India is the number one country for sending students to United States colleges and universities, Don Heflin, Minister Counsellor for Consular Affairs US Embassy in New Delhi said on Wednesday, hailing the country's recent achievement of issuing over 82,000 student visas this summer.
Last week, US diplomatic missions in India issued a record-breaking 82,000 student visas between May and June 2022 - more than to any other country in the world.
"We issued 82,000 student visas this summer which is a record for us. Last year we set a record of issuing 62000 and the interesting thing is that this year because of the Covid related problems in other countries, India is the number one country for sending students to US colleges and Universities," Heflin told ANI.
When asked if he is okay with using agents for booking slots, Heflin said that there is nothing illegal about it but he stressed staying away from fake documents and false statements.
"There is nothing illegal about it. I don't think you need an agent just to book a slot with us. Hopefully, they are providing some other advising services. One caution that we would give people when you talk to anyone who tries to sell you a package of fake documents or tells you to make false statements, just walk out immediately because that can get you in real trouble in your student visas", Heflin added.
Stressing on visa delays, Heflin said that by the next summer they hope to have 100 per cent staffing so that things should even out.
"This is a result of when Covid froze everything up. We have different global advice consuls in different places. So, people rushing for appointments and people flew across the country. Now, we don't mind that when it's a Business person or maybe a Graduate student, maybe an H1 worker. By the next summer, we're going to be much closer to 100% staffing. So, things should even out. We think that they will get the appointment at the consul, nearest to their home".
Responding to the question if students need visa stamping who are in the US on an OPT (Optional Practical Training), Heflin said that this summer we started with dropbox appointments, for students which they have never been able to do before.
Read more at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/study/india-top-country-for-sending-students-to-the-us-for-higher-education-minister-counsellor-for-consular-affairs/articleshow/94203762.cms
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