US Mission to India Issues Over One Million Non-Immigrant Visas for Second Consecutive Year
New Delhi [India], December 27: For the second year in a row, the US Mission to India has issued over one million non-immigrant visas to Indian nationals, underscoring the robust demand for travel to the United States for tourism, business, and educational purposes.
Visitor numbers from India to the US have seen an explosive growth over the past four years, increasing by five times. In the first eleven months of 2024 alone, over two million Indians made the journey to the US, marking a 26 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. The US Embassy and Consulates in India confirmed this surge in a statement, highlighting the growing ties between the two nations.
The statement revealed that more than five million Indians currently hold non-immigrant visas for travel to the US, with the Mission issuing thousands of new visas every day.
In addition to the non-immigrant visa success, the US Department of State also completed a successful pilot program for H-1B visa renewals within the US, which benefited many skilled workers from India. This program allowed specialty occupation workers to renew their visas without leaving the country, streamlining the process for thousands of applicants. The State Department plans to formalize this US-based renewal program in 2025.
The US Mission to India also facilitated the issuance of tens of thousands of immigrant visas, enabling legal family reunifications and the migration of skilled professionals. These immigrants have become permanent residents upon arrival, further enriching the Indian diaspora community in the US.
Furthermore, the US Mission provided over 24,000 passports and consular services to American citizens living and traveling in India. A new version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) was introduced in 2024, enhancing communication between the embassy and US citizens during emergencies and improving the distribution of safety and security alerts.
The Mission’s efforts to streamline operations have significantly reduced visa wait times. Increased processing of interview waiver-eligible nonimmigrant visa applications each week has made it faster and easier for Indians to renew their visas. By reallocating resources and utilizing global consular support, the US Mission has been able to focus on in-person interviews, further minimizing wait times for all applicants.
The number of Indian students obtaining US student visas has reached new heights, with many exchange visitors now eligible to stay in the US for up to two years after completing their programs, offering expanded opportunities for career and educational development. The removal of India from the Exchange Visitors Skills List has also provided more flexibility for Indian J-1 visa holders.
The US Mission to India reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and providing exceptional consular services. The statement concluded by recognizing the dedication and hard work of the Mission’s staff, noting that the successes of the past year reflect the enduring partnership between the United States and India.
