On 19 November 2024, Rebekah Drame Consular Chief, US Consulate, Hyderabad visited Visakhapatnam for International Library Week and while addressing the recent media reports on plans to establish a new Visa Application Centre in Andhra Pradesh, she stated that “We are always looking for ways to better meet the needs of visa-seekers in our region. We do not, however, have announcements to share on the building or opening of any new VAC centres in our consulate region.”

During the visit to Visakhapatnam on Tuesday, Drame and Alexander McLaren, Public Affairs Officer at US Consulate, Hyderabad, highlighted that a notable 300% increase in US student enrolments from India compared to the previous year. While the exact number of students from the two states was not disclosed, estimates indicate that approximately 180,000 students from these regions may be studying in the US. Overall, India sent nearly 330,000 students to the US in 2023, reinforcing its position as the top country of origin for international students.

Drame also pointed out that the consulate processed 1.4 million visa applications last year. No other country (consulate) operating in India has processed as many visas – she added. To meet the increasing demand, the Hyderabad consulate has been expanding its operations, with staff numbers more than doubling over the past 18 months. Drame expects the team to nearly triple in size by early 2025. Currently, the consulate processes around 1,600 visa applications daily, with plans to increase that number to 2,500 by January or February of next year. During the summer visa season of 2024, the consulate conducted over 47,000 student visa interviews, whereas in 2023, this was almost 35,000.
Drame also highlighted the success of H-1B domestic revalidation pilot program, launched earlier this year which facilitated 10,000 appointments for H-1B visa holders in the US, allowing them to renew their visas without returning to India. She expects this program to become a regular program next year.

Rebekah Drame, during an exclusive interactive session organised by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (AP and TG) on USA Business and Tourism visas with the US Consulate General on Thursday, November 23, 2024 at Efftronics Systems Seminar Hall, had said that “The Consulate is trying to reduce the visa process times further to meet the ever-growing demand from India.” “The key component in US VISA was being honest with declarations”, she added.

This news update can be found here.