DOS Reminds Posts to Prioritize Student Visas
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS
SPECIAL EMBASSY PROGRAM
AMEMBASSY DUSHANBE
AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD
USLO TRIPOLI
AMEMBASSY BUJUMBURA
AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM
UNCLAS STATE 261900
FROM ASSISTANT SECRETARY HARTY TO CONSULAR AND NIV CHIEFS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CVIS, CMGT, OEXC, OIIP, PREL
SUBJECT: WE DON'T WANT TO LOSE EVEN ONE STUDENT
REF: (A) STATE 70079 (B) STATE 111615 (C) 03 STATE 279071
1. I want to thank consular managers worldwide for all your efforts in facilitating student and exchange visitors this past summer. The feedback we have gotten from many colleges and universities has been that their students faced fewer difficulties when applying for visas during the busy summer season.
2. I continue to tell academic and scientific audiences, as well as media representatives, that we don't want to lose even one qualified student. We want all qualified student visa applicants to have the opportunity to apply for a visa in a timely manner. We can keep our part of this bargain by making student and exchange visitor applications and appointments a priority. Each post should have a system whereby students and exchange visitors can get expedited appointments, if necessary. Posts should make sure that this opportunity is well-publicized, including information on post web sites on how to get early appointments. Posts who have contracted out their visa appointment function should make sure that those outside the Embassy making visa appointments know about post's procedures and are identifying students and exchange visitors and giving them the option of an early appointment.
3. I also want to encourage consular officers to work with your public affairs colleagues to maximize outreach to student and academic groups in your host countries. Let them know that the United States enthusiastically welcomes students and exchange visitors. Unfortunately, many continue to portray the process in a way that does not reflect the improvements we have made. To help you counter the misperception that border security efforts have erected a barrier to study in the U.S., we have developed a summary of recent student visa improvements entitled, "Student and Exchange Visitor Visa Improvements." It is available in Ref A and on CA's intranet website at: http://10.8.40.7/PPAffairs/mgstudent%20Visa%20Improvements.html. I am encouraged by the reports we receive of these outreach efforts, and hope that every consulate will get involved.
4. Minimize considered.
POWELL