India-US Travel Made Easier: 250,000 New Visa Appointments
Manish Shukla
The US Mission to India has announced the availability of an additional 250,000 visa appointments for Indian citizens seeking to travel to the United States. This move aims to facilitate timely interviews and streamline the travel process, bolstering people-to-people ties between the two nations.
This development comes as the US Mission surpasses one million nonimmigrant visa applications for the second consecutive year. Notably, all first-time student applicants secured appointments during the recent student visa season.
Currently, the Mission is focused on reunifying families, connecting businesses, and promoting tourism. Over 1.2 million Indians have traveled to the US in 2024, representing a 35% increase from the same period in 2023. Additionally, six million Indians hold valid nonimmigrant visas, with thousands more being issued daily.
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti highlighted the collaborative efforts between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden to enhance and expedite the visa process.
“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. Our consular teams at the embassy and four consulates work tirelessly to ensure that we meet the surging demand.” he stated.
This expansion underscores the US Mission’s commitment to supporting the thriving exchange between India and the United States, fostering greater collaboration, education, and cultural exchange.
