End of 2024: US breaks record in granting visas to India
A pilot program for H-1B visa renewal was successfully implemented in the US. Due to which, for the second consecutive year since 2023, the US has become the second country to issue visas to India. The US Embassy had allowed Indian skilled workers to renew their visas without leaving the US.
According to the data released by the US Embassy for the year 2024, the year 2024 was the second consecutive year when more than 1 million non-immigrant visas were issued in India, including a large number of tourist visas. In fact, the demand for travel from India to the US is increasing, especially for tourism, business and education. This growth is evident from the fact that India became the largest source of international students to the US during 2024, surpassing the previous record of the 2008/2009 academic year. Currently, more than 331,000 Indian students are studying in the US.
The United States has been the top choice for international students for undergraduate courses for two consecutive years. Especially if we talk about India, the number of graduate students residing in the US has increased by 19%. Due to which the total number of Indian students in the US has reached close to 200,000. This increase shows the significant contribution of India to the educational landscape in the United States.
In addition to student visas, thousands of immigrant visas are also issued by the US Mission in India. These visas facilitate family reunification and allow skilled professionals to immigrate to the US. Upon arrival, these individuals became permanent residents, further developing the Indian diaspora community.
The US Mission has provided more than 24,000 passports and other consular services to US citizens living or traveling in India. A new version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program was introduced in 2024. This update improved communication between the U.S. Embassy and its citizens during emergencies by implementing security alerts more efficiently.
The State Department plans to establish a formal renewal program in the United States by 2025. The initiative aims to make visa renewals even easier for thousands of applicants. Meanwhile, many exchange visitors will now be able to stay for up to two years after completing their programs, providing them with greater opportunities for career and educational advancement.
The removal of India from the Exchange Visitor Skill List provides greater flexibility for J-1 nonimmigrant visa holders from India. This change will allow them to pursue their interests in the United States for longer periods of time.
This year’s achievements illustrate India’s growing influence on international travel and education trends, with significant contributions in a variety of areas. As these developments unfold, they continue to strengthen the relationship between India and the United States through shared interests and mutual benefits.
