Applications for US visas from Pakistan have seen a substantial increase, breaking previous records, according to reports from The News. This rise in applications comes in the wake of improved processing times at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the US Consulate in Karachi, with over 10,000 applications being processed monthly.
Reduced Processing Times
The US Embassy officials have attributed the rise in applications to a significant reduction in visa processing times. Previously, the processing time could extend up to 440 days, causing considerable delays. This was largely due to the individual review required for each application. However, emergency measures have been implemented, reducing this time to 237 days, and further reductions are anticipated. These improvements have been facilitated by deploying more visa officers to expedite the process.
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Record-Breaking Numbers
The number of visas issued from the US visa offices in Karachi and Islamabad reached its highest level in 2023. Embassy officials project that by October 2024, these numbers will surpass the previous year’s figures, driven by the increased volume of applications from Pakistani nationals. In the fiscal year ending in October 2023, a total of 107,183 non-immigration visas were issued, a significant increase from the 72,082 visas issued in the previous fiscal year.
Focus on Student Visas
The visa section prioritizes student visa applications, recognizing the importance of educational opportunities for Pakistani students in the United States. Applicants who have previously been issued a visa are also exempted from re-interviews, further streamlining the process for returning applicants.
Crisis Management and Efficiency Improvements
In September 2023, the US Embassy faced a crisis-like situation when the visa appointment waiting time peaked at 440 days. In response, the embassy introduced several measures to enhance its visa processing capacity. These included refining and expanding processes, resulting in the appointment waiting time being reduced to 237 days. Visa decisions are typically made within five days after the interview, provided the reviewing officer is convinced of the applicant’s eligibility.
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An embassy spokesperson emphasized the commitment to handling the increased demand efficiently and facilitating as many applicants as possible. The embassy has also introduced a system for case reviews via email for those who have already submitted their visa applications. Each application is assessed individually, with decisions typically made within three to four working days following the interview.