In a testament to the robust relationship between the United States and India, the number of US student visas issued to Indian students has reached an all-time high.
Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India, revealed that one out of every five US student visas issued in 2022 went to Indian students, surpassing the proportion of the Indian population worldwide.
Furthermore, this year, the target is to process over 1 million visas, showcasing the immense interest and potential for educational opportunities in the United States.
Addressing the seventh annual Visa Day event organized by the US Embassy in New Delhi, Ambassador Garcetti emphasized that the increasing number of visas issued underscores the strength of the US-India relationship.
He commended the remarkable achievements of Indian students in the United States over the years and expressed admiration for the growing number of visa applications being processed.
During the event, consular officers from New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai conducted interviews with nearly 3,500 Indian student visa applicants.
Indian students make up more than 21 percent of the total international student population in the United States, with approximately 200,000 Indian students enrolled during the 2021-2022 academic year.
Looking ahead, the US Mission in India has set an ambitious goal to process over 1 million visa applications in 2023, with a significant focus on student interviews scheduled between June and August.
Last year, Mission India achieved a record-breaking milestone by issuing over 125,000 student visas, reflecting the strong desire among Indian students to pursue higher education in the United States.
The surge in US student visa issuances to Indian applicants not only highlights the educational opportunities available in the United States but also strengthens the bonds between the two nations.
As Indian students continue to excel and contribute to various fields in the US, the increasing number of visas serves as a testament to the thriving US-India partnership and the mutual benefits derived from cross-cultural exchange and collaboration.
