US Embassy opens 2.5 lakh additional visa appointments for Indian travellers
The US Embassy in India has announced the availability of 250,000 additional visa appointments for Indian travellers, including tourists, skilled workers, and students. This move aims to meet the growing demand for US visas and facilitate timely interviews.
According to the US Embassy, the new slots will strengthen people-to-people ties between the US and India. The US Mission has already surpassed one million non-immigrant visa applications for the second consecutive year. During the student visa season this summer, the US processed a record number of applications, with all first-time student applicants securing appointments at one of the five consular sections in India.
Over 1.2 million Indians have travelled to the US so far in 2024, marking a 35% increase from the same period in 2023. Moreover, six million Indians currently hold non-immigrant visas to visit the US, with thousands more being issued daily.
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden set an ambitious goal to improve and expedite the visa process, and I’m proud to say we’ve delivered on that promise. Our consular teams work tirelessly to meet the surging demand.”
The embassy’s efforts have been ongoing, with initiatives like opening the embassy on Saturdays to interview over 1,000 visitor visa applicants. While some applicants have reported difficulties in scheduling appointments, the increased availability of visa slots is expected to alleviate wait times.
