US Opens 250,000 New Visa Appointment Slots for Indians | Key Details Inside

Info: The US Embassy in India has announced the availability of 250,000 new visa appointments for Indian tourists, skilled workers, and students. This move aligns with the shared goal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden to expedite the visa process. The additional appointments are expected to significantly reduce wait times for Indian applicants seeking visa interviews.

US Visa for Indians

The US Embassy has successfully processed over 1 million non-immigrant visa applications in India for the second consecutive year. US Ambassador Eric Garcetti expressed pride in the embassy's commitment to meeting the increasing demand for visas.

Prioritising Students, Workers, and Tourists

During the recent student visa season, the US Mission processed a record number of applications, ensuring that every first-time student received an appointment at one of its five consular offices in India. The embassy's current focus is on reuniting families, supporting businesses, and facilitating tourism.

In 2024, over 1.2 million Indians have already travelled to the US, representing a 35% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Approximately six million Indians hold non-immigrant visas, with thousands more being issued daily.

US Embassy in India:

• Increased visa appointments for Indian tourists, skilled workers, and students.
• Successful processing of over 1 million non-immigrant visa applications in 2023.
• Commitment to meeting the growing demand for visas.

Visa Focus:

• Prioritisation of students, workers, and tourists.
• Record the number of student visa applications processed.
• Focus on reuniting families, supporting businesses, and facilitating tourism.

India-US Travel:

• Significant increase in Indian travel to the US in 2024.
• High number of Indians holding non-immigrant visas.

Australia Visa: Other than US, Australia is also offering work and holiday visas to Indians, which are starting from October 1st, 2024.

• Australia to offer work and holiday visas to Indian citizens starting October 1.
• Initiative under the India-Australia interim free trade agreement.
• Opportunity for Indian nationals aged 18-30 to work, study, and travel in Australia.
• Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) are underway.
• Australia to Offer Work Visas to Indian Citizens

Australia will commence offering up to 1,000 work and holiday visas per year to Indian citizens starting October 1. This initiative is part of the India-Australia interim free trade agreement, which came into effect in December 2022.

Indian nationals aged 18-30 will be eligible to apply for a one-year visa to work, study, and travel across Australia. Australia will grant up to 1,000 multiple-entry work and holiday visas annually to qualified Indian citizens.