us-to-further-slashes-visa-wait-times-for-indians-eyes-smoother-travel-deeper-ties

The United States is actively working to expedite visitor visa processing for Indian citizens, following a significant 75% reduction in wait times achieved last year, affirmed Rena Bitter, Assistant Secretary of the US Bureau of Consular Affairs.

 

In a recent interview, Ms. Bitter emphasised that more Indians can travel to the US today than ever before.

 

Despite this progress, she acknowledged the remaining hurdle of processing times for first-time tourist visas.

 

"While wait times have been reduced by 75% in the past year, we recognize that even further efforts are needed," she stated. 

 

"The US-India relationship is built on the foundation of people-to-people ties, and we are committed to facilitating smooth travel for Indian citizens seeking business, family, and tourism opportunities," Bitter said.

 

Highlighting the importance of skilled Indian workers in the US economy, Ms. Bitter addressed the H-1B visa situation.

 

The recently concluded pilot program allowing H-1B visa renewals within the US for Indian citizens is under evaluation, with a focus on finding permanent solutions to streamline the process.

 

"The pilot program for in-country H-1B renewals was a success, and we are exploring ways to make it easier for Indian professionals to contribute their expertise to the US," she stressed.

 

She further underlined the flourishing US-India student exchange program, with one in four international students in the US coming from India. 

"Indian students enrich our classrooms and contribute to a vibrant academic environment," she said. 

 

"We are committed to ensuring seamless visa access for qualified Indian students seeking top-tier education in the US," the Assistant Secretary of the US Bureau of Consular Affairs maintained.

 

The number of Indians who travelled to the United States for higher education increased by 35 per cent and resulted in an all-time high of 2,68,923 students in the academic year 2022-23.

 

Last year, the US consular team in India issued over 1,40,000 student visas – more than in any other country in the world, setting a record for the third year in a row.