In a recent statement, the U.S. Mission to India announced that it has reached a historic milestone in 2024 by processing over 1.5 million visa applications, setting a global record for the highest number of visas processed in any single country. This remarkable achievement highlights the growing importance of U.S.-India relations and the increasing volume of travel for purposes such as tourism, business, education, and family reunification.

Key Highlights of the U.S. Mission’s Success:

     1. Historic Processing Numbers:

      • Over 1.2 million visitor visas issued, reflecting robust demand for short-term travel.

      • A record-breaking number of F and M student visas, reaffirming India’s position as the largest source of international students in the United States.

  2.      Reduced Wait Times:

      • In 2024, the U.S. Mission successfully reduced interview wait times by over 50% compared to previous years, thanks to increased staffing and streamlined procedures.

     3. Expanded Operations:

      • 15% more visa appointments made available across the five U.S. consular facilities in India.

      • Utilization of temporary staff and “Super Saturdays” for special processing events helped further expedite applications.

     4. Economic Impact:

      • The increased visa processing capacity has directly contributed to stronger economic ties, supporting the estimated $191 billion trade relationship between the two nations.

     5. Collaboration with Partners:

      • Enhanced cooperation with local stakeholders and businesses to provide better support for applicants.

This record-breaking performance demonstrates the U.S. Mission’s commitment to fostering closer ties between the United States and India, strengthening bilateral relationships, and ensuring efficient service for visa applicants. It reflects the dynamic nature of U.S.-India partnerships and their mutual benefits for millions of individuals.

This update can be found here.

Source: U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India, December 2024.