U.S. Embassy in London Issues Update on NIV Processing Times and Expands Visa Reissuance Program
The Embassy of the United States in London announces that visa services will be limited during the summer months of July and August in all nonimmigrant visa (NIV) categories. In anticipation of this delay, the embassy recommends that all nonimmigrant visa applicants apply early to ensure appointment availability. In particular, the embassy has recommended that individuals planning to travel to the United States using the Visa Waiver Program submit the request for authorization now under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). If the ESTA registration request is denied, travelers will need to schedule and attend an appointment for a visa. The announcement of limited NIV services is directly related to the anticipated 2012 Olympic Summer Games, being held in London from July 27, 2012 - August 12, 2012 (Olympics) and August 29, 2012 - September 9, 2012 (Paralympics). Students and scholars are advised to schedule an appointment as early as possible to ensure that they are able to travel as scheduled.