The US Mission to India in a statement released on Monday (September 29) said that the US has "opened an additional 250,000 visa appointments for Indian travellers, including tourists, skilled workers, and students."

"The recently released new slots will help hundreds of thousands of Indian applicants take timely interviews, facilitating travel, which is the backbone of the people-to-people ties that underpin the US-India relationship," the statement added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-working-like-hell-biden-on-avoiding-all-out-war-in-middle-east-after-israeli-strikes-763056">'We're working like hell': Biden on avoiding all-out war in Middle East after Israeli strikes</a>

The announcement comes days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited United States and met President Joe Biden on the sidelines of Quad Summit and 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York.

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“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden set an ambitious goal to improve and expedite the visa process and I’m proud to say that we have delivered on that promise. Our consular teams at the embassy and four consulates work tirelessly to ensure that we meet the surging&nbsp;demand,” a statement from US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, read.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gdp-measured-in-radicalisation-indias-jaishankar-takes-a-dig-at-pakistan-in-unga-address-762848">‘GDP measured in radicalisation,’ India’s Jaishankar takes a dig at Pakistan in UNGA address</a>

"The US Mission to India has already surpassed one million nonimmigrant visa applications for the second consecutive year. &nbsp;During our student visa season this summer, we continued to process record numbers, and all first-time student applicants were able to obtain an appointment at one of our five consular sections around India," a post shared by the US Embassy in India said.

As per the statement from the US Mission, in 2024 so far, over 1.2 million Indians have travelled to the United States, marking a 35% rise compared to the same time frame in 2023. Currently, at least six million Indians hold non-immigrant visas to visit the US, and every day, the US Mission is issuing thousands more, the statement added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Mission to India in a statement released on Monday (September 29) said that the US has "opened an additional 250,000 visa appointments for Indian travellers, including tourists, skilled workers, and students.

The US Mission to India in a statement released on Monday (September 29) said that the US has "opened an additional 250,000 visa appointments for Indian travellers, including tourists, skilled workers, and students." "The recently released new slots will help hundreds of thousands of Indian applicants take timely interviews, facilitating travel, which is the backbone of the people-to-people ties that underpin the US-India relationship," the statement added. Also read: 'We're working like hell': Biden on avoiding all-out war in Middle East after Israeli strikes The announcement comes days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited United States and met President Joe Biden on the sidelines of Quad Summit and 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York. The U.S. Mission to India has opened an additional 250,000 visa appointments for Indian travelers, including tourists, skilled workers, and students. pic.twitter.com/DnPYNNkONN — U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) September 30, 2024 × “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden set an ambitious goal to improve and expedite the visa process and I’m proud to say that we have delivered on that promise. Our consular teams at the embassy and four consulates work tirelessly to ensure that we meet the surging demand,” a statement from US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, read. Also read: ‘GDP measured in radicalisation,’ India’s Jaishankar takes a dig at Pakistan in UNGA address "The US Mission to India has already surpassed one million nonimmigrant visa applications for the second consecutive year.  During our student visa season this summer, we continued to process record numbers, and all first-time student applicants were able to obtain an appointment at one of our five consular sections around India," a post shared by the US Embassy in India said. As per the statement from the US Mission, in 2024 so far, over 1.2 million Indians have travelled to the United States, marking a 35% rise compared to the same time frame in 2023. Currently, at least six million Indians hold non-immigrant visas to visit the US, and every day, the US Mission is issuing thousands more, the statement added. (With inputs from agencies)

US opens 250,000 more visa appointments for Indian tourists, students after PM Modi's visit

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti informed on Thursday (Sep 28) that the country's embassy and other consulates had processed a million visa applications this year.&nbsp;

According to an official release from the US Embassy in India, the mission has already surpassed the total number of cases that were processed in 2022. It added that&nbsp;almost 20 per cent more applications were being processed compared to&nbsp;pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), the US Embassy said it had surpassed its goals for the year but will not stop here.&nbsp;

"We will not stop here and continue our progress in coming months, to give as many Indian applicants the opportunity to travel to the United States."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-opposes-controversial-us-visa-policy-627473">Watch |&nbsp;India opposes controversial US visa policy</a>

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<h2>Change in strategy&nbsp;</h2>

Speaking about the changes implemented to hit such high numbers, Garcetti revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden had requested to move visas faster. Consequently, more personnel were brought on board and an overhaul of the system was implemented.&nbsp;

