December 21, 2004

DOS Expediting Student and Exchange Visitor Appointments

As American universities continue to report significant drops in foreign student enrollment, the Department of State is making a concerted effort to prioritize student and exchange visitor applications and appointments. Earlier this month, Assistant Secretary Harty sent a notice to all diplomatic and consular posts entitled, “We don’t want to lose even one student.”

She indicated that posts should publicize the fact that each post has a system to expedite visa appointments for students and exchange visitors. She also instructed Consular and Non-immigrant Visa Chiefs to reach out to student and academic groups in host countries to let them know that the U.S. enthusiastically welcomes students and exchange visitors and to make them aware of improvements intended to counter the misperception that security efforts are a barrier for students.

The Department of State is aware of the enormous benefits that foreign students and exchange visitors bring to our schools, to our workforce and to our economy. Schools benefit from cultural diversity and outstanding research contributions. Our economy benefits from billions of dollars contributed each year by students and their dependents. Our companies benefit as foreign students graduate and enter the workforce. Our communities benefit as certain exchange visitors, such as physicians assist underserved communities. Double digit decline in enrollment has had a dramatic impact in the United States since 2001. It is believed that this decline is due in large part to misperceptions potential visa problems. The Department of State is officially and effectively attempting to remedy real and illusory problems in the visa application process as American academic institutions push for improvements.