In an exciting development for US visa aspirants, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared positive news on Saturday, announcing the opening of two new American consulates in India. The consulates will be located in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, bolstering bilateral ties and facilitating smoother visa processes.
He also said that the US government has agreed to allow Indian immigrants to renew their H-1B visas in the US, without having to travel back to India.
The move is part of a people-to-people initiative between the two countries and comes after a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and US President Joe Biden.
View this post on InstagramAdvertisement
Eased Work Visa Rules
Addressing the Indian diaspora at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC, Prime Minister Modi further emphasized significant changes in US work visa rules.
He revealed that Indian immigrants will no longer be required to visit their home country solely for H-1B visa renewal.
Instead, the renewal process can now be completed within the United States itself, streamlining the procedure and saving time for Indian professionals.
In-Country H-1B Visa Renewals
The US Department of State has announced that it will launch a pilot program to allow H-1B visa holders to renew their visas in the US. This is a major step forward for Indian immigrants, who have long faced difficulties renewing their visas in India.
The pilot program will start later this year and will initially be limited to a small number of visa holders. However, the US government has said that it intends to expand the program in the future.
New Consulates
The opening of two new American consulates in India is also a significant development. The new consulates will be located in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, two of India’s largest cities.
The new consulates will provide a number of services to US citizens and visa holders, including visa processing, passport services, and assistance with emergencies.
India’s Consular Expansion
Not to be outdone, India is also expanding its consular presence in the United States. This year, India will open a new consulate in Seattle, further strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Additionally, plans are underway to establish Indian consulates in two additional American cities, bolstering accessibility and support for Indian citizens.
The Future of US-India Relations
The opening of new consulates and the easing of visa rules are a sign of the growing strength of US-India relations. The two countries are increasingly working together on a range of issues, including trade, security, and technology.
The new initiatives announced by Prime Minister Modi and President Biden are a further boost to US-India relations and will help to strengthen the ties between the two countries.
Here are some additional details about the new developments:
- The new consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad will be opened later this year.
- The pilot program for in-country H-1B visa renewals will start later this year and will initially be limited to a small number of visa holders.
- The US government has said that it intends to expand the pilot program in the future.
- The new initiatives announced by Prime Minister Modi and President Biden are a further boost to US-India relations.
In conclusion, the opening of new American consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, along with the introduction of ‘in-country’ renewable H-1B visas, signifies a positive step towards fostering greater cooperation and facilitating the movement of talent between India and the United States.
Follow and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Google News for the latest travel news and updates!
