Visas for Participants in United States Programs

Visas For Participants In United States Programs in 2016

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs' current visa policies and procedures have two fundamental missions: protecting national security by helping secure U.S. borders against actual or potential threats, while at the same time facilitating legitimate travel and international exchange. Focusing on these two fundamental missions ensures timely adjudications of visa applications for individuals to participate in exchange visitor programs while at the same time protecting our nation's borders

It is the Bureau of Consular Affairs' policy to facilitate and make a priority visa interviews for all student and exchange visitors for them to arrive in the United States by their program start dates, provided they qualify under the law for the visa. During the interview process, all applicants are screened through a robust, interagency vetting system drawing on both biographic and biometric data elements. This policy is in place at every embassy and consulate worldwide where nonimmigrant visas are processed.

Visas For Participants In United States Programs Developments

In countries with significant visa interview wait times due to high demand, this policy may reduce wait times for students and exchange visitors from weeks to days. Applications may require additional administrative processing after the interview. Because of this, program sponsors and applicants should coordinate to initiate visa applications well in advance of their planned travel. Applicants should be advised to obtain passports immediately and visit travel.state.gov for instructions on applying for U.S. visas.