The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi recently announced the release of an additional 250,000 visa slots for Indian travelers, covering students, tourists, and skilled workers. This move aims to assist hundreds of thousands of Indian applicants in securing timely interviews, ultimately supporting the people-to-people ties that are fundamental to the US-India relationship.
The U.S. Mission to India, which comprises the Embassy in New Delhi and four consulates in cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, has exceeded processing one million non-immigrant visa applications for the second consecutive year. This announcement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States for the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, where he engaged with U.S. President Joseph Biden on enhancing bilateral cooperation and addressing global and regional issues.
India consistently ranks high in the number of U.S. student visas issued each year. In 2024, over 1.2 million Indians have already traveled to the United States, marking a 35% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The Embassy disclosed that around six million Indians currently hold non-immigrant visas for the U.S., with additional visas being issued daily. The focus now lies in reuniting families, fostering business connections, and promoting tourism.
Eric Garcetti, U.S. Ambassador to India, expressed pride in fulfilling the goal set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden to enhance and expedite the visa process. He highlighted the Mission’s relentless efforts to address the growing demand for visas.
For Indian travelers planning trips to the U.S., it is recommended to promptly check for visa appointments to secure the newly available slots.
Mythili Devarakonda, a seasoned journalist with a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park, recently joined The American Bazaar as a Staff Writer. With a robust background in reporting and engagement, including contributions to various publications and fellowships with reputable outlets, Mythili aims to deliver quality news to the Indian American and South Asian communities through her work at The American Bazaar.
