L appointments starting in September as conditions allow”.
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Watch PTC News' full interview with Visa officer.
-PTC News
