US Visa News: For the second consecutive year, the US mission in India reported on Friday that it had granted over a million non-immigrant visas, including a record number of visitor visas, highlighting the high demand among Indians to go to the United State. Alongside the surge in visitor visas, the US State Department is expected to formally establish a US-based H-1B visa renewal program 2025, which will benefit many Indian workers.
As per the embassy report, more than 20 lakh Indians visited the US in the first 11 months of 2024, a 26% increase from the same time in 2023. Additionally, the embassy stated that, compared to the previous four years, the number of Indian visitors to the US surged fivefold in 2020. Thousands more are being issued daily by the mission, which currently has over 5 million Indians with US non-immigrant visas.
The State Department successfully concluded a pilot program this year that permits numerous Indian workers in specialty occupations to extend their H-1B visas without having to leave the country. According to the embassy, thousands of applicants found the process easier with this pilot program, which is also setting the stage for a formal renewal program in 2025.
Visas for family reunification
Tens of thousands of immigrant visas were also issued by the US mission, allowing skilled professionals to migrate and family members to reunite. Upon arrival, these immigrant visa holders were granted permanent residency, which helped to foster a thriving Indian diaspora in the United States.
Over the 24,000 passports and other consular services were also provided by the mission to US citizens who were either visiting or living in India. In 2024, the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) was updated to improve safety alerts and communication for U.S. citizens in times of emergency.
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Indians can now renew their visas more quickly and easily thanks to the embassy’s increased processing of non-immigrant visa applications that qualify for interview waivers.
US student visa
For the first time since the 2008-2009 academic years, India emerged as the top source of international students, and more Indian students than ever before were granted US student visas in 2024.
Nearly 200,000 of the more than 331,000 Indian students enrolled in American universities are pursuing graduate degrees. Compared to last year, this is a 19% increase. Compared to last year, this is a 19% increase.
Positive news for exchange visitors
Additionally, the embassy pointed out that many exchange visitors can now stay in the United States for two years after finishing their programs, which gives them more chances to further their education and careers.
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Since India was removed from the Exchange Visitors Skills List, holders of Indian J-1 non-immigrant visas now have greater freedom. The US mission reiterated its commitment to fostering bilateral relations and providing top-notch consular services, saying,
“These achievements over the prior year are due to the hard work and dedication of the Mission’s staff, as well as the long-standing partnership between the US and India.”
