In celebration of International Education Week, the US Embassy in India has announced the availability of tens of thousands of visa appointments across the country for students planning to study in the United States. Beginning Monday, November 18, 2024, this initiative aims to streamline the visa application process and ensure that students can pursue their academic aspirations in the US without unnecessary delays. The initiative is expected to provide a smoother, more efficient path for Indian students seeking to further their education abroad.
Unlike the lengthy delays experienced in 2023, when interview slots were often booked months in advance, the current system allows many applicants to secure appointments within just a month of applying.
Each year, thousands of Indian students travel to the US for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The smoother visa process this year has brought relief to aspiring students and their families, easing the pathway to their academic dreams abroad.
On November 12, 2024, the US Embassy announced the availability of many interview slots across India for the winter intake. “We’re proud to kick off this year’s winter student visa interviews next Monday during #InternationalEducationWeek! Tens of thousands of appointments are now available across India during November and December for students starting courses this spring and beyond. After all first-time applicants have a chance to interview, we will open slots for previously refused applicants.,” the post stated.
Following the successful submission of all required documents, students applying for US visas must schedule their visa interview. On the day of the interview, applicants are expected to present all necessary paperwork and answer questions about their academic plans and financial preparedness.
This year, the visa process has become notably more efficient for students from Gujarat. In some cases, interview appointments have been scheduled and completed with a turnaround time as short as one month.
Even though applying is quick, a US Tourist Visa from India may take a longer processing time.
The State Department shares timely updates about the waiting time for interviews across embassies and consulates. The following are the expected waiting times for B-1/B-2 visa appointments in major Indian cities (as of July 31, 2024, at 3:04 pm):
Earlier in September, the US Embassy in India had announced the opening of an additional 250,000 visa appointments for Indian travelers, including tourists, skilled workers, and students. This comes as the embassy has already issued a record number of student visas this year, surpassing the previous record of over 1.4 lakh student visas issued last year—the highest number for any country globally.
The embassy stated that these new slots will allow hundreds of thousands of Indian applicants to secure timely interviews, making travel to the United States more accessible. Additionally, the US mission to India has surpassed 10 lakh non-immigrant visa applications for the second consecutive year, highlighting the growing demand for US visas.
Unlike the lengthy delays experienced in 2023, when interview slots were often booked months in advance, the current system allows many applicants to secure appointments within just a month of applying.
Each year, thousands of Indian students travel to the US for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The smoother visa process this year has brought relief to aspiring students and their families, easing the pathway to their academic dreams abroad.
On November 12, 2024, the US Embassy announced the availability of many interview slots across India for the winter intake. “We’re proud to kick off this year’s winter student visa interviews next Monday during #InternationalEducationWeek! Tens of thousands of appointments are now available across India during November and December for students starting courses this spring and beyond. After all first-time applicants have a chance to interview, we will open slots for previously refused applicants.,” the post stated.
Here’s what you require to apply for a student visa to the US:
- A passport that’s valid for at least six months after your stay in the US
- A confirmation page for your Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160
- A Form I-20 (a certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant students from your accepted US university
- SEVIS fee payment receipt (Fee required to maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)
- Academic transcripts
- English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent depending on the university)
- Proof of finances
- A receipt for the application fee, if required
- A printed photo that meets the Photograph Requirement Rule
Following the successful submission of all required documents, students applying for US visas must schedule their visa interview. On the day of the interview, applicants are expected to present all necessary paperwork and answer questions about their academic plans and financial preparedness.
This year, the visa process has become notably more efficient for students from Gujarat. In some cases, interview appointments have been scheduled and completed with a turnaround time as short as one month.
What is the US visa processing time?
Even though applying is quick, a US Tourist Visa from India may take a longer processing time.
The State Department shares timely updates about the waiting time for interviews across embassies and consulates. The following are the expected waiting times for B-1/B-2 visa appointments in major Indian cities (as of July 31, 2024, at 3:04 pm):
- Delhi: 276 calendar days
- Mumbai: 346 calendar days
- Hyderabad: 259 calendar days
- Kolkata: 347 calendar days
- Chennai: 472 calendar days
US opens 250,000 more visa appointments for Indian travellers
Earlier in September, the US Embassy in India had announced the opening of an additional 250,000 visa appointments for Indian travelers, including tourists, skilled workers, and students. This comes as the embassy has already issued a record number of student visas this year, surpassing the previous record of over 1.4 lakh student visas issued last year—the highest number for any country globally.
The embassy stated that these new slots will allow hundreds of thousands of Indian applicants to secure timely interviews, making travel to the United States more accessible. Additionally, the US mission to India has surpassed 10 lakh non-immigrant visa applications for the second consecutive year, highlighting the growing demand for US visas.