We recognize that some applicants may still face extended visa wait times, and we are making every effort to reduce visa interview appointment wait times in India and around the world as quickly as possible, the US said. . , Photo Credit: Getty Images
A State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday that the US is making every effort to reduce wait times for visa interview appointments in India as quickly as possible.
“Visa processing is recovering faster than anticipated and in the coming year, we expect to reach pre-pandemic processing levels,” State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters at his daily news conference.
The US issued more student visas in fiscal year 2022 than in any year since 2016, he said, adding that its embassies and consulates in India specifically increased the number of student visas issued in a fiscal year. broke his all-time record for .
“We issued approximately 1,25,000 student visas. We recognize that some applicants may still face extended visa wait times, and we are working to reduce visa interview appointment wait times in India and around the world as quickly as possible. including for first-time tourist visa applicants,” he said.
In response to a question, Mr Price said he certainly understood the frustration of those with long wait times. “I can tell you that it is a priority for the Secretary and the Department to do everything we can to reduce that backlog and ultimately reduce wait times. Committed to safeguarding national security.” he said.
“And we know that timely visa processing is essential to the U.S. economy and to the administration’s goal of family reunification. We have made great progress in recovering from pandemic-related detention and workforce challenges, but we still need to respond to working for.” significant demand for visa services,” he said.
Mr Price said demand for visa services has only increased as pandemic restrictions have eased in countries around the world and people are looking for opportunities to travel to the United States.
“We are successfully reducing visa wait times around the world. We have doubled the hiring of US Foreign Service personnel to perform this important work. Visa processing is recovering faster than anticipated and will In the US, we expect to reach the pre-pandemic processing level,” he said in response to a question.