The US Mission in India celebrated the higher education ties that the countries share with the sixth annual Student Visa Day on Tuesday, 7 June. More than 200,000 Indian students are studying at academic institutions in the United States, accounting for more than 20 percent of international students who are currently studying in the country, according to a release on the US Embassy in India's official website.
This year, consular officers at the US Embassy in New Delhi and Consulates General in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai interviewed more than 2,500 Indian student visa applicants, according to the official release.
Chargé d'Affaires Patricia Lacina heralded the contributions of Indian students in redefining US-India relationship over the past 75 years.
"This year, consular officers will interview more students than ever before, and we hope to break last year's record for issuances."Don Heflin, Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs in India.
According to Heflin, the US Embassy has opened 100,000 appointments for student visas, as reported by American Bazaar.
The US has become a coveted place for higher education because of its infrastructure and hands-on experience that is available through the academic institutions, said Anthony Miranda, counselor for Cultural and Educational Affairs.
The US government has also established an advising service where potential international students can get information regarding how to navigate the admission and visa process.
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