US Ambassador Robert Jordan has urged Saudi students wanting to study in the US for the academic year beginning in September to send in their visa applications as soon as possible. “The clearance of applications which go through various security procedures can take as little as two weeks or it can take longer. If students apply now, their visas will be ready in plenty of time for them to leave for the US,” the ambassador told Arab News on Monday night. Jordan, who took part in a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony with Consul General Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley at the dedication of the Jeddah consulate’s new entrance, said visas were now being issued on a regular basis at both the embassy in Riyadh and the consulate in Jeddah. The consul general said the events of Sept. 11 had changed both the process and pace of issuing visas. “It can now take up to two months depending on the individual case,” she said. “Some students studying in the United States have not returned. Possibly they think that they will not get visas or might not get them in time to return to the US.” Full Story
About OODA Analyst
OODA is comprised of a unique team of international experts capable of providing advanced intelligence and analysis, strategy and planning support, risk and threat management, training, decision support, crisis response, and security services to global corporations and governments.