US Makes Changes to Visa Applications Affecting Applicants Who Wish to Study Abroad

The US State Department on Wednesday, June 7, simplified the Visa application for students from foreign countries, including Kenya, who wish to study abroad. 

During the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA) in Washington, Secretary of State Antony Blinken commented on the new changes, mentioning that applicants will no longer have to do an interview to conclude their application. This change is a major departure from the usual processes, which initially necessitated an interview.

Further, the Department increased the amount of time allowed to submit a Visa application from 120 days to a full year. Addressing the Visa reforms, Blinken remarked on the importance of building partnerships with other countries, in order to avail students more options to study abroad. He applauded organizations like NAFSA for helping students seize opportunities and for organizing student exchanges.

“At the State Department, we are working to expand international education. After the acute phase of the pandemic ended, more and more international students began applying to study in the US again. We took steps to streamline our visa process and make it easier for students to apply," he stated

Raghwa Gopal, CEO of M Square Media, hailed the US government for taking the step to increase international study programs. Gopal proclaimed that the short-term educational courses would be beneficial to students by equipping them with skills needed for further international engagements.

The academic student program provides a pathway for foreign students to gain admittance into a certified college, university, high school or other learning program in the US. The school must be officially recognized by the US government to admit foreign students, and the course should culminate in a diploma, certificate or degree.