Record Surge: Indians Dominate US Visa Applications, Representing One in Ten Applicants
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US Visa Processing in India Soars, Eases Wait Times as Indians Lead Global Application Boom
During her recent visit to India focusing on consular affairs, US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Rena Bitter, underscored the remarkable surge in travel between India and the United States. She highlighted the unprecedented increase in visa adjudication, with the US Embassy and Consulates in India processing a record-breaking 1.4 million visas in 2023, marking a historic high. Bitter emphasized that this surge signifies a pivotal moment in bilateral relations between the two nations.
“In the past year, our mission in India has adjudicated 1.4 million visas, the highest in many years, reflecting the growing ties between our countries,” stated Bitter. She further elaborated on the substantial reduction in visa appointment wait times, which have been slashed by 75%, underscoring the concerted efforts to streamline the process and accommodate the increasing demand.
The surge in US visa applications from India reflects the deepening ties and burgeoning opportunities between the two nations, underscoring the pivotal role of consular relations in fostering bilateral cooperation and exchange
A notable revelation from the US Embassy and Consulates in India is the significant representation of Indian applicants in the global pool, with one out of every ten US visa applicants originating from India. Particularly noteworthy is the resurgence in visitor visa (B1/B2) applications, exceeding 700,000, marking the second-highest number in the US Mission’s history.
Furthermore, specific cities in India, namely Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai, have emerged as key hubs for student visa processing, making them the top four in the world. This trend has propelled Indian students to the forefront of international graduate education in the United States, constituting over a quarter of the one million foreign students enrolled in US institutions.
The surge in US visa applications from India reflects the deepening ties and burgeoning opportunities between the two nations, underscoring the pivotal role of consular relations in fostering bilateral cooperation and exchange.
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