This Is Why US Issued Record-Breaking 1,40,000 Visas To Indian Students Last Year

"India is now the largest source country for foreign students in the United States, as well as many other visa categories. That's a very important one for us," says Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services.

The US issued more than 1,40,000 visas to Indian students last year.

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It is thus no surprise that there has been a 35% increase in the number of Indian students moving to the US for education, according to the Open Doors Report (ODR) released recently.

How US authorities are making efforts to increase visa issuance to Indians

"We are really proud of what we have done in India this year. I think for the first time in history, we set a goal to issue one million visas in India, and not only did we accomplish that, but it was done several months in advance. So, the number will go way beyond that," said Stufft.

"There are record-setting numbers this year for workers, crew members, and students applying in India to come to the United States," she added.

Why US is focusing on visa issuance to Indian students

With the recent increase in the number of Indian students going to the US for study, India has now surpassed China to become the largest source of international graduate students in the United States for the first time since 2009-10.

Representative image/ bccl

This is a major reason why the US wants to ensure smooth visa issuance to Indian students.

Stufft said, "We specifically made sure that we saw the students who were applying coming out of India. India is now the largest source country for foreign students in the United States, as well as many other visa categories. That's a very important one for us."

"For students who are applying in India, I would say the biggest thing is that the missions there have worked six, seven days a week to interview students to make sure that everyone can be interviewed before their classes start. The amount of effort and importance that we place on Indian students coming to the US is born out in the visa process. We want to make sure everyone has that chance," she said.

What steps are being taken to reduce the long visa appointment wait time in India?

Stufft said that the US is working on taking several steps to reduce the visa appointment wait time in India, which is still a bit high.

She added, "... we are sending huge numbers of officers to India to manage the wait time and move them around the country as needed. I mean, it has gotten much better, but it still needs to come down quite a bit."

Representative image/ Unsplash

"India is unique because it represents the highest number of visas in several categories. Not just visitors, not just students, not just maritime crew members but highly skilled work. I mean, it is a tremendous demand across the board for us. So our priority is to get all of those wait times down," she said.

For 2024, the US is still working very hard on reducing wait times.

For those applying for a US student visa, you need to be aware of the recent visa change before applying.

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