In a significant move to enhance people-to-people ties between the United States and India, the Biden administration granted a record-breaking 1,40,000 visas to Indian students last year. This effort is part of a broader strategy to foster educational and cultural exchanges between the two nations, emphasizing the importance of academic collaboration and mutual understanding.
The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services revealed that US missions in India have been operating six days a week, ensuring that students could undergo interviews before the commencement of classes. The administration’s proactive approach aims to streamline the visa application process and reduce the time taken to schedule appointments, reflecting a commitment to facilitating smoother interactions between Indian students and the US.
This year witnessed a remarkable focus on meeting the demand originating from India, with the goal of issuing one million visas—an unprecedented milestone in the history of US-India relations. The surge in the number of Indian workers, crew members, and students applying to immigrate to the US underscores the growing significance of bilateral connections.
Notably, India has become the leading source of international students applying to the US across various visa categories. The Deputy Assistant Secretary highlighted the importance of this trend, emphasizing that India’s status as a major contributor to the international student community is pivotal. Furthermore, instances of waived interviews for Indian individuals returning to the US demonstrate a streamlined approach to facilitate seamless travel for those already familiar with the American visa process.
The commitment to interviewing Indian students six days a week underscores the dedication of visa officials to accommodate the rising number of applicants, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be interviewed before classes commence. The visa application process serves as a testament to the concerted efforts to welcome and integrate Indian students into the US academic landscape.
