The process of applying for US visas will become simpler after it goes online from February 2010.
Stating that Indians form one of the largest chunks of visitors to the US, recording a 9.2% increase over last year, American consular section chief David Tyler on Thursday, said, “We are going online to simplify visa processing for both the applicants as well as the scrutiny officials. Electronically uploading of information and forms will mean lesser paper process.”
Maintaining that there would be no compromise on details related to security, which remains the country’s chief concern, he indicated that online forms will be tailored for students, tourists and the business community.
Notwithstanding the global recession, which impacted the US most, officials said they have no plans to impose restrictions on students seeking visas for higher studies in the US, as long as they intend to return home.
“The number of students enrolled in higher education institutions in the US increased from 94,563 to 1,03,260 in the 2007-08. Indians now rank highest among international students in the US. Students from China and South Korea form the second largest group. There is no limit on the number of students as long as they have the qualifications and sufficient funds to pay for their studies. But we would not like to encourage them to settle there after studies,” hesaid.
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