CAIRO: The American Embassy in Cairo will automate its non-immigrant visa application system in a bid to streamline the process as well as promote bilateral trade. An online application will be available on the embassy's website starting Jan. 1, and as of March, all applicants will be obliged to apply online for non-immigrant and business visas replacing the old system. Consul General at the US embassy Roberto Powers said that more than 24 countries are already using the web-based system successfully. "The visa issuing policy will remain the same, there are no changes in the requirements or procedures; the only difference will be in the application mechanism and methods, the many visa forms will be all combined in a one interactive easy form that will be online, he said. This service will have advantages over the old system, which includes scanning the photos online, answering yes or no questions on an accessible form that enables applicants to change and modify their information. Although applicants will still have to conduct a face to face interview, this new system will facilitate the process. Officials hope this move will also facilitate bilateral trade between the US and Egypt. "The new method will offer business visas to any company that is member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt or any company that has more than 50 employees. If they apply, all employees can get a visa without an appointment, he said. Powers told Daily News Egypt that this decision is the result of the American government's constant revision of visa terms and procedures, attempting to make it easier for applicants. "Previously the American government offered a significant number of temporary and permanent migration options for those looking to live and work in America. Each visa has its own qualifying criteria and application requirements, so we thought of making it efficiently simpler, he said. Last year, over 36,000 non-immigrant visa and more than 7,500 immigrant visas were issued and the acceptance rate is more than 70 percent of all visa applicants, according to information provided by the embassy in Cairo.
