US Embassy to amend visa application process from Sunday
Friday, 5 September 2014 00:42
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The US Embassy in Colombo will implement a new online appointment service for non-immigrant visas from 7 September as part of the new visa application process being put into operation worldwide.
Two new steps will be implemented into the visa application process, while the US Embassy will also launch a call centre on 9 September, to provide assistance to applicants in all three languages.
Visa application fees must now be paid in person at any of the 130 DFCC bank branches, before an interview appointment can be scheduled while visa interview appointments must now be scheduled online. Appointments can be scheduled at any time, on any day of the week.
The new call centre will be operational from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday and will assist applicants on issues concerning scheduling or any other queries.
US Embassy Consular Chief Sally Sternal stated that these changes were consistent with changes being made throughout the world in the US visa application process, and would help provide a more convenient service to applicants.
Explaining the amendments to the process, she said that after filling the DS-160 visa application form, the applicant must create an online account at www.ustraveldocs.com/lk, before printing a deposit slip and paying the visa application fee at a local DFCC Bank branch.
Applicants may thereafter log on to their online account to schedule an interview appointment within one to two working days. Sternal added that all other steps in the visa process remain unchanged.
The new web-based system implemented by the US Department of State, aims to save time and money while providing step-by-step guidance through the process with the services of its call centre.
The six-step visa application process is as follows: Complete online visa application form (DS -160) at http://ceac.state.gov/genniv; create online account at www.ustraveldocs.com/lk and print bank deposit slip; present the bank deposit slip and pay visa application fee to a local DFCC Bank; log on to online account and schedule an interview appointment using the bank receipt payment number; interview at the US Embassy in Colombo; if approved, collect US visa at the Embassy.
More information regarding the changes is available on http://srilank.usembassy.gov while applicants can seek further assistance by contacting the call centre on +94-11-7703703.
