US visa glitch - Students cancel tickets, worry getting late for first sem in US varsities

Several students who have securedadmission in US universities, have cancelled the tickets as their visa interviewshave been rescheduled

A technical glitch that has brought down the computer system for issuing visas and passports at US embassies worldwide will not be fixed until at least next week, according to reports. The issue has left hundreds of visa applicants in the city worried. Several students, who have enrolled in the US varsities that will soon begin their sessions, have been left in the lurch.

The problem started when hardware of a US state department facility failed on June 9, preventing it from processing and transmitting the mandatory security-related biometric data checks routinely carried out at embassies and consulates worldwide. Applicants whose appointments for biometric enrollment and visa interview are scheduled from June 22 to June 26 have been asked to reschedule the same to a date after July 6.

According to US consulate officials, “Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.“

Students who will be called for appointment after July 6 will get their visa only by the end of September. But almost all the universities start their first semester by the third week of August.

Almost 90 per cent of the students who got admission in universities have already booked their tickets. But due to the confusion, they have been cancelling the tickets and losing money.

“I bought my ticket in March after I paid my admission fees. I presumed that I will get my visa within the first week of August. My appointment was scheduled for June 24 but I received an email informing me that the US consulate has cancelled it. It has not given the date of appointment till now,“ said a student who has applied at University of Vermont College of Medicine. She cancelled her flight scheduled for August 7, which cost her Rs 12,000. Speaking to Mirror, another student from engineering who got admission at University of Washington said that the delay will affect their studies. “Grading is done on the basis of marks obtained in each semester. If I join after the beginning of the first semester, it might affect my grades,“ he said.

All new applications filed after May 26 have been affected and unfortunately, he had applied for the visa on May 28.

The uncertainty of getting a visa coupled with rising air fares has been a cause for worry for these students. “Usually, students buy tickets months in advance to save money. But now, following uncertainty about the visa, they will be forced to book their tickets during the peak time when tickets are 20 to 30 per cent more expensive,“ said a travel agent.