The United States Embassy announces a change in its process of issuing non-immigrant visas. Effective Monday, Aug. 9, non-immigrant visa applicants will be interviewed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Applicants will receive their passports with the visas between the hours of 2:00 p.m and 3:30 p.m. It is advised that applicants arrive at the Embassy after 9:00 a.m. for quicker processing of their visas.
With this change to a two-step process, individuals will submit their applications, be interviewed and leave the Embassy — a process that should take less than half an hour. Prior to leaving, applicants will be issued a receipt and can return to the Embassy in the afternoon to pick up their passports — a process that should take approximately ten minutes.
Also as a part of the change in effect, someone other than the applicant can pick up the passport as long as they bring the receipt.
According to Embassy officials, this newly enforced two-step process is designed to maintain a high level of customer service while the Embassy begins renovations to the Consular Section. The renovation is designed to create an improved customer service atmosphere for both immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants.
Renovation of the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy on Queen Street will begin in September and is scheduled for completion this December.
Keva Lightbourne, The Nassau Guardian
