The US Mission in India, encompassing the embassies in Delhi and Mumbai, successfully tackled a significant number of visa applications during a special event called "Super Saturday" held on March 9, 2024. This initiative marks a significant step towards reducing visa processing times for Indian nationals.

Over 2,500 Applications Processed in a Single Day

The "Super Saturday" event proved highly productive, with consular missions in New Delhi and Mumbai processing more than 2,500 visa applications.

 This impressive feat included

• New Delhi Embassy: Conducted interviews for over 1,000 visitor visa applicants.
• Mumbai Consulate: Handled more than 1,500 visa applications.

Diverse Range of Applicants Benefit

The event catered to a wide variety of Indian citizens seeking US visas, including:

• Elderly parents visiting their US-based children
• Students pursuing educational opportunities in the United States
• Temporary workers on assignment in the US
• Tourists planning leisure trips
• Business professionals travelling for work purposes

Demonstrating the US Mission's commitment to efficient visa processing, Ambassador Eric Garcetti actively participated in the "Super Saturday" event held in New Delhi. He extended his support to the embassy staff by assisting with the workload and even lent a hand in the fingerprint verification process.

Building Partnerships Through People-to-People Connections

Ambassador Garcetti emphasised the importance of fostering connections between people from both nations. He highlighted that the core of the US-India partnership is strengthened when individuals have the opportunity to work, travel, and study in the United States.

Addressing Backlogs and Embracing Innovation

The US Mission in India acknowledges the surge in visa applications. To effectively manage the increased demand, they have:

• Increased Staffing: Added personnel to handle the visa processing workload.
• Technological Advancements: Leveraged technological advancements to streamline the application process.

These efforts have resulted in processing a record number of visas for Indian nationals, exceeding previous figures.

Katherine Estes, the Visa Chief at the US Consulate in Mumbai, acknowledged the significant demand for visas, which had previously led to waiting periods as long as 1,000 days. However, she highlighted the positive impact of increased resources on reducing the backlog.

Ms.Estes advised applicants to refrain from relying on agents who make false promises of securing visa appointments. These agents often obtain information from the same official website where applicants can check for openings themselves. She encouraged individuals to diligently monitor the US Mission in India's website and actively seek appointments when available.

The "Super Saturday" initiative, launched in 2022, proved successful in addressing the backlog. This year's first event has been well-received, and the US Embassy in New Delhi has announced plans to hold three more "Super Saturdays" throughout 2024.

Record-Breaking Visa Issuance for Indian Nationals

The US Mission in India's efforts extends beyond "Super Saturdays." In 2023, US Embassies and Consulates in India processed a record-breaking 1.4 million visas for Indian applicants. This unprecedented demand reflects a 60% increase compared to 2022 figures. Indians now represent a significant portion of US visa applicants globally, accounting for roughly 10% of all applications received worldwide.

The "Super Saturday" event and the overall increase in visa processing efficiency demonstrate the US Mission in India's commitment to fostering stronger ties between the two nations by facilitating travel, education, and business opportunities.

FAQS

What was the "Super Saturday" event?

The "Super Saturday" event was a special initiative held by the US Mission in India on March 9, 2024, to address the backlog of visa applications. During this event, consular offices in New Delhi and Mumbai processed over 2,500 visa applications in a single day.

Who benefitted from the "Super Saturday" event?

A wide range of Indian citizens seeking US visas benefitted from the event, including:

• Elderly parents visiting family
• Students pursuing education
• Temporary workers on assignment
• Tourists planning vacations
• Business professionals travelling for work

 How is the US Mission in India addressing the surge in visa applications?

The US Mission in India is taking a multi-pronged approach to manage the increased demand for visas:

• Increased Staffing: They have added personnel to handle the workload.
• Technological Advancements: They are leveraging technology to streamline the application process.
• "Super Saturday" Events: They are planning additional focused days to process a high volume of applications.

What advice did the Visa Chief offer to applicants?

The Visa Chief at the US Consulate in Mumbai advised applicants to avoid using agents who promise appointments. She recommended that individuals diligently monitor the US Mission in India's website and actively seek appointments when available.

How many US visas were issued to Indian nationals in 2023?

In 2023, US Embassies and Consulates in India processed a record-breaking 1.4 million visas for Indian applicants. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years.