US Mission Prioritizes Student Visa Processing for Indian Applicants

The US Consulate General in Hyderabad announced the release of the first batch of student visa appointments for interviews in late May. More appointment slots for June, July, and August will follow in the coming weeks. US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, highlighted President Joe Biden's directive to expedite visa processing for Indian students, underscoring the significance of this initiative.

The US Mission in India aims to facilitate increased opportunities for Indian students to study in the US, anticipating a surge in visa applications this year. To combat fraud and ensure transparency in the visa appointment system, a new policy requires applicants for F, M, and J visas to enter accurate passport details when scheduling appointments.

Under this policy, individuals providing incorrect or fraudulent passport information will not be accommodated at Visa Application Centers (VAC). This measure enhances the appointment system's integrity and prioritizes genuine applicants. F, M, and J visa categories cater to international students and exchange visitors, and accurate passport information aims to minimize fraudulent activities and streamline visa processing.

Non-compliance with the policy may result in canceled appointments or processing delays. Applicants are urged to ensure their passport information is accurate when scheduling appointments. In 2022, the US consular team in India issued over 140,000 student visas, a record expected to be surpassed this year. Ambassador Garcetti commended the consular team's efforts in accommodating the growing demand, including weekend work and dedicated student visa processing days.