<p>The measure is aimed at ensuring paperless process while applying for visas, Consular Section chief David Tyler told reporters at the American Center here.<br />"The applicant would have to fill up visa papers electronically, answer a few questions online and approach the consulate with a print-out of a one-page confirmation with barcode," he said.<br />The new consulate building at Bandra-Kurla Complex here would be operational in summer next year, Tyler said. The consulate now operates from a leased premises in Breach Candy area.<br />The number of students from India to the US increased by nine per cent, from 94,563 to 103,260 during 2008-09, Tyler said. China and Korea have the second and third largest students studying in the US, he added.<br />India is leading for the last eight years in a row, he said, adding that the growth in number of Indian students per year is between five to ten per cent.<br />There was a slight drop in overall number of visa applicants last year in the backdrop of recession, but the number is picking up, he said. <br />The number of US visa applications was down by around 10 to 12 per cent worldwide last year, Tyler said. In western India, there was a drop of around 20 per cent, he added.<br />Security has always been a concern while processing visa applications, the senior diplomat said.<br />"Security is a concern, specially after the 9/11 terror attacks," he said. Measures like name checks, fingerprint verification for applicants between 14 and 80 years is undertaken, he said.</p>
<p>The measure is aimed at ensuring paperless process while applying for visas, Consular Section chief David Tyler told reporters at the American Center here.<br />"The applicant would have to fill up visa papers electronically, answer a few questions online and approach the consulate with a print-out of a one-page confirmation with barcode," he said.<br />The new consulate building at Bandra-Kurla Complex here would be operational in summer next year, Tyler said. The consulate now operates from a leased premises in Breach Candy area.<br />The number of students from India to the US increased by nine per cent, from 94,563 to 103,260 during 2008-09, Tyler said. China and Korea have the second and third largest students studying in the US, he added.<br />India is leading for the last eight years in a row, he said, adding that the growth in number of Indian students per year is between five to ten per cent.<br />There was a slight drop in overall number of visa applicants last year in the backdrop of recession, but the number is picking up, he said. <br />The number of US visa applications was down by around 10 to 12 per cent worldwide last year, Tyler said. In western India, there was a drop of around 20 per cent, he added.<br />Security has always been a concern while processing visa applications, the senior diplomat said.<br />"Security is a concern, specially after the 9/11 terror attacks," he said. Measures like name checks, fingerprint verification for applicants between 14 and 80 years is undertaken, he said.</p>