On June 13, 2024, during its 8th annual Student Visa Day, Consular Team India interviewed 3,900 student visa applicants in Chennai, India. The event underscores Mission India’s dedication to promoting education in the United States and strengthening educational partnership between US and India. The day featured numerous programs where Mission members and EducationUSA engaged with applicants, providing valuable information about studying in US.
According to a statement released by the US Embassy in India, US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti said, “Every international student on a U.S. campus represents tremendous accomplishment – years of study and hard work that went into preparing for academic excellence” while adding “Like those who went before, today’s Indian students also represent tremendous potential – the knowledge you will unlock, the new skills and opportunities you will experience, and the relationships you will build are worth the investment. Each student is an ambassador for India. Together we are taking the U.S.-India relationship forward!”
“This year, as Indian students are poised to become the largest group of international students in the United States, the Department of State and our EducationUSA colleagues are excited to welcome student visa applicants on Student Visa Day and throughout the student season,” noted Minister-Counselor for Consular Affairs Russel Brown.
The statement highlighted that the number of Indian students opting to study in the United States has surged in recent years. In 2023, the US granted more student visas in India than in the combined years between 2018-2020. This growth shows the US Government’s continued focus on prioritizing student needs and facilitating their travel, despite facing a fourfold increase in visa demands for other categories between 2021-2023.
“The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India anticipate continued increase in student visa applicants from India and have expanded the student visa season for 2024 to meet this growing demand,” added the statement. The United States remains the number one higher education destination for Indian students, with studies showing 69 percent of Indian students prefer a U.S. education to any other destination.”
Indian students, already the largest cohort of international students in US further enhance their skills by gaining “valuable real-world experience.” They either secure employment visas or become leaders in their respective fields upon returning to India, showcasing the enduring advantages of a US education.
