Summary
The US Consulate in Hyderabad has extended the student visa season by two weeks, allowing interviews to continue until the end of August 2024. This decision aims to ensure that students facing later interviews can reach the US in time for their academic programs. The consulate began conducting interviews yesterday and will release additional appointment slots for June, July, and August.
From October 2022 to September 2023, the US Embassy and Consulates in India issued a record 140,000 student visas. During the peak season of June-August 2023, 95,269 visas were issued, an 18% increase over the previous year. India has also become the largest source of international graduate students in the US, surpassing China.
Students can schedule visa appointments via the official website of the US Embassy and Consulates in India, with slots available in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and New Delhi. This extension supports the growing number of Indian students seeking education in the US and ensures timely arrivals for their programs.
US Consulate in Hyderabad Extends Student Visa Season
The US Consulate in Hyderabad has announced an extension of the student visa season by two weeks, ensuring that students who face interviews later in the season can reach the United States in time for their scheduled academic programs. This decision will see student visa interviews continue until the end of August 2024.
Commencement of Visa Interviews
The consulate began conducting student visa interviews yesterday, following the release of the first tranche of appointment slots. Over the next few weeks, additional appointment batches will be released for June, July, and August. This extension aims to accommodate the increasing number of applicants and streamline the visa issuance process.
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Record Number of Student Visas Issued
From October 2022 to September 2023, the US Embassy and Consulates in India issued over 140,000 student visas, setting a new record. During the peak student visa season from June to August 2023, US consular officers across India, including those in Hyderabad, issued 95,269 visas in the F, M, and J categories. This figure represents an 18 percent increase over the same period in 2022.
India Becomes Largest Source of International Graduate Students
According to the Open Doors Report, India has surpassed China to become the largest source of international graduate students in the United States for the first time since the 2009/10 academic year. This milestone highlights the growing interest among Indian students in pursuing higher education in the US and underscores the importance of the student visa process.
How to Secure a Visa Appointment
Prospective students looking to secure US student visa appointment slots at consulates in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and the US Embassy in New Delhi can log on to the official website for the latest updates and availability. The extended visa season provides additional opportunities for students to schedule their interviews and ensures timely arrival in the US for their academic pursuits.
The extension of the student visa season by the US Consulate in Hyderabad is a significant move to support the growing number of Indian students aspiring to study in the United States. By extending the interview period, the consulate aims to facilitate a smoother process and help students meet their academic timelines. This decision underscores the strong educational ties between India and the US and the importance of higher education as a bridge between the two nations.
