Study abroad: US extends interview waiver for international students

The United State Department said in a press conference that they have made a proper determination to extend the consul officer’s authority to waive the interviews for some specific non-immigrant visa categories. This will be implemented in 2023. This will help international students study abroad in the United States. 

The different types of visas that are included in this criteria are H-2 visas, Academic Exchange Visitors, Students visas, and some specific beneficiaries of the petitions for temporary workers visas such as Persons in Speciality Occupations, Trainee or Special Education Visitors, Intercompany Transferees, Individuals with extraordinary abilities, Artists, athletes, and Entertainers.  

The Secretary of State discussed this matter with the Department of Homeland Security and then they authorised these waivers. This specific authorisation to waive the in-person interview for non-immigrant applicants will be valid until further notice. This matter was also stated by the United State Department in the press conference. 

The authorities, who are responsible for the interview waiver, have stated that they have reduced the wait times for the visa application process at many consulates as well as embassies by paying close attention to the in-person visa interview process for the applicants who need an interview to enter the United States. 

More than half of the seven million non-immigrant visa applications, which were issued by the United States Department in the Fiscal Year 2022, have been implemented without the in-person interview process. 

The release also said that they have successfully decreased the wait times for visas for all international students. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Department has made every possible move to reduce the wait times drastically for international students. 

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