In an effort by the Biden administration to strengthen ties with India, the United States granted over 140,000 visas to Indian students in the previous year. The administration is actively working to reduce the visa appointment wait period, emphasizing its commitment to facilitating travel and educational opportunities.
In an interview with PTI, Julie Stufft highlighted the dedication of US missions in India, operating six to seven days a week to ensure timely interviews for students before the commencement of their classes. The US set a historic goal of issuing one million visas in India, surpassing the target several months in advance. India has become the largest source country for foreign students in the United States, showcasing record-setting numbers for various visa categories.
Focus on Indian Students and Visa Waivers
Emphasizing the significance of Indian students, Stufft mentioned the intentional focus on applicants from India. The country witnessed a record issuance of over 140,000 visas for Indian students last year. Notably, there were cases where interviews were waived for Indian travelers with prior U.S. travel experience.
Efforts to Reduce Visa Appointment Wait Time
Efforts are underway to address the high visa appointment wait time in India. The US is deploying additional officers and strategic measures to manage and decrease wait time. While improvements have been made, Stufft acknowledges the need for further reduction and anticipates innovations and a quicker process in the future.
Commitment to Strengthen People-to-People Ties
Highlighting the commitment from top officials, Stufft mentioned a recent state visit and the dedication of President Biden, Ambassador Eric Garcetti, and the Secretary of State to expand people-to-people ties between the US and India. The visa process reflects this commitment, with expectations of more innovations and efficiency in the coming years.
Call to Action and Future Outlook
Stufft urged individuals interested in traveling to the U.S. for any reason to apply as soon as possible. The US is prioritizing business-related visas through special channels. For 2023, the US has already surpassed its anticipated visa issuances, setting records for various categories. The focus for 2024 remains on reducing wait times, especially for first-time visitor interviews in locations with persistently high wait times.