The US Embassy has announced the opening of 250,000 additional visa appointments for Indian travelers, a significant move aimed at facilitating travel for tourists, skilled workers, and students. This expansion follows an impressive surge in student visas issued this year, marking a record-breaking milestone in US-India relations.
Unprecedented Demand A Historic Year for Student Visas
The embassy reported that over 140,000 student visas were issued in India this year alone, outpacing the previous year’s figures and solidifying the US as the top destination for international students. Indian students now represent the largest group of international graduate students in the United States, accounting for over 25% of the more than one million foreign students studying in the country.
Timely Interviews for Hundreds of Thousands
The additional visa slots are expected to assist hundreds of thousands of Indian applicants in securing timely interviews, significantly easing the process of obtaining travel permissions. The US mission to India has already surpassed one million non-immigrant visa applications for the second consecutive year, highlighting the surging interest among Indian nationals.
During the summer of 2024, the US Embassy efficiently processed record numbers of student visa applications, ensuring that all first-time applicants had access to appointments across its five consular sections in India. US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, emphasized the commitment of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden to enhance and expedite the visa process, stating, “Our consular teams at the embassy and four consulates work tirelessly to ensure that we meet the surging demand.”
Key Visa Processing Centers
The cities of Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai now rank as the top four student visa processing posts globally. This remarkable growth not only underscores the importance of the educational exchange but also reflects the strengthening ties between India and the United States.
As the US Embassy continues to prioritize the needs of Indian travelers, the newly opened visa appointments pave the way for more opportunities in education and professional development. This initiative not only facilitates travel but also fosters deeper connections between the two nations, reinforcing the shared commitment to education and innovation.
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