US Embassy opens new consular section

The US Embassy on Monday opened a new consular section in response to the increasing demand and issuance of visas. Over the past five years,the issuance of non-immigrant US visas has more than doubled,from 2,75,000 in 2003 to 5,60,000 in 2008. Since 2001,Indians have been the largest foreign student population,with 95,000 students enrolled in US universities in 2008.

US Ambassador Timothy J Roemer inaugurated the new consular section,calling it a reflection of the enduring strength of the US-India relationship. 10 million have been spent on the new section,and it promises to ease the process of obtaining a US visa. The waiting area has been doubled,a modern queuing system introduced and more interviewing windows added.

James Herman,minister counsellor for consular affairs,said,8221;It is meant to improve capability to issue visas quickly. The new facility does not mean that we will be issuing more visas.8221;