Last year, in 2023, the US visa processing in India saw a tremendous achievement that marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations. In total, the US embassy and consulates in India processed a staggering 140,000 visas throughout the year. This showed a remarkable surge in demand and reaffirming the growing affinity between the two nations.
This tremendous surge in visa applications, a notable 60% increase compared to the previous year, showcases the deepening connections and shared interests between India and the US.
If reports are to go by, the visa appointment wait time has been slashed by an astounding 75%, clearly, one of the most remarkable feats achieved in terms of visa process. The reports also suggest that this was the result of a strategic blend of increased staffing, innovative technological solutions, and process enhancements.
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The average wait time for visitor visa appointments came down from 1,000 days to a much more manageable 250 days across India. This remarkable improvement not only eased the burden on applicants but also facilitated smoother and more efficient travel between the two countries.
It was also reported that Indian students now constitute the largest group of international graduate students in the US, comprising more than a quarter of the over one million foreign students enrolled in American educational institutions. To support this, there is also the report of issuance of over 140,000 student visas to Indian students.
This increase in the number of visa applications and acceptance sheds light on how the US is becoming more of a global education hub and the fact that there is an unwavering commitment of Indian students to pursue higher education opportunities abroad.
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The consolidation of petition-based visa processing in key locations such as Chennai and Hyderabad further significantly enhanced efficiency, resulting in the processing of over 380,000 employment visas for Indian applicants and their family members. This streamlined approach not only expedited the visa issuance process but also maintained minimal appointment wait times.
The inauguration of a new $340-million facility in Hyderabad in March 2023, coupled with the announcement of two new consulates in Ahmedabad and Bangalore, underscores the importance of India as a strategic partner and key ally for the US.