The news that a group of science, academic and engineering organisations have urged the US Federal Government to take additional steps to improve the visa process for international students, scholars, and scientists, was today reported in a NAFSA press release.

“[We] have been deeply concerned about the significant increase in delays experienced earlier this year by many international students, the groups wrote in a joint statement. “Lengthy and unnecessary delays frustrate and discourage” these individuals from travelling to the United States to work, study or attend conferences.

The joint statement highlights a number of steps needed to further improve the visa process including increased training of staff and additional resources for agencies involved in the visa process. The statement also praises recent actions taken by the Federal Government to address the issue.

“We applaud the State Department for working with its partner agencies to address this most recent spate of visa delays for students and scholars in the sciences,” said Marlene M. Johnson, Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA, “we must work together to address the remaining visa problems if we are to remain a leading destination for innovation and academic excellence.”

To read the full NAFSA press release, click here.