The United States Embassy in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, has announced that beginning September 4, 2024, it will introduce new student visa appointment slots monthly.
The Embassy said that this move aims to address and mitigate the lengthy wait times for students planning to study in the US starting in 2025, which have been common for US visa appointments, VisaGuide.World reports.
While the Embassy has previously added extra appointment slots sometimes, this marks the first time slots will be added consistently every month. Additionally, to better accommodate high demand, the Embassy has been conducting visa interviews on Sundays, typically non-working days.
According to local media, securing an appointment for visitor or student visas at the US Embassy in Kathmandu can take up to ten months. To help reduce delays and assist students in starting their studies on time, the Embassy is introducing this new monthly appointment strategy.
July Sees Record Issuance of US Student Visas to Nepali Students
The surge in Nepali applicants for US student visas has led to a historic peak in visa issuance. The US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs reported that 1,788 Nepali students and 63 dependents were granted US student visas in July, the highest number of visas issued for the fiscal year.
Overall, the number of Nepali students who have received US student visas in the first ten months of this fiscal year has reached 10,988, surpassing the previous record set in June, when 1,700 students and 76 dependents were issued visas.
Cuban & Guatemalan Nationals to Benefit From Expanded US Visa Services
Similarly, the US Embassy in Havana has also decided to expand its visa services to include specific work and exchange program visa categories. As of August 19, 2024, Cuban nationals can apply for non-immigrant visas in Havana for various purposes, including academic and cultural exchanges, temporary work, and studying at US universities.
The new policy also covers visas for artists, athletes, members of religious groups, individuals with extraordinary abilities, and employees transferring within their companies to positions in the US. Previously, Cuban nationals had to apply for these visas in third countries.
At the same time, the US Embassy in Guatemala has announced a transition to a new visa services provider, effective September 23, 2024. The Embassy advises applicants to visit the new visa services website and follow the updated procedures for creating a new user account.
Applicants must set up a new account on the updated platform to manage their visa applications, review account information, submit requests, or contact customer service. To avoid potential technical issues with account creation, applicants must print their appointment confirmation letter before September 12, 2024.