US Department of State Announces Consular Officers May Waive Interview Requirements for Certain International Students
प्रकाशित मिति : भाद्र ३१, २०७८ बिहीबार
The U.S. Department of State announced that through the end of 2021, consular officers are authorized to expand categories of F, M, and academic J visa applications that can be adjudicated without an in-person interview. Consulate websites will provide details on country eligibility and procedures.
The Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources, under the authority delegated to him by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, has authorized consular officers through the end of 2021 to expand the categories of F, M, and “academic J visa applicants” (students, professors, research scholars, short-term scholars, or specialists) whose applications can be adjudicated without an in-person interview in their consular district of residence, with certain exceptions.
Consular officers may, if they so choose, and pursuant to local conditions, now waive the visa interview requirement for F, M, and academic J visa applicants who were previously issued any type of visa, and who have never been refused a visa unless such refusal was overcome or waived, and who have no apparent ineligibility or potential ineligibility; or first-time F, M, and academic J visa applicants who are citizens or nationals of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), provided they have no apparent ineligibility or potential ineligibility.
This applies only to non-U.S. citizens who are nationals of eligible countries. Details about country eligibility and necessary procedures will be available on the website of the relevant embassy or consulate. Applicants from non VWP countries whose prior visa was issued when they were less than 14 years of age, may need to submit biometric fingerprints, but can still be approved for an interview waiver.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has previously found F, M, and academic J visa applicants eligible for National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) under Presidential Proclamations that suspend entry of individuals present in one of the 33 countries subject to COVID-19 travel restrictions . Students seeking to apply for a new F-1 or M-1 visa should check the status of visa services at the nearest embassy or consulate; those applicants who are found to be otherwise qualified for an F-1 or M-1 visa will automatically be considered for an NIE to travel. Students and academics traveling on J-1 visas must contact the nearest embassy or consulate prior to travel to receive an NIE.