VISA applications for the US might soon be easier for international visitors, should a new bill submitted to congress be accepted.
US congressman, Joe Heck, has introduced the ‘Welcoming Business Travellers and Tourists to America Act’, aimed at simplifying the process and increasing demand for air travel.
Commenting on the move, the Air Transport Association of America (ATA) said the bill would eliminate many of the barriers and frustrations faced by potential international visitors to the United States without compromising the country’s national security, and should be enacted as soon as possible.
If accepted the bill may include:
The implementation of a visa video conferencing pilot programme for conducting visa interviews.
Publishing of data on its website on wait times for visa interview appointments and visa application processing.
Co-ordinating and reporting how it is dealing with applicant demand and how demand corresponds with visitor projections.
Costs for the requirements would be covered by visa application fees and the State Department would be authorised to implement new fees or increase existing fees if needed to pay for the videoconferencing programme.
*Should this bill come into effect what would you like to see included in it? What, if any, issues are your clients experiencing when applying for US visas? Let us know by replying to the editor.
US visas about to get easier?
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