In 2022/23, there was a significant 19% rise in the influx of Indian students seeking their academic pursuits in American institutions. The increasingly challenging task of securing US visa appointments has led to the emergence of Indian companies offering to book visa appointments on behalf of these students. They require registration information and keep a vigilant watch on available appointment slots.
While some firms may claim to have a host of pre-booked appointment slots ready for general purchase, it’s important to note that legitimate educational agents do not offer these services. On the other hand, assistance may be provided by some travel agencies. The cost of these services varies greatly, ranging from an affordable $100 to a steep $1,000.
The US consulate in India has recognized the issues stemming from this practice, describing it as a “real problem.” This issue isn’t unique to India, as the US consulate in Nigeria has also reported instances of visa facilitators exploiting the system.
For students who encounter difficulties in securing a visa appointment, the State Department recommends resorting to its emergency appointment module. As for the current wait times for F visa interviews at any of the five US embassies in India, they span from 52 to 81 days. However, the US has expressed a strong commitment to enhancing the wait times in India.
Agents remain optimistic, believing in the US’s earnest efforts to mitigate appointment shortage. They anticipate that the appointment delays will be ironed out in time for the Fall 2023 intake.
Furthermore, the US has recently announced changes to their visa policy in an effort to attract and retain international students. This includes expanding opportunities for foreign students to work after graduation and extending the validity of student visas.
Despite these positive developments, it’s important for students to be aware of potential scams and fraudulent activities when seeking assistance with visa appointments. It’s always recommended to do thorough research on any agency or individual before paying for their services.
In addition, students should not rely solely on agents or facilitators to handle their visa application process. It’s important for students to also take an active role in preparing their own documents and being familiar with the visa requirements. This will not only increase chances of successfully obtaining a visa, but it will also prevent potential
