In an effort to address the surging demand for US visas in India, the United States is evaluating the establishment of a new US Visa Application Centre in Visakhapatnam or Vijayawada, according to Rebekah Drame, the US Consul General. This development could be a game-changer for residents of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, who currently rely on the nearest VAC in Hyderabad.
The proposed centre would join the existing five VACs in India, located in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The move reflects the exponential growth in US-bound student numbers, particularly from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh: Key Contributors to US Student Demographics
Recent data from the Hyderabad US consulate reveals that students from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh made up a significant 56% of Indian students heading to the US last year. Telangana accounted for 34%, while Andhra Pradesh contributed 22%.
This trend was further underscored during Drame’s visit to Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. Alongside Alexander McLaren, Public Affairs Officer at the Hyderabad consulate, Drame highlighted the impressive 300% surge in US student enrolments from India compared to the previous year. While specific numbers from the two states remain undisclosed, it’s estimated that around 180,000 students from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are currently pursuing education in America.
India as a whole continues to dominate international student enrolments in America, sending nearly 330,000 students in 2023. The recently released Open Doors Report 2024 confirms India’s leadership in this arena, with over 331,602 Indian students now enrolled in US institutions.
Addressing Growing Visa Demand in India
Drame noted that the Hyderabad consulate alone processed an astounding 1.4 million visa applications last year—a global record for any American consulate. The demand shows no signs of slowing, prompting a significant expansion in consulate operations.
Over the past 18 months, the Hyderabad consulate has more than doubled its staff, with plans to triple its workforce by early 2025. Currently handling 1,600 visa applications daily, the consulate aims to boost this capacity to 2,500 applications per day by next year.
The summer of 2024 saw over 47,000 student visa interviews conducted in Hyderabad, marking a sharp rise from 35,000 in 2023. These figures underline the need for additional facilities, making the potential American Visa Application Centre in Visakhapatnam or Vijayawada a vital initiative.
Innovative Measures to Streamline Visa Processes
In addition to expanding its physical footprint, the American consulate has introduced technological and procedural innovations. The H-1B domestic revalidation pilot program launched earlier this year facilitated 10,000 appointments, allowing visa holders in the US to renew without traveling back to India. Drame expressed confidence in making this program a permanent feature by next year.
The success of such initiatives demonstrates the America’s commitment to meeting the needs of its Indian applicants while easing logistical challenges.
India’s Impact on US Higher Education
The Open Doors Report 2024 paints a compelling picture of India’s influence on American academia. Indian students lead graduate enrolments for the second consecutive year, with a 19% increase, bringing the total to 196,567 pursuing master’s and PhD programs. Undergraduate enrolments also saw a notable 13% growth to 36,053. However, non-degree enrolments dipped by 28% to 1,426, indicating a shifting focus towards long-term academic goals.
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