-
By streamlining visa processes and opening additional slots, the U.S. Mission continues to bolster bilateral ties, facilitating smoother travel for Indian citizens
-
This initiative not only strengthens diplomatic relationships but also enhances the cultural and economic connections between the two nations
The U.S. Mission to India has opened an additional 250,000 visa appointments to cater to the increasing demand from Indian travelers. These new slots aim to support tourists, skilled workers, and students, enabling hundreds of thousands of applicants to secure timely interviews. By expanding access to visa appointments, the U.S. is further strengthening the vital people-to-people connections that form the foundation of U.S.-India relations, according to the US Mission.
The U.S. Mission has already processed over one million nonimmigrant visa applications for the second consecutive year. During this summer’s student visa season, they managed a record-breaking number of applications, ensuring that all first-time student applicants were able to schedule appointments at one of the five consular offices across India. The focus now shifts to uniting families, boosting business ties, and encouraging tourism.
U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, emphasized the success of these efforts, stating, “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 we have delivered on that promise. Our consular teams at the embassy and four consulates work tirelessly to ensure we meet this demand.”
In 2024, more than 1.2 million Indians have traveled to the U.S., marking a 35% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Currently, over six million Indians hold nonimmigrant visas, and each day the U.S. Mission continues to issue thousands more, keeping pace with the surging demand.
***********************************************************
Readers
These are extraordinary times. All of us have to rely on high-impact, trustworthy journalism. And this is especially true of the Indian Diaspora. Members of the Indian community overseas cannot be fed with inaccurate news.
Pravasi Samwad is a venture that has no shareholders. It is the result of an impassioned initiative of a handful of Indian journalists spread around the world. We have taken a small step forward with the pledge to provide news with accuracy, free from political and commercial influence. Our aim is to keep you, our readers, informed about developments at ‘home’ and across the world that affect you.
Please help us to keep our journalism independent and free.
In these difficult times, running a news website requires finances. While every contribution, big or small, will make a difference, we request our readers to put us in touch with advertisers worldwide. It will be a great help.
For more information: pravasisamwad00@gmail.com