US Embassy in Dhaka now accepting tourism, medical, business visa application

Dhaka: The US Embassy in Dhaka has started accepting interview-waiver applications for B1/B2 (tourism, business, and medical) visas along with non-immigrant visa categories -- C, C1/D, F, I, J, M, O, and Q.

However, processing time could be as long as six weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the embassy said in a statement, recommending submission of application well ahead of proposed travel dates.

"We cannot yet accept new visa applications for any non-immigrant visa categories, including F1 (students) and F2 (spouses/children of students). We continue to offer emergency visa services for applicants with life or death emergencies," reads a press statement issued on October 5.

It suggested visiting its website for more information.

Eligibility for interview-waiver renewal of non-immigrant visas has been extended to 24 months due to the pandemic. This change will be in effect till December 31, 2020, the statement said, adding that non-immigrant visa seekers have been recommended to visit the website to see the eligibility criteria for submitting interview-waiver renewal.

Eligible applicants need to log in and/or update their profile online and submit the application packet after paying associated visa fees at the designated offsite service provider.

After the embassy receives an application, the reviewing consular officer may determine whether the applicant will require an in-person interview, and in that case the applicant will have to schedule an interview when regular in-person visa services resume.

Until the regular visa services at the US Embassy in Dhaka resumes, the application fee (MRV) will remain valid and may be used to schedule an interview appointment until December 31, 2021.

The embassy also reminded student visa applicants that they are only accepting interview-waiver applications for current students who want to renew their student visas for the same field of study at the same institution.

"We are also accepting applications for continuing F2 spouses and their children under the age of 21," the embassy added.

The embassy suggested visiting its websites and social media pages in Facebook and Twitter for updates concerning visas.