US consulate in Hyderabad to process visas from August 17

HYDERABAD: In a major relief to students, the US Consulate General in the city will start processing visas. A statement by the US Embassy and Consulates on Friday reads: “We are pleased to announce that consular sections at the US Embassy in New Delhi and our Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata will begin processing of student and academic exchange visitor visa applications on a limited basis on August 17.”
Addressing students, the statement said: “Student visas are a high priority…However, due to our very limited appointment availability we will not be able to accommodate all requests in time for the start of the fall semester. We will try to handle requests based on when we receive them and when classes will start.”
Safety of staff and security professionals was stated as the reason for the limited appointments.
It added that: “We will first process emergency student and exchange visitor appointment requests received prior to August 12 and then offer public appointments. We will refresh appointments as we have availability, generally two weeks in advance.” It said prospective students should schedule an appointment no more than three weeks prior to their class start date.