US Visa Applications
ISLAMABAD: According to a recent report, the number of US visa applications from Pakistan has seen a notable increase, surpassing last year’s figures.
This significant rise in applications has been confirmed by officials at the US Embassy, who shared the update on Thursday.
The surge in visa applications comes in the wake of a substantial reduction in processing times.
Previously, the wait for a US visa application could extend up to 440 days due to a variety of factors, including a backlog and increased scrutiny.
However, recent emergency measures have led to a significant improvement in processing times. The current average processing duration has decreased to 237 days, and further reductions are expected as additional changes are implemented.
US Embassy officials reported that in 2023, the number of visas issued by the Karachi Consulate and the US Embassy in Islamabad reached unprecedented levels.
They indicated that this trend is set to continue, with projections suggesting that by October 2024, the number of visas issued will exceed last year’s total.
This optimistic outlook is attributed to the growing volume of visa applications from Pakistani nationals.
To address the increased demand, the US Embassy has made adjustments to its operations. One of the key changes includes deploying more visa officers to expedite the processing of applications. This move aims to alleviate delays and ensure that applications are handled more efficiently.
Moreover, the embassy has streamlined certain procedures to further enhance processing speed.
For instance, applicants who have previously been issued a US visa are now exempted from undergoing a new interview, which helps to reduce processing time.
Additionally, the visa section has prioritized applications from students seeking study visas, reflecting the embassy’s commitment to supporting educational opportunities.
Despite the improvements in processing times and operational adjustments, there have been no changes to the overall visa regulations.
The emphasis remains on carefully reviewing each application individually to maintain the integrity of the visa issuance process.
Overall, the reduction in processing times and the increase in visa applications from Pakistan underscore a significant shift in the visa application landscape, with the US Embassy making concerted efforts to manage the growing demand efficiently.
