US opens additional 2.5 lakh visa appointment slots for Indian travellers

The embassy further stated that for the second consecutive year in 2024, they have already processed over one million non-immigrant visa applications.
This summer, the US consulates in India handled a record number of student visa applications, ensuring that all first-time applicants received confirmed appointments. According to sources, the Embassy is now concentrating on strengthening commercial ties, reuniting families, and promoting tourism.

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According to statistics, more than 1.2 million Indians travelled to the United States in 2024 alone, representing a 35% increase over the same period in 2023. Currently, at least six million Indians hold non-immigrant visas for the United States.US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti highlighted the ambitious goal set by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden to improve and expedite the visa process. He emphasised that he is proud to state that they also managed to deliver the promise. He commended the US consular teams at the embassy and four consulates that has been working tirelessly to meet the increasing demand for visas.

If we go by reports, Indian students have become the largest group of international graduate students in the United States, representing over a quarter of the one million foreign students studying there. The United States remains one of the top four study destinations for Indian students, alongside Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In 2023, the US issued more than 140,000 student visas to Indians, more than any other country, marking the third consecutive year of record numbers.

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How will this help?

With the increase in availability of visa appointment slots, the chances of getting a visa will automatically increase. And with easier access to visas, not only travellers will benefit from this, but it will also support economic growth through increased tourism and business investments.