The United States Mission in Pakistan announced on Tuesday. It is actively working to shorten the waiting period for visa appointments for Pakistani applicants. Especially as there is currently an unprecedented surge in demand for US visas.
In a statement released by the US embassy in Islamabad, it was revealed that more than 10,000 Pakistani visa applicants, initially scheduled for visa interviews in 2024 at the US Consulate General in Karachi, are now being notified of rescheduled appointments in 2023, with some appointments as early as the upcoming week. This expedited scheduling of non-immigrant visa appointments is the first step taken to address the surge in demand.
Jayne Howell, the head of US visa operations in Pakistan, stated that this initiative is expected to reduce waiting times by a significant three to six months.
US Mission advised
The US Mission advised visa applicants that if they had an upcoming visa appointment in the next few months at the US Consulate General in Karachi, they should access their emails and log in to their accounts on the embassy’s website to confirm the newly expedited appointment time.
Furthermore, to enhance flexibility for Pakistani travelers, visa applicants were given the option to reschedule their appointments at either the Consulate General in Karachi or the US Embassy in Islamabad.
This initiative aims to provide applicants with greater freedom and flexibility to select a date, time, and location that suits their needs.
In addition, starting from September 25, the Consulate-General will begin accepting new interview waiver applications for certain applicants who had previously been granted US visas. Applicants can verify their eligibility at ustraveldocs.com/pk, obtain a confirmation letter, and submit their application materials to a drop box without the need for a formal appointment.
The US Mission noted that the US Embassy was already accepting interview waiver applications for eligible applicants.
These collective measures underscore the United States’ commitment to nurturing the relationship between the two countries. The primary objective is to facilitate legitimate travel to the United States swiftly and efficiently. Recognizing the importance of maintaining connections with family, strengthening business ties, pursuing education, and fostering cultural exchanges with the United States.
📢 🔔 Today, we’re announcing three steps to help bring down visa appointment wait times: tens of thousands of expedited appointments, flexible scheduling in either Islamabad or Karachi, and interview waiver applications for eligible applicants at the @usconsulatekhi. 🗓️ 🗽 pic.twitter.com/W4mIZY4BnF
— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) September 19, 2023
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