Mental health continues to be under-resourced in affluent nations with advanced healthcare systems
kt network1 hour ago
The United States will allow its consular officers to waive in-person interviews for H-1B and other certain non-immigrant visa applicants through next year to help reduce visa wait times, the State Department said on Thursday.
"The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in profound reductions in the department’s visa processing capacity," it said in a statement.
"As global travel rebounds, we are taking these temporary steps to further our commitment to safely and efficiently reduce visa wait times while maintaining national security as our priority."
The consular officers will now be temporarily authorised to waive in-person interviews for nearly a dozen visa categories, including Persons in Specialty Occupations (H-1B visas), visas for students, temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers, student exchange visitors, as well as athletes, artists and entertainers.
The full list of visa categories in which the appointment now could be waived can be found here.
State Department also said it has extended indefinitely the authorisation to waive the in-person interview for applicants renewing a visa in the same visa class within 48 months of the prior visa’s expiration.
US State Department in March 2020 had suspended all routine visa services in most countries worldwide due to the coronavirus outbreak. While the services have been reinstated with a limited capacity and on a priority basis, months-long wait times for certain visa appointments persist due to a massive backlog.
Mental health continues to be under-resourced in affluent nations with advanced healthcare systems
kt network1 hour ago
The work undertaken covered several types of sidewalks for pedestrians, crosswalks, service roads, and combined use
uae1 hour ago
Most schools had a two-week spring break at the end of March, followed by a week of Eid holidays
uae1 hour ago
Here are the dont's of visiting these non-Muslim houses of worship in the Emirates
life and living2 hours ago
City moved on to 79 points from 34 games. Arsenal have 80 points from 35 games
football3 hours ago
This initiative is a testament to Daikin's commitment to supporting the UAE government's efforts in assisting its communities during times of crisis
kt network3 hours ago
More than 10,000 spectators were present as four AI-powered cars vied at Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL)
uae3 hours ago