DHAKA, Dec 14, 2022 (BSS)- The US Embassy in Dhaka has cautioned that the
prospective US visa applicants from the brokers whose advice may lead to visa
denial.

"We caution prospective applicants that presenting false information and
documents may not only result in a visa denial but may also result in an
ineligibility that prevents future travel to the United States," said Nathan
Look, consul general at the US Embassy, while briefing at the American Centre
here today.

He said some non-immigrant visa applicants turn to visa consultants before
scheduling their interviews.

"A visa consultant is not necessary to obtain a visa interview appointment.
They often charge additional fees and provide inappropriate advice like
creating fake documents," he said.

Nathan Look said best guidance for prospective visa applicants is to review
information on US embassy's website, be prepared for their interview with any
supporting documentation and just provide factual and truthful answers during
the visa process and interviews.

Some applicants use a travel agency or consultant to book a nonimmigrant visa
appointment, but there is no requirement to do so, he continued.

"You can book appointments directly on our website. There is no additional
cost to make an appointment, it is included in the application fee," he
added.

As noted, applicants should be wary of other consultant services, such as
coaching, and the difficulties that this service may cause the applicant in
the visa process, Look said.

He said the Covid-19 pandemic forced profound reductions in the US visa
processing capacity and thus a lot of backlog.

"We acknowledge the hardship that resulted due to the reduced operating
capacity and we are committed to resolving the visa backlog as quickly as
possible," Nathan said, adding that the US visa officers are working in the
weekends called Super Fridays to lower wait times of the applicants.

"To meet the high demand and reduce wait time, we are making special efforts
to ensure as many applicants as possible receive interviews," he said.

During these Super Fridays, the embassy has interviewed over 3,400
nonimmigrant visa applicants, including students and tourists, and almost 600
immigrant visa applicants to reduce wait times.

The US Department of State also has reduced the wait time by waiving in-
person interviews for several key visa categories, including for many
students, Nathan said.

About student visas, he said promoting the opportunity for qualified
international students to study in the US remains a top priority for the US
government, he said.

In 2022, the US Embassy in Dhaka issued over 7,400 F-1 student visas, more
than any year in the past decade.

"We will continue to prioritize interviews for as many qualified students as
possible," he said.

To help ensure that they can obtain a visa interview in sufficient time
before their planned course starting dates, prospective students should seek
the necessary I-20 form as early as possible from the sponsoring US academic
institution and schedule their visa appointment as soon as possible, the
consul general added.