The US Embassy in a recent announcement declared that the needs of students remain its foremost priority. Keeping the same nuance in mind, they are looking to ease student travel for the upcoming Fall 2021 intake.
Since the onset of the pandemic, students have faced an arduous time in regards to the study in USA dreams. Having to keep up with the latest updates with student visas has been one of the many challenges they faced.
We bring to our student’s attention that the US Embassy aims to commence interviews in July, which is expected to intensify around August. Students who are set to commence their courses in the USA this Fall can travel 30 days before the program commences as long as their academic programs resume on or after September. They are exempted from having to submit a request for the national interest exception. Students looking to secure their USA student visas and seek F-1, J-1, M-1 visas can make an online booking for the same. They also have the liberty to make bookings for their dependents. Another sigh of relief that students can breathe is that they will not be required to furnish any documentation stating evidence of in-person classes.
Since the embassy is unable to expedite the process, fall 2021 students who believe that their appointment date is affecting their start date can reach out to their said schools for further assistance. Students must, however, note that their parents will not be permitted to travel with them on a visitor visa. The parents could, however, make an application for a National Interest Exception, which the embassy won’t be issuing at the present moment.
Moreover, electronic I-20s issued by Universities in USA will be taken into consideration by the embassy. However, students will have to carry a hard copy of the same.
On the other hand, students who have booked appointments that were then canceled will have to book appointments again. Students must know that the embassy will not get in touch with them regarding the same. Pupils who have made their visa processing fee and are still awaiting their appointments are receiving an extension. This comes of great help to those who were unable to secure appointments owing to the curtailment of regular consulate operations.
Students set to travel to study in USA will also be required to furnish a negative COVID test 72 hours before their departure. This will also be cross-checked by the respective airlines.
Dependents of F-1 Visa holders will not be required to make an application for a National Interest Exemption.
Students must embrace the provisions made for them by the respective parties and take the necessary steps towards their study in USA dream. For further details, get in touch with Yearaab.