Starting November 27, Indian students applying for U.S. visas must use their own passport information when scheduling appointments to prevent fraud and abuse, according to the U.S. Embassy in India. This policy change affects F, M, and J student visa applicants. If a wrong passport number is used, appointments will be canceled, and the visa fee forfeited. Lost or stolen passports require proof for a visa appointment. The move comes as Indian students comprise over 25% of international students in the U.S., with a 35% increase in the academic year 2022-23. The U.S. is addressing concerns about visa appointment delays by adding staff and opening new consulates in India.
U.S. Tightens Student Visa Process for Indian Applicants
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