StampThePassport, the leading online visa agency, is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the US-India relationship this year. The United States Mission to India has achieved a remarkable feat by processing over one million non-immigrant visa applications in 2023, exceeding its initial target. This achievement not only underscores the deepening ties between the US and India within their strategic partnership but also reflects the growing interest among Indians to visit the US following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, personally presented the one-millionth visa to a delighted Indian couple who are planning to visit their son for his graduation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Ranju Singh from Delhi was the recipient of this special visa, and her husband received the following one. Ambassador Eric Garcetti affectionately referred to them as "Mr. and Mrs. One Million" as he handed over their visas. The couple is set to embark on their journey to the US in May next year, eagerly anticipating their visit.

Ambassador Eric Garcetti expressed his joy at this achievement, stating, "I couldn't be happier today, happy for India, Indians, and the United States." He also shed light on the concerted efforts that led to this milestone, mentioning, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden had said let's do a better job in moving faster on the visas, and so the Ministry of External Affairs here approved more personnel in places like Hyderabad, expanded the workforce dedicated to visa processing, upgraded facilities at the US Consulate in Chennai, and inaugurated a new Consulate building in Hyderabad.”

Furthermore, the US Embassy in India has implemented strategies to enhance efficiency, including extending interview waiver eligibility and utilizing remote work to engage staff from around the world in visa processing for Indian applicants. A pilot program is on the horizon for next year, allowing domestic visa renewals for eligible H&L-category employment visa applicants.

This remarkable achievement not only highlights the robust partnership between the United States and India but also signifies the increasing desire of Indians to explore the US, reinforcing the strong bond between the two nations. Last year, more than 1.2 million Indians visited the US, solidifying their position as one of the world's most significant travel demographics. Among these visitors, 20% were seeking student visas, while 65% were applying for H&L-category employment visas. Indians now account for over 10% of all visa applicants globally.

StampThePassport celebrates this record-breaking accomplishment and remains committed to assisting travellers in fulfilling their dreams of visiting the United States, contributing to the enduring friendship between the US and India.