Non-Immigrant Visas to Indians have been issued in record numbers by the US mission in India, with over one million visas granted for the second consecutive year. This surge underscores the growing demand among Indians to travel to the United States for various purposes such as tourism, business, and education. The mission’s announcement on Friday highlighted the increase in both visitor visas and immigrant visa categories.
The US embassy has reported that the number of Indian visitors to the United States has risen dramatically over the last four years. In fact, by the end of November 2024, more than two million Indians had traveled to the US, a 26% increase compared to 2023. With over five million Indians currently holding non-immigrant visas to the US, the embassy is issuing thousands of new visas each day to meet the high demand.
“The US mission to India issued more than one million non-immigrant visas for the second year in a row, including a record number of visitor visas, underscoring the huge demand of Indians for travel to the United States for tourism, business, and education,” the embassy noted in its statement.
Plans for US-based H-1B Visa Renewals in 2025
Along with the surge in visitor visas, the US State Department is planning a significant change to its H-1B visa process in 2025. The department intends to establish a formal US-based renewal program for the popular H-1B visas, a move that is set to benefit many Indian workers currently employed in specialty occupations. This new program follows a successful pilot initiative, which allowed thousands of Indians to renew their H-1B visas without leaving the United States. This pilot program helped streamline the renewal process and significantly reduced the time and effort involved in visa applications for these workers.
Visa Expansion and Family Reunification Efforts
Additionally, the US embassy has been proactive in promoting family reunification by issuing tens of thousands of immigrant visas. These visas facilitated the permanent residency of skilled professionals and their families, contributing to the growth of the Indian diaspora in the US. This effort further emphasizes the close relationship between the two nations, which continues to strengthen through such immigration policies.
The embassy also reported providing over 24,000 passports and consular services to American citizens in India. A major step forward was the introduction of a new version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in 2024. This program aims to improve communication with American citizens abroad, providing safety alerts during emergencies and enhancing overall service delivery.
Streamlining Non-Immigrant Visa Processes for Indians
In terms of streamlining the visa process, the US embassy has been making significant progress. By utilizing global consular resources, the embassy has redirected its efforts to focus on in-person interviews, aiming to reduce wait times for applicants. This includes expanding the processing of interview waiver-eligible non-immigrant visa applications, making it faster and easier for many Indians to renew their visas without the need for in-person interviews.
The US mission also saw a notable rise in the issuance of student visas to Indian nationals in 2024. For the first time since the 2008/2009 academic year, India became the largest source of international students to the United States. Over 331,000 Indian students are now enrolled in US colleges and universities, with nearly 200,000 of them pursuing graduate studies. This marks a 19% increase from the previous year and reflects the growing desire among Indian students for higher education opportunities in the US.
Exchange Visitor Visa Updates for Indians
The embassy also highlighted some positive changes for exchange visitors, including a new provision allowing them to remain in the US for up to two years after completing their programs. This change opens up additional opportunities for career and educational advancement for Indian J-1 visa holders. The removal of India from the Exchange Visitors Skills List further enhances the flexibility for those on exchange programs, providing them with more opportunities for professional growth.
The US embassy reiterated its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with India and ensuring the smooth processing of consular services. “These achievements over the past year are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Mission’s staff and the enduring partnership between the United States and India,” the embassy concluded.