US Embassy Opens 250,000 Additional Visa Appointments for Indian Tourists and Students
In a significant move, the U.S. Mission to India has announced the opening of 250,000 additional visa appointments for Indian travelers, including tourists, skilled workers, and students. This development is part of ongoing efforts to enhance travel between India and the United States, a key aspect of the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Key Takeaways:
- U.S. Mission to India opens 250,000 additional visa appointments for Indian travelers.
- Over 1.2 million Indians traveled to the U.S. in 2024, marking a 35% increase compared to 2023.
- Record-breaking visa processing for Indian students, ensuring all first-time applicants could secure appointments.
- Additional Information: Australia's work and holiday visa program for Indian citizens begins on October 1, 2024.
According to an official statement from the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, the U.S. Mission has already processed over 1 million non-immigrant visa applications for the second consecutive year. The Embassy highlighted that over 1.2 million Indians have traveled to the U.S. in 2024 so far, marking a 35% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Streamlining Visa Processing for Indian Travelers
The additional visa appointments aim to address the growing demand for U.S. visas from Indian citizens. The newly released slots will help Indian applicants secure timely interview appointments, expediting travel plans for thousands of individuals. The U.S. Embassy emphasized that visa processing for Indian students reached record numbers during the 2024 summer visa season. Every first-time student applicant was able to secure an appointment at one of the five U.S. consular sections across India.
U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, reiterated the importance of improving and streamlining the visa process. He said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden set an ambitious goal to expedite the visa process, and I’m proud to say that we have delivered on that promise. Our consular teams work tirelessly to meet the surging demand.”
U.S. Continues to Be a Top Destination for Indian Students
Indian students remain a vital part of U.S. educational institutions, accounting for over a quarter of the more than 1 million international students in the country. The U.S. continues to be among the top four preferred destinations for Indian students, alongside Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Australia's New Visa Program for Indian Citizens
In a related development, Australia will begin offering 1,000 work and holiday visas each year to Indian citizens starting October 1. This is part of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), which took effect in December 2022. The program allows Indian nationals aged 18-30 to apply for a one-year visa to work, study, and travel in Australia.
This increase in visa availability by both the U.S. and Australia highlights the growing opportunities for Indian students and professionals to explore educational and career prospects abroad.
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This expansion of visa opportunities is a significant step in enhancing international mobility for Indian citizens, strengthening ties between India, the U.S., and Australia.