Record-Breaking Year for US Mission to India: Over 1 Million Non-Immigrant Visas Issued
New Delhi: The US Mission to India has achieved a significant milestone by issuing over 1 million non-immigrant visas for the second consecutive year. This remarkable feat highlights the growing demand from Indians to travel to the United States for tourism, business, and education.
According to officials, the US Mission to India has witnessed a significant increase in demand for non-immigrant visas, with over 1 million visas issued in 2024. This marks a substantial increase from previous years, with over 5 million Indians currently holding non-immigrant visas to visit the US.
The data also reveals that over 2 million Indians traveled to the US in the first 11 months of 2024, a 26% increase from the same period in 2023. This surge in travel has been driven by the growing economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
In addition to non-immigrant visas, the US Mission to India has also issued tens of thousands of immigrant visas, facilitating family reunification and skilled migration. The Mission has also provided over 24,000 passports and consular services to American citizens in India.
To streamline the visa process, the US Mission to India has implemented several initiatives. A successful pilot program for H-1B visa renewals in the US has benefited thousands of Indian specialty occupation workers. The Mission has also increased the processing of interview waiver-eligible non-immigrant visa applications, reducing wait times for applicants.
The US-India educational ties have also witnessed significant growth, with India becoming the top sender of international students to the US. Over 331,000 Indian students are currently studying in the US, with a 19% increase in Indian graduate students reaching almost 200,000.
The removal of India from the Exchange Visitors Skills List has also provided greater flexibility for Indian J-1 non-immigrant visa holders, allowing them to remain in the US for up to two years after completing their programs.
The US Mission to India said that Mission is committed to fostering strong bilateral relations and providing exceptional consular services. These achievements demonstrate the enduring partnership between the US and India.
