US visa forum attracts hundreds

By Rehanna Ramsay

Scores of Guyanese from virtually every part of the country, braved the heat of the mid-morning sun, yesterday to assemble along Main and Bentick Streets, for the Visa Fair hosted by U.S. Embassy in Georgetown.

Guyanese lined Main and Bentick Streets in attendance of US Embassy Visa Fair, yesterday02

The activity, a first its kind, was aimed at giving citizens a better perspective on the current process of visa applications and an opportunity to pose general questions about the application process for non-immigrant and immigrant visas, in addition to offering American citizens and legal permanent residents, or “green card” holders an opportunity to acquire information on services applicable to their circumstances. During the event, the Embassy’s Consular staff provided guidance on specific factors that determine which visa class applicants should apply for and also shared information to clarify commonly puzzling aspects of the process such as priority dates for applications and processing fees. Brochures containing useful information about the Immigration Adoption process, and Student Visa Application were also distributed to those in attendance. According to spokesperson for the event, Nazima Razick, the Embassy has noted that although there is a lot of information on the websites about the visa application process, citizens are still not aware or may not be able to access the relevant data. “We realized that sometimes, a lot of people are unable to access the internet or understand certain things… so we decided to host an information session, where we can help the public to understand the general information, which is on the internet, so that they can understand how to apply for a visa,” Razick said as she noted that the US Embassy continues to see a significant number of Guyanese expressing interest of travelling to the United States. “We are also aware that there is a significant number of Guyanese living in US as legal residents.  Today our Consular staff will be providing answers to help persons understand what they can or cannot bring to the Embassy when they come to do an interview… or what is the process if they have family in the US, who filed an application for them. Also persons can further understand the step by step process, Razick disclosed. She noted that those in attendance could also access information in regards to issues such as filing taxes in the US. “In regards to the American citizens living in Guyana there is a registration programme through which such persons can get registered for future references, at such time that we may need to contact them and then there is other information which they can access such as adjusting status for their child/children. “There is also a suggestion box that the public could share their views on the fair and they can let us know how we can improve with our outreach. Based on the outcome here today we will know how to make the event better next time, or whether we will expand to other regions.” However, while most persons noted that the fair was an overall ‘good initiative,’ some persons left with their questions still unanswered. “I am quite dissatisfied because this fair was supposed to provide the Guyanese public with proper information about the Visa application process but all I get is a brochure. I didn’t get to explain my situation or get a clear understanding of what I’m supposed to do to get a visa. There is some information in the brochures, that persons might find useful such as the ones warning persons about Visa Scam, which is quite a recurring issue in our society,” one woman noted. “It was a waste of time,” another said, as he left the information booth.  “I did not get my questions answered. There should have been more booths, each catering to individual visa matters and it should be indoors next time because the sun is very hot and we see people lining up with their young children and even babies. Some persons were here long before the fair start.” However, a few persons who got a different idea about the fair expressed their views. “I thought that you could have applied here… I think they should put systems in place to do things like that next time because people coming from far.”