The United States has reached an extraordinary milestone in tourism and immigration, issuing over 11.5 million visas in Fiscal Year 2024—a new record. This achievement underscores the U.S.’s dedication to strengthening global connections and driving economic growth through increased international travel.
As part of a broader strategy, these efforts aim to make travel to the U.S. more accessible and seamless for millions of visitors worldwide.
Record Numbers Amid Increased Global Demand
In the Fiscal Year 2024, the US Department of State reported issuing 11.5 million visas, surpassing previous records. Of these, approximately 8.5 million were visitor visas, representing a 10% increase over the previous year.
This upward trend in visa issuance reflects an ongoing investment in improving processing systems to meet rising global demand. In recent years, the State Department has significantly expanded its resources for visa and passport processing, resulting in enhanced service for travellers worldwide.
Visa Wait Times Cut by Nearly 60%
Visa wait times have also seen substantial improvements. Compared to the lengthy delays seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, wait times have been reduced by nearly 60%, with the median wait time for first-time visitor visa applicants now under 60 days.
The State Department attributes this improvement to operational investments designed to accelerate application processing, ensuring smoother access for international visitors.
Also Read: US Visa Waiver Program: Your Key to Hassle-Free Travel for 90 Days
U.S. Sets Ambitious 2025 Visa Appointment Target

Looking forward, the United States plans to further expand access to visas, setting an ambitious goal of adding one million visa appointments in Fiscal Year 2025. The increase aims to support a high volume of anticipated visitors as the U.S. prepares to host significant global events.
Notably, the U.S. is set to co-host several major global events, each expected to draw millions of international visitors and highlight the need for more streamlined visa processes.
- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico and expected to attract millions of international visitors
- 2028 Summer Olympics: Hosted in Los Angeles, California and anticipated to bring significant global tourism and media attention
- 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup: Also set to take place in the United States and it aims to draw sports enthusiasts and visitors from around the world
Industry Applauds Steps to Improve Visa Access
The U.S. Department of State has implemented key improvements to enhance visa access, drawing praise from the travel industry. These initiatives aim to reduce wait times and increase visa appointments, ensuring a competitive edge for the U.S. as a top travel destination.
Key Steps Taken to Improve Visa Access:
1. Reduced Wait Times: Streamlined processes have cut visa wait times, making it faster for travellers to obtain entry to the U.S.
2. Increased Visa Appointments: The Department of State aims to add more visa appointments, boosting accessibility for international visitors.
3. Economic Boost through Tourism: With reduced travel barriers, the U.S. is set to benefit economically, particularly with major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to attract around 6 million visitors to U.S. cities.
4. Enhanced Global Competitiveness: These efforts position the U.S. as a more accessible and competitive travel destination on the global stage.
Final Words
With record visa issuances and enhanced processing capacities, the United States is poised to welcome millions of global visitors in the coming years. These improvements signal a strengthened commitment to international tourism, benefiting both the U.S. economy and travellers worldwide.
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