US Embassy rolls out new visa platform to deal with growing backlog

As part of efforts to improve visa services in Ghana, The US embassy says it will shut down its online visa application service for 10 days from August 16 to August 26, 2024.

The embassy will roll out a new visa application platform for interested persons but adds that people with already existing visa appointments should honor it since the new changes do not affect them.

Addressing a media round table in Accra, American Consul General in Ghana, Elliot Fertik said he is hopeful the new platform will expedite the clearing of backlog of visa applications which has tripled since 2019 due to Covid 19 restrictions.

He said “what is driving the backlog is visa demand. When you look at the number of people who have paid for visa applications in 2019 before the pandemic and compare it to those who did so in 2023, the number has tripled in 2023.

“We hope this new system will provide some additional enhancements and will be more efficient. One thing that can drive down the backlog will be to do more interviews. I know that student visas are often a big concern.

“This summer we have processed 65% more visas applications for students that we did in the entire year of 2023. We understand the concern about the backlog and are doing all we can to reduce it

Elliot Fertik also noted that the change to a new visa application platform is not peculiar to Ghana adding that many other countries are having similar changes to their application processes.
He reiterated that the all persons who already have appointments will not be affected by the changes especially if they have already met the needed requirements for the visas.

The updated information on the US embassy’s website is as follows –

August 16 – Last day to access your account on ustraveldocs.com to pay the visa application fee, schedule appointments, and contact customer service.

August 21 – Last day to drop off your documents at Premium Delivery locations.
August 23 – Last day to drop off your documents at locations in Ghana for delivery to the Embassy.
August 26 – New visa appointment website goes live. Fee payments, appointment scheduling, and customer service are available. New document drop-off and pickup locations are available.
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

 

The post US Embassy rolls out new visa platform to deal with growing backlog first appeared on 3News.

Read Full Story