Key Points:
- The US Embassy in India issued over 1 million non-resident visas in 2024 for the second year in a row, reflecting a strong demand for travel to the United States.
- A record number of visitor visas were granted, highlighting a fivefold increase in Indian tourism to the US over the past four years.
- H-1B visa renewal pilot programs were successfully conducted within the US, benefiting thousands of Indian professionals.
- The US plans to formally establish a domestic H-1B visa renewal center by 2025 to streamline the process further.
New Delhi: The US Embassy in India announced on Friday that it has issued over one million non-resident visas in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of achieving this milestone. This includes a record number of visitor visas, underscoring the increasing interest among Indians in traveling to the US for tourism, business, and education.
According to the embassy, more than 20 lakh Indians traveled to the US in the first 11 months of 2024, a 26% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This sharp rise has been accompanied by a significant growth in Indian tourism, with the number of visitors increasing fivefold over the past four years.
Visa Issuance Milestone and Growing Demand
The US Mission noted that more than 5 million Indians currently hold non-resident visas, with thousands of new visas issued daily. This achievement highlights the flourishing relationship between India and the US, driven by rising travel demand and strong bilateral ties.
A senior embassy official remarked, “This year’s record-breaking visa issuance demonstrates the growing ties between our two nations and reflects the aspirations of millions of Indians to explore opportunities in the United States.”
H-1B Visa Renewal Program: A Game Changer
In addition to record visitor visas, the embassy highlighted progress in the H-1B visa renewal process. The State Department conducted a successful pilot program this year, enabling Indian professionals to renew their H-1B visas without having to leave the US.
The streamlined program benefited thousands of specialized workers, reducing the administrative burden and wait times. Encouraged by the pilot’s success, Washington is set to launch a formal domestic H-1B visa renewal center by 2025, further simplifying the renewal process for Indian professionals and their employers.
Strengthening US-India Connections
The embassy emphasized that these initiatives reflect the strengthening partnership between India and the US. They serve not only to enhance people-to-people ties but also to support professionals, businesses, and students seeking opportunities in the United States.
As the demand for US visas continues to rise, both nations are working collaboratively to ensure efficient processes and support growing bilateral exchanges.
With plans to further expand services, including the upcoming H-1B visa renewal center, the US is poised to enhance its engagement with India, reinforcing the strong foundation of mutual cooperation and understanding.
