U.S. embassy in India opens 250,000 additional visa appointments for Indian travellers
- In Reports
- 04:02 PM, Sep 30, 2024
- Myind Staff
The United States Embassy in India has announced the opening of an additional 250,000 visa appointments for Indian travellers. This new batch of appointments is available for various categories, including tourists, skilled workers, and students. The embassy stated that these extra slots will allow hundreds of thousands of Indian applicants to attend timely interviews, making travel easier for those seeking to visit the U.S.
In a recent statement, the U.S. Embassy said, “The new slots will help hundreds of thousands of Indian applicants take timely interviews, facilitating travel. Travel is the backbone of the people-to-people ties that support the relationship between the U.S. and India.” This move comes as the U.S. mission in India has already exceeded 1 million non-immigrant visa applications for the second year in a row.
During the summer student visa season in 2024, the embassy processed a record number of applications, ensuring that all first-time student applicants could secure appointments at one of its five consular sections located throughout India. U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, emphasised the commitment of both nations to enhance the visa process. He 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.” He added that the consular teams at the embassy and the four consulates are working hard to meet the growing demand for visas.
In 2023, the U.S. consular team in India issued over 140,000 student visas, making it the leading country for student visa issuance for the third consecutive year. The embassy highlighted that the cities of Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai have emerged as the top four student visa processing locations globally. This surge in visa issuances has contributed to Indian students becoming the largest group of international graduate students in the United States, accounting for more than a quarter of the over 1 million foreign students studying there.
The opening of additional visa appointments reflects the ongoing efforts by the U.S. government to strengthen ties with India, particularly in the areas of education and professional development. The U.S. Embassy aims to support the aspirations of Indian students and professionals who wish to explore opportunities in the United States.
The announcement has been met with positive responses from various stakeholders, including education consultants and aspiring students. Many view this as an opportunity to gain international experience and education in a diverse environment. The embassy’s commitment to facilitating travel for Indian citizens is seen as a vital step in enhancing the relationship between the two countries.
With the recent developments, Indian travellers, whether for tourism, work, or education, can look forward to more accessible visa appointments. The U.S. Embassy is focused on ensuring that the process remains efficient and meets the needs of applicants.
As the demand for U.S. visas continues to grow, the embassy’s efforts to expand appointment availability will play a significant role in accommodating the increasing number of Indian nationals seeking to travel to the United States. The U.S. Embassy remains dedicated to promoting the cultural and educational exchange between the two nations, fostering a stronger bond that benefits both countries.
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