"PM Modi &amp; President Biden had said let's do a better job of moving faster on visas. So, MEA here approved more bodies in places like Hyderabad, more people who can work on visas, we changed our systems, worked harder and smarter and we have processed a million visa applications this year today officially. We just have to continue to prepare for the future," Garcetti told news agency ANI.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/garcetti-says-india-pakistan-need-to-resolve-issue-after-us-diplomats-secret-visit-to-pok-639815">Also read |&nbsp;Garcetti says India, Pakistan need to resolve issue after US diplomat's secret visit to PoK</a>

Garcetti added that the high number of visas reflected the growing people-to-people relationship between India and the USA.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Our partnership with India is one of the United States’ most important bilateral relationships and in fact one of the most important relationships in the world," he said.&nbsp;

"The ties between our people are stronger than ever, and we will continue our record-setting volume of visa work in the coming months to give as many Indian applicants as possible the opportunity to travel to the United States and experience the US-India friendship firsthand.”

Notably, earlier this week, the US Embassy said it had issued a record number of 90,000 visas to Indian students this summer alone. Between June and August, one in four student visas worldwide was issued to an Indian.&nbsp;

In 2022, a record-breaking&nbsp;125,000 US student visas were issued to Indians last year, surpassing any other nationality.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti informed on Thursday (Sep 28) that the country's embassy and other consulates had processed a million visa applications this year.

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti informed on Thursday (Sep 28) that the country's embassy and other consulates had processed a million visa applications this year. According to an official release from the US Embassy in India, the mission has already surpassed the total number of cases that were processed in 2022. It added that almost 20 per cent more applications were being processed compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), the US Embassy said it had surpassed its goals for the year but will not stop here. "We will not stop here and continue our progress in coming months, to give as many Indian applicants the opportunity to travel to the United States." Watch | India opposes controversial US visa policy × Change in strategy Speaking about the changes implemented to hit such high numbers, Garcetti revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden had requested to move visas faster. Consequently, more personnel were brought on board and an overhaul of the system was implemented. "PM Modi & President Biden had said let's do a better job of moving faster on visas. So, MEA here approved more bodies in places like Hyderabad, more people who can work on visas, we changed our systems, worked harder and smarter and we have processed a million visa applications this year today officially. We just have to continue to prepare for the future," Garcetti told news agency ANI. Also read | Garcetti says India, Pakistan need to resolve issue after US diplomat's secret visit to PoK Garcetti added that the high number of visas reflected the growing people-to-people relationship between India and the USA. "Our partnership with India is one of the United States’ most important bilateral relationships and in fact one of the most important relationships in the world," he said. "The ties between our people are stronger than ever, and we will continue our record-setting volume of visa work in the coming months to give as many Indian applicants as possible the opportunity to travel to the United States and experience the US-India friendship firsthand.” Notably, earlier this week, the US Embassy said it had issued a record number of 90,000 visas to Indian students this summer alone. Between June and August, one in four student visas worldwide was issued to an Indian. In 2022, a record-breaking 125,000 US student visas were issued to Indians last year, surpassing any other nationality. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US processes 1 million visas to Indians in 2023, ambassador Eric Garcetti says more to come

The US announced on Monday the premium processing of employment authorisation applications for certain categories for international students. The move is likely to benefit Indian students already in the US on F-1 visas seeking temporary employment directly related to their major area of study. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the premium processing of applications for OPT (optional practical training) from international students in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field or its extension.&nbsp;

The premium processing will start phase-wise from March 6 for certain categories and from April 3 for other categories.&nbsp; 
 
"As previously announced, the expansion of premium processing is part of USCIS’ efforts to increase efficiency and reduce burdens to the overall immigration system, and is being implemented in a phased approach," USCIS said in a statement.

"The availability of premium processing for certain F-1 students, in addition to the ease of online filing, will streamline the immigration experience for a great many international students",&nbsp;USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou said in a statement.

The new online-filing procedures for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service are now available to F-1 students who are seeking employment authorisation in the above-mentioned categories.&nbsp;

<h2>US’ premium processing of work authorisation applications: How will this move benefit Indian students in the US?</h2>

Indian students in the US who are already on F-1 student visas can now easily apply for jobs in their respective fields. Foreign students who have done their majors in any of the STEM subjects can apply for optional practical training (OPT).&nbsp;OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study.&nbsp;

Types of OPT

Pre-completion OPT:&nbsp;Students who have legally enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year at a college, university, or seminary that has been certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enrol F-1 students. You do not need to have had F-1 status for the one full academic year; you can satisfy the “one full academic year” requirement even if you had another non-immigrant status during that time.

Post-completion OPT:&nbsp;You may apply to participate in post-completion OPT after completing your studies. If you are authorised for post-completion OPT, you must work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full-time.

