Requesting online interviews for F/M/J visa appointments
The Issue
Due to the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19), U.S. Embassies all around the world have suspended services. As a result, many F/M/J visa appointments have been canceled since May 2020 without an alternative. Also, the cases which were in Administrative Processing (AP) or cleared before the outbreak are prolonged or expired. All of the above induces a multitude of F/M/J requests for Fall 2020. F/M/J appointments are fully booked until the spring semester of 2020 in those consulates which opened the booking system. That brings about another burden. Had anyone deferred their admission, they still would not make it in time. Many universities do not provide a defer option at all, and some that do only allow for one semester. Both of which would cause the admissions to be called off. Many students cannot afford to apply the next year due to restrictions, including TOEFL/GRE expiration dates, the educational gap that is caused by this, etc.
Furthermore, to attend an F/M/J visa appointment for entering the United States, some international students (e.g. Iranians) have to travel to another country. Those students are not capable of leaving their country because of the social distancing restrictions and policies legislated by other countries and the U.S. embassies (such as the 14-day quarantine before entrance). More importantly, the fear of getting affected itself makes any trip nerve-racking.
Following the request NAFSA sent to the Bureau of Consular Affairs U.S. Department of State*, we, International Students, would genuinely appreciate it if the U.S. Department of State could assist us in any way possible. We ask that, if possible, please consider providing a platform for online interviewing, allocating more student visa appointments, and putting F/M/J appointments in priority.
If the new policy comes into effect, there would be no requirement for a personal appearance at the embassy for the visa interview, only a live conference is allowed. Additionally, more preference would be allotted to the visa issuance for international students.
*Link: NAFSA Official Request Letter
NAFSA Requests to Stop In-person Visa Interview for Abroad Students
Petition Closed
The Issue
Due to the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19), U.S. Embassies all around the world have suspended services. As a result, many F/M/J visa appointments have been canceled since May 2020 without an alternative. Also, the cases which were in Administrative Processing (AP) or cleared before the outbreak are prolonged or expired. All of the above induces a multitude of F/M/J requests for Fall 2020. F/M/J appointments are fully booked until the spring semester of 2020 in those consulates which opened the booking system. That brings about another burden. Had anyone deferred their admission, they still would not make it in time. Many universities do not provide a defer option at all, and some that do only allow for one semester. Both of which would cause the admissions to be called off. Many students cannot afford to apply the next year due to restrictions, including TOEFL/GRE expiration dates, the educational gap that is caused by this, etc.
Furthermore, to attend an F/M/J visa appointment for entering the United States, some international students (e.g. Iranians) have to travel to another country. Those students are not capable of leaving their country because of the social distancing restrictions and policies legislated by other countries and the U.S. embassies (such as the 14-day quarantine before entrance). More importantly, the fear of getting affected itself makes any trip nerve-racking.
Following the request NAFSA sent to the Bureau of Consular Affairs U.S. Department of State*, we, International Students, would genuinely appreciate it if the U.S. Department of State could assist us in any way possible. We ask that, if possible, please consider providing a platform for online interviewing, allocating more student visa appointments, and putting F/M/J appointments in priority.
If the new policy comes into effect, there would be no requirement for a personal appearance at the embassy for the visa interview, only a live conference is allowed. Additionally, more preference would be allotted to the visa issuance for international students.
*Link: NAFSA Official Request Letter
NAFSA Requests to Stop In-person Visa Interview for Abroad Students
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Petition created on June 20, 2020