US to Launch Business Visa Program for Turkish Nationals Following Extensive Dialogue – VisaGuide.News
The United States authorities may soon launch the Business Visa Program (BVP) for Turkish entrepreneurs planning to travel to the US, following extensive dialogue.
The BVP will accelerate visa appointment scheduling and provide a dedicated email channel for direct communication with the visa unit, VisaGuide.World reports.
As Hurriyet Daily explains, in order to benefit from the program companies must boast an annual revenue surpassing $1 million and employ a minimum of 100 full-time workers based in Türkiye.
Benefiting from the BVP scheme also consists of submitting applications from companies from any region of Türkiye.
Soon after the approval, companies will reach an agreement as part of the BVP framework.
The launching of this program was announced earlier this year by the US Embassy in Türkiye.
The Business Visa Program (BVP) aims to expedite business visa processing for vetted companies selected based on Mission Türkiye’s preferred criteria. This program is designed to advance United States economic interests and strengthen bilateral relations with Türkiye.
The initiative to address the US visa issues came amid the challenges Turkish nationals face during the Schengen procedures.
BVP Aims to Promote Business Investment
The United States BVP aims to promote and ease business investment between the countries that can benefit from this program.
It aims to permit business travelers from qualified companies to arrange expedited visa appointments and also accesses a direct line for business visa questions.
Through the Business Visa Program, we provide the enrolled business with personalized service and information specific to the company’s situation.
Among the requirements, in addition to having an annual revenue surpassing $1 million, prove strong ties with the US through business activities and regular business travel to the US with a minimum of 20 employees traveling annually.
Schengen Visa Applications Surpassed 1 Million
In spite of the increased rejection rate for Schengen visas, the nationals of Türkiye accounted for the second-largest group of applications filed for Schengen visas last year.
A report from Schengen.News revealed that Turkish nationals made over one million visa applications, surpassing €84 million in Schengen visa applications.
The same source reveals that of the total level of expenditure, about €68 million was spent on approved visas, or 867,646 and €13 million went “in smoke” due to a total of 170,000 visas being denied.