<h2>US’ premium processing of work authorisation applications: Important dates</h2>

Students requesting premium processing should not file before these dates:

March 6- USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed either in paper form or online for certain F-1 students who already have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorisation, if they are filing under one of the following categories: 
&nbsp; 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;(c)(3)(A) – Pre-Completion OPT; 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;(c)(3)(B) – Post-Completion OPT; and 
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;(c)(3)(C) – 24-Month Extension of OPT for STEM students.

 
April 3- USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed either via paper form or online, for F-1 students in the above categories when filed together with Form I-765.&nbsp;

USCIS has said it will reject premium processing requests for a pending Form I-765 if received before March 6 and will reject any premium processing request for an initial or concurrently filed Form I-765 that is received before April 3.&nbsp;

 
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The US announced on Monday the premium processing of employment authorisation applications for certain categories for international students. The move is likely to benefit Indian students already in the US on F-1 visas seeking temporary employment directly related to their major area of study.

The US announced on Monday the premium processing of employment authorisation applications for certain categories for international students. The move is likely to benefit Indian students already in the US on F-1 visas seeking temporary employment directly related to their major area of study. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the premium processing of applications for OPT (optional practical training) from international students in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field or its extension. The premium processing will start phase-wise from March 6 for certain categories and from April 3 for other categories. "As previously announced, the expansion of premium processing is part of USCIS’ efforts to increase efficiency and reduce burdens to the overall immigration system, and is being implemented in a phased approach," USCIS said in a statement. "The availability of premium processing for certain F-1 students, in addition to the ease of online filing, will streamline the immigration experience for a great many international students", USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou said in a statement. The new online-filing procedures for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service are now available to F-1 students who are seeking employment authorisation in the above-mentioned categories. US’ premium processing of work authorisation applications: How will this move benefit Indian students in the US? Indian students in the US who are already on F-1 student visas can now easily apply for jobs in their respective fields. Foreign students who have done their majors in any of the STEM subjects can apply for optional practical training (OPT). OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Types of OPT Pre-completion OPT: Students who have legally enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year at a college, university, or seminary that has been certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enrol F-1 students. You do not need to have had F-1 status for the one full academic year; you can satisfy the “one full academic year” requirement even if you had another non-immigrant status during that time. Post-completion OPT: You may apply to participate in post-completion OPT after completing your studies. If you are authorised for post-completion OPT, you must work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full-time. US’ premium processing of work authorisation applications: Important dates Students requesting premium processing should not file before these dates: March 6- USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed either in paper form or online for certain F-1 students who already have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorisation, if they are filing under one of the following categories: • (c)(3)(A) – Pre-Completion OPT; • (c)(3)(B) – Post-Completion OPT; and • (c)(3)(C) – 24-Month Extension of OPT for STEM students. April 3- USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed either via paper form or online, for F-1 students in the above categories when filed together with Form I-765. USCIS has said it will reject premium processing requests for a pending Form I-765 if received before March 6 and will reject any premium processing request for an initial or concurrently filed Form I-765 that is received before April 3. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US' new move on F-1 visas: How Indian students can benefit from premium processing of work authorisation

Those seeking an appointment for US B1 and B2 visa (travel and business) urgently and wanting to avoid long waiting periods in India can now travel to other countries to the US embassy or consulate.&nbsp;The US mission in New Delhi on Friday announced that this new facility has been opened in Thailand and will soon be made accessible in other countries.

"Do you have upcoming international travel? If so, you may be able to get a visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your destination. For example, @USEmbassyBKK has opened B1/B2 appointment capacity for Indians who will be in Thailand in the coming months," US embassy, India, tweeted.

On average, the waiting period in India’s northeastern Kolkata state is 589 days, and 638 days in Mumbai, as opposed to just 14 days in Bangkok.

The US has been accelerating work to reduce the longer waiting hours to process visas for Indians.

From arranging special interviews for first-time applicants and expanding the strength of consular workers, to holding "special Saturday interview days" on January 21, the US embassy has been implementing a multi-pronged approach to reduce the delays.

For applicants with prior US visas, the US State Department has also instituted remote processing of interview waiver instances.

More than 250,000 additional B1/B2 appointments were made public two weeks ago by the US mission in India.

A senior US visa officer told PTI news agency recently that the US is "putting every ounce of its energy" into reducing the lengthy visa wait time in India.

This includes sending a team of consular officers to the nation and making its other overseas embassies, including those in Germany and Thailand, open to Indian citizens seeking visas.

India has been one of the few countries where applications for US visas saw a major upswing after Covid-related travel restrictions were lifted.

India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar had raised this issue in September with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Those seeking an appointment for US B1 and B2 visa (travel and business) urgently and wanting to avoid long waiting periods in India can now travel to other countries to the US embassy or consulate.

