To address visa delays US increases staff strength, opens new consulates in India

Acknowledging delays in visa processing, US Ambassador Eric Garcetti attributed the backlog to the surge in applicants, a situation similarly faced by large countries like Mexico and Brazil

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The United States is actively addressing visa issuance challenges in India by expanding staff strength and opening new consulates, according to US Ambassador Eric Garcetti. During an interactive session organized by the Observer Research Foundation, Garcetti revealed plans for consulates in Ahmedabad, complementing a recently inaugurated one in Hyderabad. Acknowledging delays in visa processing, he attributed the backlog to the surge in applicants, a situation similarly faced by large countries like Mexico and Brazil.

The Ambassador emphasized efforts to enhance efficiency, stating that additional personnel were being deployed in Hyderabad, with plans for consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. Garcetti projected a 10-15% increase in visas issued by the US embassy in the current calendar year. Notably, recent weeks witnessed a one-third spike in visa issuances in India.

These developments align with discussions held during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US, signaling a commitment to fostering smoother travel and diplomatic ties between the two nations

The Biden administration’s measures to streamline the process included an expanded visa waiver program and the exemption of Indian professionals from leaving the US for H-1B visa renewals. In April, it introduced the visa interview waiver process for applicants with previous clearances or department authorizations.

The US Embassy’s India team reported processing a record number of visa applications in 2023, addressing the longstanding delays that Indian applicants had faced. The Biden administration has prioritized visa processing, especially in categories crucial to the bilateral relationship. These developments align with discussions held during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US, signaling a commitment to fostering smoother travel and diplomatic ties between the two nations.

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