Due to the current economic crisis, the ratio of Pakistanis leaving the country has spiked in the last few months. In 2022 alone, more than 7,50,000 citizens including doctors, engineers, paramedics and IT experts permanently moved abroad to different countries for a secure future.
Expansion of interview waiver eligibility by the US Embassy
As per the official media reports, the United States Mission in Pakistan recently expanded the interview waiver eligibility for citizens who are in the renewal process of their B1/B2 tourist and business visas. The announcement was made via the official Twitter account of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.
Here’s the tweet from the U.S. Embassy’s Twitter handle
Planning to renew your B1/B2 visa for the U.S.? Pakistani citizens of all ages whose B1/B2 visas are valid or have expired within the last 48 months are now eligible for interview waivers at @usembislamabad & @usconsulatekhi More here: https://t.co/Q15vYG4dNz
— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) January 12, 2023
“All Pakistani citizens, regardless of age, whose B1/B2 visas are valid or have expired within the last 48 months are eligible to participate”, read the statement issued by the US embassy.
‘Only for people aged 45 and above’
Before the recent change in policy, only Pakistani citizens aged 45 and more were eligible to participate but now, it’s open to all. Moreover, the interview waiver eligibility for students and petition-based work visa applicants is also extended for 2023 but a previously held US visa is mandatory to apply.
Reportedly, the expansion of interview waiver eligibility has been revised to provide better customer service and to ensure that the tourist and business visas for eligible Pakistanis are processed swiftly and efficiently without any unwanted delays.
Are you eligible to apply for a visa? Let us know in the comments section below!
