Come Nov, US visa centre to get Bangalored!

Come Nov, US visa centre to get Bangalored!
R. JAYAPRAKASH and BHASKAR HEGDE
DC | BENGALURU


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Here is some good news for all those planning to visit Uncle Sam’s country.
If US authorities’ plans come through, people from the state will not need to go

to Chennai for the visa interview. The Visa Facilitation Centre (VFC) in the city will be given a tech upgrade so that applicants can be interviewed via video-conferencing and their biometric data recorded.
American Consul General in Chennai Andrew Simkin reportedly discussed the

plans with CM B.S.
Yeddyurappa weeks ago.

Government sources told Deccan Chronicle that Mr Simkin had brought up the state’s long-pending demand for a consulate in Bengaluru. Sources in the Chief Minister’s Office said that at present, the US VFC in the city does not

entertain first-time visa seekers. "The services are limited to those who have already got a US Visa stamped and are seeking to travel again". But as per the new plan, "the VFC will not only collect visa applications, applicants will also be interviewed via videoconferencing by officers sitting in Chennai. It will also obtain biometric data finger prints and iris scan”.
Mr Yeddyurappa is said to have offered all help, including office space and infrastructure and told Mr Simkin to quickly implement the plan.

The sources said external affairs minister S.M.

Krishna has played a key role in pulling off the facility for Bengaluru. The US VFC is a long-pending demand that may finally come true. And if all goes well, it may be US President Barack Obama himself who opens the new centre during his India visit in November.