The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata has inaugurated its relocated Visa Application Center (VAC) at Pataka House on Mirza Ghalib Street in the Taltala area. U.S. Consul General Melinda Pavek officially opened the new facility on July 28, marking the beginning of its operations, while the previous center at Jasmine Tower closed on July 27, 2024.
“Our relationship with India is important. And facilitating people-to-people connections is at its core,” said Consul General Melinda Pavek. She emphasized the potential for collaboration between the two nations in critical sectors like technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and space exploration, noting that efficient visa processes are essential for fostering these partnerships.
Jeffrey Miles, Visas Coordinator for the U.S. Mission in India, highlighted the growing interest in travel to the United States and praised consular officials for their efforts to reduce wait times. “In 2023 alone, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India processed a record-breaking 1.4 million U.S. visas, including over 700,000 visitor visas,” he said, underscoring the strong cultural exchange between India and the United States.
The new VAC in Kolkata offers an enhanced experience for visa applicants with nearly double the number of intake windows to expedite processing. The facility also provides a more spacious and comfortable environment, improved wheelchair accessibility, bilingual signage in English and Bengali, and dedicated passport pick-up and drop-off windows.
The U.S. government’s commitment to improving visa services is evident in the new VAC, which aims to provide a positive experience for all applicants.
Source: Northeast News
