US Issues 1.4 Mn Study Visas to Indians in 2023; Highest Globally for 3rd Consecutive Yr

The US embassy and consulates in India issued nearly 1.4 million student visas in 2023, breaking their all-time record for the highest number of study visas approved in any year. This also represents the highest number of US study visas issued in any other country globally, setting a record for the third consecutive year. 

The embassy released a statement stating that now Indians represent one out of every 10 US visa applicants across the globe.

"In 2023, the US Embassy and Consulates in India processed a record-smashing 1.4 million US visas. Demand across all visa classes was unprecedented, with a 60% increase in applications compared to 2022," the statement read.

Reportedly, the wait time for visitor visa appointments has been reduced by 75%. It has come down to only 250 days around the country from an average of 1,000 days, with minimal wait time in all categories nationwide.

US Remains Top Study Abroad Destination for Indian Students

“Taken individually, Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai now stand as the world's top four student visa processing posts. As a result of these surging numbers, Indian students have become the largest group of international graduate students in the US and make up more than a quarter of the over one million foreign students studying in the US,” officials further said.

In addition, per the Open Doors Report 2023 (ODR), the number of international students from India to the United States increased by 35%. It resulted in an all-time high of 2,68,923 students in the 2022-23 academic year.

In fact, the latest upGrad Abroad report also states that the US retains its crown as the top study-abroad destination preference for Indian students.