U.S. Embassy in Dhaka to Launch New Visa System This Saturday

Key Takeaways

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka will launch a new visa system on Saturday, February 8, 2025, to improve application processes.
Visa application website downtime is scheduled from February 5-7, 2025, with appointments on these dates unaffected by the transition.
Non-immigrant visa slots will release every Tuesday at 3:30 PM, starting February 4, 2025, enabling more predictable appointment planning.

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka 🇧🇩 is gearing up to launch a new visa system starting Saturday, February 8, 2025. This change is aimed at improving the visa application process for people in Bangladesh who want to travel to the United States 🇺🇸. While the shift may temporarily impact some online services, the embassy has assured that most operations will continue as scheduled.

Service Interruption on Website

U.S. Embassy in Dhaka to Launch New Visa System This Saturday

As part of the transition, the website currently used for visa applications, www.ustraveldocs.com, will not be functional temporarily. This shutdown will take place from Wednesday, February 5, to Friday, February 7, 2025. Starting February 8, 2025, the site will be up and running again with the new visa system in place. According to the embassy, this change will modernize and enhance the way visa services operate.

Key Information for Scheduled Appointments

Even though the website will be unavailable for three days, applicants with pre-scheduled visa appointments have been reassured that their appointments will not be affected by the downtime. Anyone who already has a visa appointment during the shutdown (February 5-7) should still visit the embassy at the originally given date and time. This ensures that the transition does not disrupt visa processing for those who have already made plans.

Non-Immigrant Visa Appointment Slots: New Release Schedule

Another significant update is the revised schedule for releasing new non-immigrant visa appointment slots. Beginning February 4, 2025, these appointment slots will become available every Tuesday at 3:30 PM. By maintaining a consistent weekly release time, the embassy aims to make it easier for applicants to secure appointments. With this step, individuals can plan ahead and avoid guesswork about appointment availability.

Guidance for Applicants

For anyone navigating the visa application process, the embassy is directing individuals to its updated official website for detailed information. Here, applicants will find step-by-step instructions on how to proceed under the new system. This online resource will be crucial for understanding both the new procedures and requirements, ensuring everyone has access to the guidance they need.

Immigrant Visa Requirements and Guidelines

For applicants seeking immigrant visas, the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka has provided detailed instructions. Among them is the requirement for a medical examination, an essential step in the immigrant visa process. These examinations must be carried out by physicians approved by the embassy. Key details about medical exams include:

Timing: Applicants must schedule the exam at least three weeks before their visa interview.
Fees: Adults need to pay 8,260 Bangladeshi Taka, while children under 15 years old are charged 3,180 Taka. Additional costs may apply for specific tests.
Validity: Completed medical reports are valid for six months, providing a clear timeline for visa-related planning.

Document Checklist for Immigrant Visa Applicants

To streamline the process, the embassy has outlined a specific list of documents that must be submitted during immigrant visa interviews:

A valid passport, unexpired for at least six months after the intended entry date into the U.S.
Two recent passport-sized color photos taken within the last six months.
The Form DS-260, titled “Application for an Immigrant Visa,” along with its confirmation page.
Original birth certificates in both Bangla and English.
A police clearance certificate issued within the past year for applicants 16 years of age or older.

Additional documents may be necessary depending on the specific type of visa being sought. Applicants are encouraged to review these requirements carefully to avoid any delays.

Embassy Security and Protocols

All visitors to the embassy must follow strict security screening measures. Electronic devices, such as mobile phones, are not allowed inside. An exception is made for applicants who need assistance due to age, disabilities, or those accompanying minor children. In such cases, one additional person may enter with the applicant.

Financial Aspects and Processing Times

Visa applicants are advised to bring the required fee in cash to their interview. Payments can be made in U.S. dollars or the equivalent amount in Bangladeshi taka. Applicants should keep in mind that processing times may vary. In some cases, it can take several months, especially when additional administrative steps are required. The embassy strongly advises applicants against making irreversible life decisions, like selling property or quitting jobs, until they have a clear understanding of their visa status.

What Happens After Visa Approval?

Once an immigrant visa is approved, the embassy will retain the applicant’s passport to finalize the immigration packet and print the visa. Approved applicants will receive a sealed envelope, which they must submit to U.S. immigration officials upon entry into the United States. This step is crucial, as the envelope contains key documents related to their visa approval.

Moreover, immigrants are required to pay an Immigrant Fee to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before traveling to the United States. This fee helps cover the cost of issuing the Form I-551, also known as the Green Card, which confirms permanent residency.

Adhering to the Visa’s Validity and Travel Deadlines

Approved immigrant visas come with a strict expiration date, typically ranging from three to six months from the date of the medical examination. Applicants must ensure that they enter the United States within this timeframe, as expired visas cannot be extended. Additionally, all visa-related fees are non-refundable, so careful planning is essential to avoid wasting time and money.

Potential Benefits of the Updated System

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that this major update to the visa system is a step forward. Many applicants and stakeholders have long sought a simpler and more predictable application experience, and these changes appear to align with such demands. The embassy’s decision to implement regular slots for non-immigrant visa appointments, for example, reflects an effort to address previous concerns about difficulty in securing appointments.

While the transition may be temporarily inconvenient, the promise of a more efficient system could benefit Bangladeshi travelers aiming to visit or settle in the United States. The revamped website, with detailed and straightforward instructions, also ensures improved guidance is available for applicants navigating this sometimes-complicated process.

Conclusion

The launch of the new visa system by the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka 🇧🇩 is set to bring important changes to both non-immigrant and immigrant visa applicants. From the temporary downtime of the visa application website to the establishment of a new appointment release schedule, the embassy is clearly working to improve its services. Despite the temporary interruptions, applicants can rest assured that pre-scheduled appointments will proceed without disruption.

For immigrant visa applicants, the comprehensive guidelines on medical exams, required documents, and subsequent fee payments offer a clear path for completing their application successfully. Meanwhile, non-immigrant visa applicants will likely benefit from the consistency and transparency introduced by the new weekly appointment schedule.

As the February 8 launch draws closer, all travelers are advised to stay updated through the official U.S. visa website and prepare their applications carefully. With these steps in place, the embassy aims to make the visa application experience smoother and more manageable for Bangladeshi citizens.

Learn Today

Immigrant Visa → A visa granting permanent residency in the United States for foreign nationals intending to live there indefinitely.
Non-Immigrant Visa → A temporary visa that allows foreign nationals to visit the United States for specific purposes like tourism, study, or work.
Medical Examination → A health check required for immigrant visa applications, conducted by embassy-approved physicians, to ensure eligibility for entry.
Visa Appointment Slots → Scheduled timeframes released by embassies or consulates for applicants to attend visa processing or interviews.
Green Card → An identification card issued to immigrants as proof of their lawful permanent resident status in the United States.

This Article in a Nutshell

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka is launching a modernized visa system on February 8, 2025, promising streamlined processes for Bangladeshi travelers. While a brief website downtime (February 5-7) occurs, pre-scheduled appointments remain unaffected. Weekly appointment slots will ensure consistency, empowering applicants with clear guidelines for a smoother, more efficient visa experience.
— By VisaVerge.com