Oct 11, 2024
In a significant development aimed at easing the visa application process for Indian nationals, the US Mission in India has announced an additional 2.5 lakh visa appointment slots. These new openings are primarily for students, skilled workers, and tourists.
This is to ensure that Indian applicants can get timely interview slots which would facilitate smoother travel to the United States. The US Embassy specified that this expansion strengthens the people-to-people ties between the two nations, a relationship built on shared academic, cultural, and economic connections.
US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, emphasized that the ambitious goal set by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden to improve and accelerate visa processing has been successfully achieved, benefiting both nations. He also gave credit to the hard work put in by the consular teams across the embassy and four consulates in India for their efforts in meeting the surging demand.
For the second consecutive year, the US Mission has surpassed one million non-immigrant visa applications from India. Currently, over six million Indians hold non-immigrant visas for the US, and the mission continues to process thousands of new applications each day. A record number of more than 1.2 million Indians have travelled to the United States in 2024, which was 35% increase as compared to the same period in 2023. The embassy's consular teams across India have worked diligently to manage the growing demand, ensuring that visa applications are processed efficiently.
"We are now focused on bringing families together, connecting businesses, and facilitating tourism. At least six million Indians already have a non-immigrant visa to visit the United States, and each day, the Mission issues thousands more," stated the US Embassy.
Indian students have become the largest group of international graduate students in the United States, accounting for more than 25% of the foreign student population. The US remains one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students, alongside Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
In 2023, the US issued over 1.4 Lakh student visas to Indian nationals, marking a third consecutive year of record-breaking numbers. This trend highlights the growing preference for American universities among Indian students, particularly for graduate programs.
In summer 2024 as well there were a record number of US student visa applications, with all first-time applicants receiving confirmed appointments. This achievement underscores the mission’s commitment to support Indian students pursuing their academic ambitions in the US.
So, with the new visa slots, Indian students aiming to study in the US can now secure interview appointments more easily, keeping their academic journey on track. If you're planning to study in USA, KC Overseas Education is here to support you at every stage, from admissions to smooth visa process. Our expert guidance includes preparing your visa documents, offering personalized assistance, and conducting mock visa interviews to boost your confidence. Let’s turn your dreams into reality by making your US study aspirations a success.