US Authorities in India Prioritize Student Visa Applications for Fall

Key Highlights

Excellent news for Indian students who are looking to study in the United States!

The US Embassy in New Delhi is now focusing more on the applications for student visas to ensure that they enter the US in time for their semester starting in August-September.

US Diplomat for New Delhi

The Indian news network 'Times of India,' on Wednesday, quoted Donald Heflin, the Chargé d'affaires of the US Embassy in Delhi, as saying, "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."

He added that "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."

Status of Student Visa Applications

According to Heflin, the US consular sections across the country, including the embassy in Delhi and four consulates in Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai.

There are appointments open throughout the summer for student visa applications. Additional appointments are also being offered from time to time.

Also, presently, there are no travel restrictions for students holding the F-1 visa.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandates all entrants in the US to furnish a negative Covid test report.

Also, students who were actively enrolled at a US university or college on March 9 last year can return to the country, even if their college has shifted exclusively to distance learning.