Study Abroad: US Mission opens 2,50,000 additional visa appointments for Indian students, tourists

NEW DELHI: The US Mission to India has announced the opening of an additional 2,50,000 visa appointments for Indian travellers, including tourists, skilled workers and students. As per the official statement, the US Mission to India has already surpassed 10 lakh non-immigrant visa applications for the second consecutive year. They are now focused on uniting families, link businesses, and promote tourism.

The X (formerly known Twitter) post shared by US Embassy India read, “The recently released new slots will help hundreds of thousands of Indian applicants take timely interviews, facilitating the travel which is the backbone of the people-to-people ties that underpin the US-India relationship.”

Over 1.4 lakh student visas issued to Indians in 2023

In 2023, the US issued over 1.4 lakh student visas to Indian nationals, surpassing all other countries and setting a record for the third consecutive year, as reported by the US Embassy and Consulates in India earlier this year.

US Mission focuses on family, business, and tourism Visas

The official statement read, "We are now focused on bringing families together, connecting businesses, and facilitating tourism. At least six million Indians already have a nonimmigrant visa to visit the United States, and each day, the Mission issues thousands more."

35% increase in Indian travelers to US in 2024

More than 12 lakh Indians have travelled to the United States year to date in 2024, a 35 percent increase over the same period in 2023, the Embassy said.

Also read 57% Indians studying abroad come from state boards, girls lead: LeapScholar survey

Study Abroad: US and India strengthen visa processing

Earlier, the US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said, “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. Our consular teams at the embassy and four consulates work tirelessly to ensure that we meet the surging demand.”

(With inputs from PTI)