Last year, 2023, the US visa arrangement of India saw great success which was 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 shows a significant increase in demand and reiterates the growing relationship between the two countries.
This dramatic increase in visa applications, a remarkable 60% increase from last year, reflects the growing ties and interests between India and the United States. If the reports are to be believed, the waiting time for the visa appointment has been reduced by 75%, which is clearly one of the most significant achievements in the visa process.
The report also suggests that this is due to a combination of different strategies of staff development, new technology solutions and organizational structure. The average waiting time for visitor visa appointments has come down from 1,000 days to a more manageable 250 days across India. This significant promotion has not only eased the burden of applicants but also facilitated smooth and comfortable travel between the two countries.
It is also reported that Indian students are now the largest number of graduate students in the United States, accounting for more than a quarter of the million foreign students enrolled in American educational institutions. To support this, there are also reports of more than 140,000 student visas being issued to Indian students. This increase in visa applications and admissions reflects how the United States is increasingly becoming a global education hub and that there is a strong commitment from Indian students to pursue higher education abroad.
Consolidation of visa processing at key locations such as Chennai and Hyderabad has improved efficiency, resulting in the processing of more than 380,000 work visas for Indian applicants and their families. This streamlined process not only speeds up the licensing process, but also helps keep the waiting time for appointments.
The opening of a new $340 million facility in Hyderabad in March 2023, along with the announcement of two new embassies in Ahmedabad and Bangalore, demonstrate India’s importance as a strategic partner and key link to the UNITED STATES.
