US visa authorities in India are prioritizing student applications for Fall 2021
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US visa authorities: Indian students preparing to join universities in the US in the Fall semester of 2021 should celebrate. The US Embassy in Delhi is prioritizing student visa candidates to ensure they make it to the United States in time for the start of their semester in August-September. “I expect the number of applications this year to look similar to years past, and if that holds, we desire to have the option to fulfill the need for student appointments”. Helfin added that consular sections across India–at the embassy in New Delhi and the four consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai—are open for appointments in all non-immigrant visa categories, including student visas. “Our capacity is limited, as we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our customers and staff. ”
Currently, there are appointments open all through the summer for student visa applicants and extra appointments are being offered consistently. “We strongly encourage students to apply early to ensure are able to secure an appointment in time. But remember that you can’t apply more than 120 days before your program start date. All F-1 visa applicants are needed to have a valid I-20 form at the time of their visa application“.
US visa authorities said that currently, they are no entry restrictions for Indian students holding an F-1 visa. Or for parents holding a tourist visa, as per the US government office. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention requires all air travelers entering the United States to present a negative Covid-19 test, taken within 72 hours of departure. Students effectively enrolled at a US university on 9th March 2020, who subsequently took courses on the web while outside the nation can now re-enter the US. Even if their school is engaged solely in distance learning.
US visa authorities are prioritizing student applications for the fall semester of 2021
Students beginning their courses completely online with US universities, however, don’t require—and won’t get—a visa. “As per the current rules, a student must have at least one face-to-face course to be eligible for a visa. Students who get a visa but can’t travel to the US will require another I-20 form from their department with revised dates”. Said Shifali Kumar, head of recruitment in India, University of South Florida.
Donald Helfin, the US minister counselor for consular affairs said that the United States continues to be the most famous destination for Indians studying abroad. “The US is among the not many nations that gave visas during the pandemic to students. Whose coursework safely permitted them to be on campus. Given the robust state-of-the-art infrastructure at US higher-education institutions and their agility in creating flexible study options.
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All through the pandemic, students have had the choice to take online classes or study in a hybrid format. US universities and prospective students have also stayed connected virtually. And students who chose to defer their education to 2021 are currently intending to travel to the US and start their programs of study,” he said.
John Martellaro, chief, media relations at, University of Missouri-Kansas City. Confirmed that new Indian students at his college were successful in getting visas for the Spring 2021 semester. “It is still too early to apply for visas for Fall 2021. Yet we are confident there will be no significant obstacles to regular visa processing,” he said. Continuing students who got back have had the option to maintain their F-1 status from outside the United States. After being away anywhere between a few weeks and a semester or more, Martellaro added.
