In an unprecedented feat, the U.S. Consular Team in Bharat achieved a historic milestone in 2023 by processing a staggering 1.4 million U.S. visas. This accomplishment led to a remarkable 75% reduction in visitor visa appointment wait times, marking a significant improvement in accessibility for Bharat applicants.
The surge in demand for U.S. visas was evident across all categories, with a remarkable 60% increase in applications compared to the previous year. Bharatiyas now constitute a noteworthy one-tenth of all U.S. visa applicants worldwide, showcasing the growing interest in travel to the United States.
Visitor visas (B1/B2) witnessed a resurgence, representing the second-highest number of applications in the U.S. Mission’s history, surpassing 700,000. To meet this demand, a three-month staffing surge in Mumbai, increased permanent staff levels, and the implementation of innovative technical solutions were employed. Consequently, the appointment wait time for visitor visas was slashed from an average of 1,000 days to a mere 250 days nationwide, with minimal wait times in other visa categories.
In the academic realm, 2023 saw the issuance of over 140,000 student visas in India, setting a world record for the third consecutive year. Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai emerged as the top four student visa processing posts globally. As a result, Bharat students now constitute the largest group of international graduate students in the United States, forming over a quarter of the one million-plus foreign students studying in the country.
Prioritizing employment visas, Consular Team Bharat streamlined processing by consolidating most petition-based visa operations in Chennai and Hyderabad. This effort resulted in the issuance of over 380,000 employment visas for Bharat and their family members in 2023, maintaining minimal appointment wait times. In 2024, a pilot program is set to further streamline the process, allowing eligible H1B holders to renew their visas within the United States.
Addressing the impact of the pandemic, Consulate General Mumbai successfully cleared a backlog of over 31,000 immigrant visa cases. Those awaiting scheduling for pending immigrant visa petitions can now obtain appointments within the standard, pre-pandemic window, bringing relief to many families.
Looking ahead, the U.S. Mission in Bharat remains committed to enhancing consular services. Investments include the inauguration of a new $340 million facility in Hyderabad, the announcement of two new consulates in Ahmedabad and Bangalore, ongoing capital improvements to facilities across the country, and the permanent assignment of more consular officers to Bharat. These initiatives aim to ensure more efficient and convenient services for visa applicants in the future.
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