- The US issued 1.4 million visas for Indians in 2023, the highest number ever
- The waiting time for visitor visa appointments was reduced by up to 75%
- Indians accounted for 10% of all US visa applicants worldwide in 2023
New Delhi: According to the US Embassy in India, the year 2023 witnessed an unprecedented demand for US visas from Indians across all categories. The US Embassy and Consulates in India processed a record-breaking 1.4 million US visas, a 60% increase from 2022. This was the highest number of US visas issued for Indians in any year.
The surge in US visa applications from Indians was driven by various factors, such as the easing of travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the growing interest in higher education and employment opportunities in the US, and the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two countries.
As a result of the increased demand, the US Embassy and Consulates in India improved their visa processing capacity and efficiency, reducing the waiting time for visitor visa appointments by up to 75%. The US also expanded its visa waiver program and introduced new visa categories to facilitate the travel of Indians to the US.
Indians now represent one in every 10 US visa applicants worldwide, reflecting the growing importance of India as a strategic partner and a source of talent for the US. The US visa policy for Indians is expected to remain favorable and flexible in the coming years, as the US seeks to attract more Indian visitors, students, workers, and investors.