Those seeking an appointment for US B1 and B2 visa (travel and business) urgently and wanting to avoid long waiting periods in India can now travel to other countries to the US embassy or consulate. The US mission in New Delhi on Friday announced that this new facility has been opened in Thailand and will soon be made accessible in other countries. "Do you have upcoming international travel? If so, you may be able to get a visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your destination. For example, @USEmbassyBKK has opened B1/B2 appointment capacity for Indians who will be in Thailand in the coming months," US embassy, India, tweeted. On average, the waiting period in India’s northeastern Kolkata state is 589 days, and 638 days in Mumbai, as opposed to just 14 days in Bangkok. The US has been accelerating work to reduce the longer waiting hours to process visas for Indians. From arranging special interviews for first-time applicants and expanding the strength of consular workers, to holding "special Saturday interview days" on January 21, the US embassy has been implementing a multi-pronged approach to reduce the delays. For applicants with prior US visas, the US State Department has also instituted remote processing of interview waiver instances. More than 250,000 additional B1/B2 appointments were made public two weeks ago by the US mission in India. A senior US visa officer told PTI news agency recently that the US is "putting every ounce of its energy" into reducing the lengthy visa wait time in India. This includes sending a team of consular officers to the nation and making its other overseas embassies, including those in Germany and Thailand, open to Indian citizens seeking visas. India has been one of the few countries where applications for US visas saw a major upswing after Covid-related travel restrictions were lifted. India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar had raised this issue in September with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indians seeking American visa appointments can now go to US embassies abroad

The Joe Biden administration on Thursday&nbsp;reversed former President Donald Trump's order on work permit for H4 workers who are spouses of those possessing H-1B work visas.

Watch:

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The US government issues H-4 visa to family members of those who possess the H1-B visa which include spouse and children under 21 years of age. According to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) the proposed rule titled, "Removing H-4 Dependent Spouses from the Class of Aliens Eligible for Employment Authorisation," was being withdrawn.

Trump in 2017 had announced he would rescind the rule which was started during the Obama administration, however, the&nbsp;Trump administration was not able to complete the process during its tenure. Trump's move had affected nearly 90,000 spouses of H1B visa holders most of them Indians.

US Vice President Kamala Harris had resisted Trump's move at the time calling it anti-women and which prevented talented women of H1-B holders to work in various sectors in the United States.

In December, A US federal judge had blocked rule changes ordered by former President Donald Trump making it harder for people to get skilled worker visas. In its final months, the Trump administration had sued Facebook, accusing it of discriminating against Americans by favouring immigrant applicants for high-paying jobs.&nbsp;

The Department of Justice had said Facebook engaged in "intentional and widespread violations of the law, by setting aside positions for temporary visa holders instead of considering interested and qualified US workers."

Silicon Valley companies depend heavily on overseas workers especially Indians to fill engineering jobs. According to a 2018 report by Congressional Research Service (CRS) 93 per cent of approved applications for H-4 employment authorisation were issued to individuals born in India, and five per cent were issued to individuals born in China.

The Joe Biden administration on Thursday reversed former President Donald Trump's order on work permit for H4 workers who are spouses of those possessing H-1B work visas.

The Joe Biden administration on Thursday reversed former President Donald Trump's order on work permit for H4 workers who are spouses of those possessing H-1B work visas. Watch: The US government issues H-4 visa to family members of those who possess the H1-B visa which include spouse and children under 21 years of age. According to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) the proposed rule titled, "Removing H-4 Dependent Spouses from the Class of Aliens Eligible for Employment Authorisation," was being withdrawn. Trump in 2017 had announced he would rescind the rule which was started during the Obama administration, however, the Trump administration was not able to complete the process during its tenure. Trump's move had affected nearly 90,000 spouses of H1B visa holders most of them Indians. US Vice President Kamala Harris had resisted Trump's move at the time calling it anti-women and which prevented talented women of H1-B holders to work in various sectors in the United States. In December, A US federal judge had blocked rule changes ordered by former President Donald Trump making it harder for people to get skilled worker visas. In its final months, the Trump administration had sued Facebook, accusing it of discriminating against Americans by favouring immigrant applicants for high-paying jobs. The Department of Justice had said Facebook engaged in "intentional and widespread violations of the law, by setting aside positions for temporary visa holders instead of considering interested and qualified US workers." Silicon Valley companies depend heavily on overseas workers especially Indians to fill engineering jobs. According to a 2018 report by Congressional Research Service (CRS) 93 per cent of approved applications for H-4 employment authorisation were issued to individuals born in India, and five per cent were issued to individuals born in China.

President Biden withdraws plans to shelve H4 work permit allowing spouses of H1-B holders to work in US