Why India’s Visa Count Matters
Currently, India holds the most student visas globally and a substantial portion of H-1B skilled worker visas. In 2022, 82,000 students received visas, setting historical records as the most student visas ever issued.
Young adults in India want to receive a US education and are given this opportunity with student visas. Similarly, highly skilled adults who wish to expand their career paths in the US can do so with an H-1B visa.
These numbers are significant when compared to the 65,000 capped visas allotted annually for worldwide petitioners. But this well-oiled system reaches a problem when the intended visa recipients must wait months before they are provided an interview appointment with the US Embassy or Consulate in India. This is the last step before their visas are stamped, and it’s essential to the visa process.
Something Must Be Done About the Wait Time
Wait times for visa interview appointments are notoriously longer around the world since the pandemic. Staff shortages, backlogs of delayed visas, and infrastructure issues are common problems. But as the rest of the world’s delays are on the mend, India continues to have wait times of over 100 days.
The US government is aware of the problem and has stepped in to provide much-needed resources to open the flow of visa interviews. Washington’s goal is to start with priority visas, including those with medical emergencies and other humanitarian concerns. Right behind those visas are the student requests, then H-1B and other business nonimmigrants.
An increase in staff in Mumbai has brought the levels to more than what they were before the pandemic. With this surge in help, visa wait times are expected to be comparable to or better than those in similar places.
What’s Next?
Are you waiting for your H-1B visa to process, or are you hoping to apply for one during the next fiscal year? This visa is highly competitive, with hundreds of thousands of registrants filing for the lottery annually.
To maximize your chances of selection, contact our legal immigration experts at Visa2US today. We’ll work with you and explain the steps, what you can expect, and how to reach your goal without unnecessary delays. Our friendly professionals are available any time you need us!
