India Tops International Student Visa Charts in the US
December 28, 2024: For the second consecutive year, the US mission in India has issued over 1 million nonimmigrant visas, setting a record for visitor visas and highlighting the increasing travel demand among Indians to the United States.
The US Embassy reported that more than two million Indians traveled to the US in the first 11 months of 2024, marking a 26% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, over five million Indians currently hold valid nonimmigrant visas.
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Streamlined H-1B Visa Renewal:
In a major relief for Indian professionals, the US piloted an H-1B visa renewal program this year, allowing Indian workers to renew their visas without leaving the US. The State Department plans to formally establish this program in 2025, further easing the visa renewal process for thousands of applicants.
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Record Numbers for Indian Students in the US:
- India became the top sender of international students to the US in 2024 for the first time since the 2008–2009 academic year, with over 331,000 Indian students currently studying in American universities.
- Indian graduate student numbers rose by 19%, reaching nearly 200,000 students.
Improved Visa Services:
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The US mission introduced measures to speed up processing times for visa renewals, especially for interview waiver-eligible applications. This strategic reallocation of resources has reduced wait times for in-person interviews.
Enhanced Consular Support:
- Over 24,000 passports and consular services were provided to American citizens in India.
- A new Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) was launched, improving communication with American citizens during emergencies.
Exchange Visitor Flexibility:
India’s removal from the Exchange Visitors Skills List now allows J-1 visa holders to remain in the US after completing their programs, offering them enhanced opportunities for career growth.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties:
The US mission emphasised its dedication to fostering strong bilateral relations and ensuring efficient consular services, calling the achievements a testament to the enduring partnership between the US and India.
As both nations continue to deepen ties in education, employment, and tourism, the streamlined visa processes and improved services mark a significant milestone in the India-US relationship.
Tags:
US Visas for Indians, H-1B Visa Renewal, US Embassy India, Nonimmigrant Visas, Indian Students in US, Visa Processing, Bilateral Relations, US-India Partnership, Exchange Visitor Program, Consular Services, Visa Wait Time Reduction, International Travel
