In an effort to curb fraud and misuse of the appointment system, the United States has announced a new policy that will come into effect starting November 27. Under this policy change, all applicants for F, M, and J student visas will be required to add their own passport details when creating a profile and scheduling their visa appointment. Individuals who have generated a profile or booked an appointment with an incorrect passport number will not be accommodated at the Visa Application Centers (VAC).
- Applicants must enter their own passport details when creating a profile and scheduling an appointment.
- Appointments will be canceled if the incorrect passport number is used.
- Applicants must either create a new profile with the correct passport information or use an existing profile with the correct details to schedule an appointment.
- If the previous receipt is linked to a profile with inaccurate passport information, a new visa fee receipt must be obtained.
- Applicants who have recently renewed their passport or acquired a new one due to loss or theft of the old passport can proceed with their appointment if they present a photocopy or other evidence of the old passport number.
Why the New Policy is Necessary
The US Embassy in India stated that the new policy is necessary to ensure the integrity of the visa application process and enhance security against fraudulent activities. The embassy also noted that the number of Indian students applying for student visas has been increasing in recent years, and this new policy will help to streamline the process and prevent fraud.
Here are some of the reasons why the new policy is necessary:
-
To prevent fraud: Fraudulent visa applications are a major problem in the United States. In 2022, the US government denied over 600,000 visa applications due to fraud. The new policy is designed to make it more difficult for fraudsters to obtain student visas.
-
To improve security: The new policy will also help to improve security by making it more difficult for terrorists and criminals to enter the United States.
-
To ensure the integrity of the visa application process: The new policy will help to ensure that the visa application process is fair and efficient.
The new policy is a welcome step towards curbing fraud and improving security in the US visa application process. It is also important to note that the vast majority of student visa applicants are genuine and should not be affected by the new policy. The US government is committed to facilitating the visa application process for Indian students while maintaining the highest standards of security and integrity.
Impact on Indian Students Visa
The new policy is likely to have a significant impact on Indian students, as they are the largest group of international students applying for US student visas. Students will need to be more careful when entering their passport information, and they may need to take additional steps if they have recently renewed their passport or acquired a new one.
Despite the New Policy, US Welcomes Indian Students
Despite the new policy, the US continues to welcome Indian students. The US Embassy in India stated that the US is committed to providing opportunities for Indian students to pursue higher education in the United States. The embassy also noted that the number of Indian students studying in the US has increased by over 35% in the past year.
Conclusion
The new policy for Indian students applying for student visas is an important step to ensure the integrity of the visa application process and prevent fraud. While the policy may cause some inconvenience for students, it is ultimately in the best interests of all applicants. The US continues to welcome Indian students, and the number of students studying in the US is expected to continue to grow in the years to come.
