Spanning from October 2022 to September 2023, a near-record of over 10 million nonimmigrant visas were issued globally. Notably, numerous US embassies and consulates experienced a surge in nonimmigrant visa adjudications, marking a substantial increase over previous years
In a historic achievement, the US Embassy and its consulates in India granted an unprecedented number of student visas, surpassing the 140,000 mark between October 2022 and September 2023. This remarkable milestone was proudly announced by the US State Department on Tuesday.
The Department highlighted that during the 2023 federal fiscal year, spanning from October 2022 to September 2023, a near-record of over 10 million nonimmigrant visas were issued globally. Notably, numerous US embassies and consulates experienced a surge in nonimmigrant visa adjudications, marking a substantial increase over previous years.
In addition to this, the US Embassy reported the issuance of nearly eight million visitor visas for business and tourism, marking the highest figure since 2015. Furthermore, more than 600,000 student visas were granted, representing the highest number since Fiscal Year 2017.
In a separate development earlier this month, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti visited the US mission in the national capital to address the “unprecedented demand” for US visitor visas among Indians. Garcetti played a special role as a guest on ‘Super Saturday,’ assisting with the surge in visa applicants, emphasizing the collaborative efforts to meet the high demand.
The State Department attributed these accomplishments to innovative measures, including the expansion of interview waiver authorities. This provision facilitates the renewal of visas for frequent travelers meeting stringent national security standards without the need to physically visit an embassy or consulate. Looking ahead, the Department expressed its commitment to exploring new technologies to streamline operations, such as the potential for domestic renewal in select visa categories.
Last month, the US Mission to India not only achieved but exceeded its goal of processing one million non-immigrant visa applications in 2023. Highlighting the robust travel relationship between the two nations, the Embassy disclosed that over 1.2 million Indians visited the US in the previous year.
The statement underscored the significant role of Indians in the visa application process, with Indians representing over 10% of all visa applicants worldwide. Among them, 20% were pursuing student visas, and an impressive 65% were seeking H&L-category (employment) visas. The United States welcomed this growth, recognizing the substantial contribution of Indian applicants to various visa categories.
In a separate development earlier this month, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti visited the US mission in the national capital to address the “unprecedented demand” for US visitor visas among Indians. Garcetti played a special role as a guest on ‘Super Saturday,’ assisting with the surge in visa applicants, emphasizing the collaborative efforts to meet the high demand.
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