No shortcuts to US visas, says Geoff Pyatt

Chennai, May 15: American Charge d'Affaires Geoff Pyatt inaugurated new facilities at the US Consulate General in Chennai to meet the burgeoning demand for US visas.In his remarks, he noted that while the US welcomes more Indian tourists, students and businessmen, those who present false documents may become permanently ineligible to enter the United States.

Mr. Pyatt noted that demand for US visas in India has increased by 30 per cent in 2006 and the US Embassy and Consulates now process 600,000 visas a year. He said, "We are happy that so many want to visit the United States and we encourage all legitimate travel."Mr. Pyatt cut a ribbon to inaugurate six additional windows today to make visa processing in Chennai more efficient. He also mentioned that recent improvements were made to provide better shelter and more comfort for visa applicants.

Mr. Pyatt stressed, however,that while visa interview appointments now are more readily available and processing more efficient, US immigration laws have not changed.He cautioned against applicants' using unscrupulous agents or brokers who create the false impression that they can help in getting a visa. He said,"They are committing consumer fraud.Those who pay them and submit false papers do so at great risk."

American Consulate General in Chennai, David T. Hopper, who was also present at the ceremony, pointed out that the Consulate General today processes 1,200 visas a day, compared to 700-800 a day last year.He said,"We have done away with the backlog. Eight months ago you had to wait five to six months to get a visa appointment. Now you can get an appointment in less than two weeks. We are serving the public better." He added that, as President Bush had announced last year, a new American Consulate will open in Hyderabad in 2008.

When asked how he would advise visa applicants, Mr. Hopper responded,"Our best advice to visa applicants is to obtain accurate, reliable and free information directly from us, from our web site or and from our visa appointment contractor, Visa Facilitation Services, VFS. Tell the truth on the visa forms and in the visa interview. Present only genuine documents."

OneIndia News

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