US visas in just one week

United States, 27th September: Here is great news for all desirous of US visas.

The US government has announced fast processing of US visas. And this will lead to getting US visas in a matter of just one week.

New simplified system of US visa processing—A new simpler and efficient system of US visa processing has been come into effect.

And this will help applicants for US visas from India to get US visas in only one week.

The new process of US visas became effective 26th September this year. Announcement about the new efficient US visa process was made by Julia Stanley, the Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs on 5th September, 2012 in India.

Giving details about the new process during a press conference, Stanley said the US remains committed to ensuring a transparent, standardized and an efficient US visa application process.

Online US visa application process--As per the information, from now onwards, all applicants for US visas from India can now log in to a new website for filling out US visa application forms. And they can also see what documents need to be submitted along with the US visa applications.

Application fee for US visas can also be paid online. Application fees for US visas can be paid either with mobile phones or through EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer).

And US visa application fee can also be paid in cash at various Citibank and Axis bank branches. Information about receipt of US visa application fee will be available to applicants through an SMS within one hour of the fee payment.

Once, information about fee payment has been received by the applicant, he or she can then move ahead with scheduling the appointment.

Applicants will be able to schedule their appointment for collection of biometrics and an interview at a US consulate or US embassy online.

Two appointments for first-time applicants—First time US visa applicants will now be required to have two appointments following latest changes to US visa application process. And a visit to an OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) will be required by the applicants before the interviews for submission of one photograph and their fingerprints.

Aim of opening of the OFCs is to cut back rush at US consulates and help speed up the process of US visa applications.