To meet the growing demand, the US Mission to India has announced an additional 250,000 visa appointments for Indian travellers, aiming to meet the growing demand for travel, including tourism, skilled work, and student exchanges. This expansion highlights the strong people-to-people ties that support the US-India relationship.
This year, the US Mission has already processed over one million non-immigrant visa applications, marking the second consecutive year of record-breaking numbers. During the summer, the Mission handled a high volume of student visas, ensuring that first-time applicants secured appointments across the five US consular sections in India.
As part of its broader efforts, the US Mission is now focusing on reconnecting families, facilitating business ties, and boosting tourism. In 2024, over 1.2 million Indians have already travelled to the United States, representing a 35% increase compared to 2023. Currently, over six million Indians hold non-immigrant visas, with thousands more being processed daily.
In an official statement issued by the Embassy of the US in India, US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, highlighted the importance of the visa initiative, noting that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden had set a goal to streamline the visa process. He expressed pride in the Mission’s efforts, saying, “Our consular teams work tirelessly to meet the surging demand.”
This latest move reinforces the commitment to strengthening US-India relations through increased mobility and collaboration.