US eases visa access for Indian students, workers and tourists with 2,50,000 new appointments
US opens 2.5 lakh new visa appointments: In a move to address the surging demand for visas from Indian travellers, the United States Mission to India has announced the release of 250,000 additional visa appointments. This expansion includes slots for tourists, skilled workers, and students, with the aim of easing access to timely interviews, a critical factor for maintaining the robust people-to-people connections between India and the US.This development comes as the US continues to strengthen ties with India, a key partner in global travel, trade, and education.
According to the US Embassy, more than 1.2 million Indians travelled to the US in 2024 alone, marking a 35% increase over the same period in 2023. This surge is a clear indication of the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations, as well as the growing aspirations of Indian students and professionals to seek opportunities in the US
Estimates suggest that at present, nearly six million Indians hold non-immigrant visas for the US (student visas, work visas, tourist visas) and the mission processes thousands more every day. This influx has led to the US Embassy and consulates across India surpassing one million non-immigrant visa applications for the second consecutive year. The additional visa appointments aim to meet the growing demand, particularly for students and skilled workers.
US processes record number of Indian student visas
Historically, the US is one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. During the summer of 2024, the US consulates across India processed a record number of student visa applications. As per the embassy, every first-time student applicant was able to secure an interview appointment.
According to media reports, there are more than sixty lakh Indians who already have a non-immigrant visa to the United States issued to them, with the US Mission issuing thousands more each day.
Over the past year, consulates in India processed 1.4 lakh student visas, with Indians representing one in every ten US visa applicants globally. Additionally, there has been a 60% increase in visa applications across all categories compared to 2022.
This growing trend highlights the importance of the US as an educational hub for Indians, further reinforcing the need for streamlined visa processes to accommodate the surging interest.
Addressing delays and backlogs
The US Mission to India has made significant strides in reducing visa processing backlogs that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, the US processed more visas in India than ever before, cutting down the wait time for visitor visa appointments by an impressive 75%.
Efforts to address the long waiting periods for visitor visas, which previously extended to over 1,000 days, have shown significant improvement. As of 2024, the wait time has been reduced to an average of 250 days, owing to improvements in visa processing systems and increased staffing at consulates.
US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, emphasised the importance of improving the visa process as part of a broader commitment to strengthening US-India relations. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden set an ambitious goal to improve and expedite the visa process, and I’m proud to say that we have delivered on that promise,” Garcetti stated, according to an ET report. He praised the consular teams for their tireless efforts to meet the growing demand, particularly in processing student visas and reuniting families.
Challenges of obtaining a US student visa
Despite the improvements in the visa process, obtaining a US student or work visa remains a challenging task for many. With the increasing competition for slots, particularly during peak student visa seasons, applicants often face long wait times and rigorous interviews.
Additionally, for students applying to US universities through study abroad programs, securing a visa can be a daunting step. Lengthy documentation requirements, financial scrutiny, and the uncertainty of visa approvals often add to the stress of pursuing an education abroad.
However, this recent announcement of additional visa appointments is a welcome step towards alleviating some of these challenges. It reflects the US government’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with India by facilitating smoother travel and exchange opportunities for its citizens. As Indian students and professionals continue to seek educational and career prospects in the US, such initiatives serve as a critical bridge between the two countries.
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