US Expands Visa Appointments for Indian Travelers Amid Growing Demand

The United States has announced the release of an additional 250,000 visa appointments for Indian travellers, including tourists, skilled workers, and students, according to a statement from the US Embassy in India on Monday. This significant move aims to streamline the visa process, ensuring that Indian applicants can secure timely interview slots. The new appointments are expected to bolster the strong people-to-people connections that form the backbone of the US-India relationship.

The embassy highlighted that they have already surpassed one million non-immigrant visa applications for the second consecutive year in 2024. "During our student visa season this summer, we processed record numbers, and all first-time student applicants were able to secure an appointment at one of our five consular sections across India,” the statement mentioned. The focus is now on reuniting families, connecting businesses, and facilitating tourism.

More than 1.2 million Indians have travelled to the US in 2024 so far, marking a 35% increase compared to the same period in 2023. According to the embassy, at least six million Indians already hold non-immigrant visas, allowing them to visit the US.

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti recently noted that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden have set ambitious goals to improve and speed up the visa process. "Our consular teams at the embassy and four consulates are working tirelessly to meet the surging demand," he said.

Indian students remain the largest group of international graduate students in the US, accounting for more than a quarter of the over one million foreign students in the country. The US continues to be a top destination for Indian students, alongside Canada, the UK, and Australia.