AHMEDABAD: After students hit visa jackpots post-pandemic in 2021, aspirants readying for higher studies in Uncle Sam's land currently have hit an unusual roadblock.
Overseas student visa consultants say that students who have got rejections earlier are not getting visa dates now, unleashing a wave of dejection and anxiety as most students have secured admission in US colleges. Overall too, the demand outstrips the slots being allotted.
Rahul Sheth, a computer engineer who has got admission in Arizona State University for masters in computer science, was rejected in November 2021. Like in the past when most students who have got visa despite multiple rejections, he immediately got busy applying for visa appointment date in hope of setting off for his dream studies.
“I have been trying hard for the past four months but have not been able to secure a visa appointment date. Apparently, students who have applied earlier are not allowed to apply for dates this time,” said Sheth.
Kavita Parikh, overseas student visa consultant, said that despite assurances from US authorities, visa appointment dates issue has not been completley sorted.
“From May, they have issues more dates but they still do not match pre-pandemic standards and are not enough to meet the demand. Students who have got visa rejections are most affected as they are not allowed any dates currently. It is being said slots for them will open in August which would be a close shave for admissions in August-September,” said Parikh.
Needless to say, this has led to massive anxiety build up among students who do not know if they will get dates in time or they should get their admissions deferred.
Akanksha Patel, a commerce graduate from Ahmedabad who has already deferred her admission in MBA in University of Pennsylvania thrice due to visa date woes, says she is tense over the future. “I first deferred my admission in August 2021 and have not got visa date since. Patience is running out as precious time wherein we should complete studies is getting wasted,” said Patel.
Kushali Prajapati, who has secured admission in MBA in New York Institute of Technology, says her student visa was rejected in May 2022. Post that, she is not able to secure an appointment for visa rendering it a Herculean task.
Overseas education consultant Maulin Joshi says that students are going through tough times. "In the past, students whose visa applications were rejected would promptly get another date. This time, they are being denied slots. Over all too, the slots are limited leading to much uncertainty amongst aspirants,' said Joshi.
