Currently, the process of obtaining a US visa involves a lengthy waiting period of over six months. Nevertheless, following the recent meeting between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi, there is optimism that this prolonged waiting period may soon become a thing of the past.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing visit to the United States entails crucial discussions with President Joe Biden, encompassing a range of significant matters. Among these discussions, the visa process and waiting time for individuals aspiring to travel to the United States hold considerable importance. India stands to gain potential benefits from PM Modi's visit as it has been informed that the US government intends to significantly streamline the process, making it more accessible for certain individuals to reside in the United States. This pivotal decision by the Biden administration will facilitate a smoother pathway for Indians seeking to live and work in America.

Currently, obtaining approval for a US visa typically involves a waiting period of over six months. However, following the meeting between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi, there is hope that this prolonged waiting period could be eliminated, bringing relief to those seeking visas. This positive development is expected to particularly benefit skilled individuals.

Living in America will become more accessible for Indians.

Sources indicate that the State Department is expected to make an announcement in the near future regarding a potential policy change for H1-B visa holders, including Indian and other foreign workers. If implemented, this new policy would allow eligible individuals to renew their visas within the United States without the need to travel abroad. Initially introduced as a pilot program, there is a possibility for its expansion in the upcoming years.

Allow us to inform you that Indian citizens have been the most prominent users of the American H1-B visa program up until now. In the previous year, a staggering 73% or approximately 442,000 Indian citizens arrived in America under the H1-B visa category. Recognizing the significance of visa processing time, a United States official has expressed their commitment to reducing it.

Annually, a total of 65,000 individuals are granted H1-B visas.

Each year, the US government allocates 65,000 visas to highly skilled professionals. This includes renowned companies such as TCS, Infosys, Amazon, and Alphabet, actively seeking individuals from India to work in America. Additionally, an additional 20,000 visas are granted to degree holders. It's important to note that these visas typically have a duration of three years. However, with the potential simplification of the visa process, it may be possible to renew them for an additional three-year period without the need for travel.

According to US government statistics, individuals employed at companies like Meta, TCS, and Infosys have been the recipients of the highest number of H1-B visas in recent years. Excitingly, these individuals will now have the opportunity to renew their visas for an additional three-year period without the need to travel abroad once their initial visa expires.

Indian students constitute 20% of the total US student visa holders.

The United States has achieved a remarkable feat by issuing an unprecedented number of visas to Indian students. Recent data released by the US Embassy in India reveals that over 125,000 student visas have been granted, setting a new record. US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, announced that in 2022, one out of every five US student visas will be allocated to Indian students. As part of the celebration of Student Visa Day, the US Embassy conducted interviews for 3,500 Indian student visa applicants, with consultants stationed in Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai.