US expedites Indian student visas for 2021-22 |
The US Embassy in India`s national capital of Delhi is prioritizing student visa applicants to ensure they make it to the United States in time for the start of their semester in August-September. US Minister Counsellor for Consular Affairs, Donald Helfin, said, “I anticipate the number of applications this year to look similar to years past, and if that holds true, we hope to be able to meet the demand for student appointments,”. Helfin added that consular sections across India - at the embassy in New Delhi and the four consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai - are open for appointments in all non-immigrant visa categories, including student visas. He said that their capacity is limited, as they continue to prioritize the health and safety of their customers and staff. Presently, appointments are open throughout the summer for student visa applicants and additional appointments are being offered on a regular basis. Helfin added, “We strongly encourage students to apply early to ensure they are able to secure an appointment in time, but keep in mind that you cannot apply more than 120 days prior to your program start date. All F-1 visa applicants are required to have a valid I-20 form at the time of their visa application,”. There are currently no entry restrictions for Indian students holding an F-1 visa, or for parents holding a tourist visa, according to the US embassy. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires all air passengers entering the United States to present a negative Covid-19 test, taken within 72 hours of departure. Students actively enrolled at a US university on March 9, 2020, who subsequently took courses online while outside the country, can now re-enter the US, even if their school is engaged solely in distance learning.
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