The wait time for first-time tourist visa interviews in India has been reduced by more than 50%, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti announced on Wednesday. He also said that the goal for 2023 is to process at least one million visas.
Garcetti made the announcement while speaking at IIT Delhi. He said that the US Mission in India is currently processing visas faster than ever before.
Significant Improvement in Visa Processing
“We’re already doing this. We’re currently processing more visas, faster, than the US Mission in India ever has before. We have set a goal for ourselves to process at least a million visas in 2023, and we’re already more than halfway towards reaching that goal,” Garcetti said,
“Our investments have brought real results, and we’ve seen wait times for first-time tourist visa interviews fall by more than 50 per cent,” he added.
He added that the US Mission is investing in expanding visa operations and broadening the team.
The announcement comes after PM Modi’s state visit to the US
Garcetti’s announcement comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his three-day state visit to the United States. During his visit, Modi announced that Indian professionals will no longer need to leave America for the renewal of their H-1B visas. He also said that the United States will open new consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.
The announcement of the reduced wait times for tourist visas is a welcome development for Indian travellers who have been facing long wait times in recent years. The new goal of processing one million visas in 2023 is also ambitious, but it is clear that the US Mission in India is committed to making the visa process more efficient.
India and US Take Steps to Ease Visa Process
India and the United States are taking several steps to make the visa process smoother for both countries. In addition to the reduction in wait times for tourist visas, the US has also announced that it will allow Indian professionals to renew their H-1B visas in the US. The US will also open new consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.
These steps are a welcome development for both countries. They will make it easier for Indian travellers to visit the US, and they will also make it easier for US businesses to hire Indian professionals.
The improved visa process is a sign of the growing economic and political ties between India and the US. It is a positive development for both countries, and it will help to strengthen their relationship in the years to come.
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