US tightens visa rules
THE USA has tightened the already stringent visa regulations by making it a requirement for applicants to undergo interviews.
By John Kakande
THE USA has tightened the already stringent visa regulations by making it a requirement for applicants to undergo interviews.
The new regulations that came into effect on August 1 are intended to strengthen the ability of US consular officers to fulfil their role as America’s first line of defence against terrorists trying to enter the country, a statement issued by the American embassy on Thursday said.
In May, the US tightened visa rules for visitors and students to strengthen immigration controls.
The visa that guaranteed a minimum six-month admission period for visitors, was scrapped. Starting May, visitors had to get visas to stay in the US for a period of time that was fair and reasonable for the completion of the purpose of the visit.
The statement by Maura Harty, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, said, “In partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, we are committed to carrying out visa policies that ensure that Americans and our guests are safe when they travel to the US and after they arrive.â€
Under the revised regulations announced on July 31 by Stephen A. Edson of the Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington, non-immigrant visa applicants, for whom a waiver of personal appearance may be granted include individuals under 16 years and over the age of 60, foreign government officials and persons working for accredited international organisations.
Waivers will also be granted for repeat applicants who have demonstrated eligibility, have not violated non-immigrant status and whose visa has expired within 12 months of application and persons for whom national interests or unusual circumstances warrant consideration.
The new requirements will mean that more visa applicants will need to schedule interviews and the visa approval process could take more time than in the past.
Ends
THE USA has tightened the already stringent visa regulations by making it a requirement for applicants to undergo interviews.
The new regulations that came into effect on August 1 are intended to strengthen the ability of US consular officers to fulfil their role as America’s first line of defence against terrorists trying to enter the country, a statement issued by the American embassy on Thursday said.
In May, the US tightened visa rules for visitors and students to strengthen immigration controls.
The visa that guaranteed a minimum six-month admission period for visitors, was scrapped. Starting May, visitors had to get visas to stay in the US for a period of time that was fair and reasonable for the completion of the purpose of the visit.
The statement by Maura Harty, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, said, “In partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, we are committed to carrying out visa policies that ensure that Americans and our guests are safe when they travel to the US and after they arrive.â€
Under the revised regulations announced on July 31 by Stephen A. Edson of the Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington, non-immigrant visa applicants, for whom a waiver of personal appearance may be granted include individuals under 16 years and over the age of 60, foreign government officials and persons working for accredited international organisations.
Waivers will also be granted for repeat applicants who have demonstrated eligibility, have not violated non-immigrant status and whose visa has expired within 12 months of application and persons for whom national interests or unusual circumstances warrant consideration.
The new requirements will mean that more visa applicants will need to schedule interviews and the visa approval process could take more time than in the past.
Ends