Milestone Achievement: US Consulate Surpasses 1 Million Visas Issued
In a remarkable milestone, the US consulate has exceeded one million non-immigrant visa issuances, with 10% of these being granted to Indian applicants. As per a report from usembassy.gov, the breakdown of visa types includes 20% for students and 65% for employment purposes.
Notably, the consulate reported a 20% increase in visas issued in 2023 compared to the pre-COVID year of 2019, despite facing limitations in personnel for visa processing. The newly established US consulate in Hyderabad has alleviated some of the workload from the existing consulates in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai. This new facility exclusively handles visa interviews, while biometrics, drop-box submissions, and passport pick-ups are managed through the Visa Application Centre (VAC).
The contributions of Indian visitors, whether for tourism, education, business, or investment, significantly impact the US economy. The introduction of interview waivers for certain visa categories, along with remote work options for staff to expedite visa processing, has played a pivotal role in achieving this historic visa issuance record. Embassies have diligently worked through pandemic-related application backlogs, resulting in a substantial improvement in interview scheduling, which had previously faced delays of up to two years.
This accomplishment underlines the robust partnership between India and the USA, reflecting a step forward in strengthening cooperation and fostering mutually beneficial policies for both nations to flourish effortlessly.
With a streamlined process for engaging with the USA, Indians now have the opportunity to pursue education, employment, or simply explore the country. Ensuring proper documentation and a clear purpose for the visit are crucial steps. At VisaMint Overseas Services, we are dedicated to realizing your dreams of international travel, leveraging our expertise from numerous successful applications. We understand the mix of excitement and anticipation that comes with embarking on a new journey in a foreign land, and we stand ready to guide you at every stage. Apply now to kickstart your journey!