US visa applications

Letter April 30, 2011
The system should be streamlined so that applications can at least be accepted and an interview date given.

KARACHI: For the past three weeks I have been applying — rather, trying to apply — for a US visa in Karachi. The procedure involves filling out a form online, printing it out and taking it to a travel company which has been hired by the US consulate for the purpose of accepting visa documents. I have studied from the US and both my children are US citizens. Also I have travelled to the US on numerous occasions and have never been refused a visa, either to it or to an European country, (I have travelled to many, for business as well as on family holidays).

The problem is that despite trying to apply for the past three weeks, my visa application form is not even being accepted. The reason cited is that because of the summer holidays, there is a massive rush and hence new interview dates are not opening up. Instead, I have been told to apply from Islamabad, if I want an earlier interview date, since the wait there is shorter.

I understand that the US consulate has the right to reject visa applications, but this issue relates to applicants submitting them. Surely, the system should be streamlined so that applications can at least be accepted and an interview date given.

Omair Javed

Published in The Express Tribune, May 1st, 2011.