US introduces new rules for Indians applying for student visas
United States has announced a new policy that will come into effect starting November 27.
Under this policy change, all applicants for F, M, and J student visas will be required to add their own passport details when creating a profile and scheduling their visa appointment. Individuals who have generated a profile or booked an appointment with an incorrect passport number will not be accommodated at the Visa Application Centers (VAC).
«Regrettably, their appointments will be canceled, and the visa fee forfeited,» the US Embassy in India said.
Applicants facing this situation must take corrective action.
They can either establish a new profile with the accurate passport information or access an existing profile containing the correct details to schedule an appointment. Importantly, if the previous receipt is linked to a profile with inaccurate passport information, a new visa fee receipt must be obtained.
For those who have recently renewed their passport or acquired a new one due to loss or theft of the old passport, presenting a photocopy or other evidence of the old passport number will allow them to proceed with their appointment.
This measure aims to ensure the integrity of the visa application process and enhance security against fraudulent activities.
For the third consecutive year, the United States reported a big increase in the number of Indian students opting for higher education in the country. The Open Doors Report (ODR) revealed a 35% surge in the influx of international students from India to the United States, resulting in an all-time high enrollment of 2,68,923 students in the academic year 2022-23.
Indian students now constitute over 25% of the one million-plus foreign students enrolled in US
