U.S. Mission in India Organises Sixth Annual Student Visa Day
Chennai, June 7: On June 7, the U.S. Mission in India organized its sixth annual Student Visa Day. Consular Officers at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and Consulates General in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai interviewed more than 2,500 Indian student visa applicants. Chargé d’Affaires Patricia Lacina and consuls general throughout India congratulated visa recipients as they prepared to join the growing ranks of Indian students who have chosen to study in the United States – the world’s leading destination for international students.
“Today we recognize the many contributions of Indian students in shaping the U.S.-India relationship, which is celebrating 75 years of achievement,” said Chargé d’Affaires Lacina.
Student Visa Day celebrates higher education ties between the United States and India. This year, more than 200,000 Indian students are studying at U.S. academic institutions, representing more than 20 percent of international students currently in the United States.
“This year, consular officers will interview more students than ever before, and we hope to break last year’s record for issuances,” remarked Don Heflin, the Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs in India.
Counselor for Cultural and Educational Affairs Anthony Miranda added, “We are grateful that international students recognize the value of a U.S. education, with its world-class faculty and infrastructure and hands-on, real-world skills that prepare graduates for successful careers.”
The U.S. Mission encourages all students interested in studying in the United States to contact EducationUSA, the U.S. government-sponsored advising service that offers credible and comprehensive information to help navigate the admission and visa processes. EducationUSA represents more than 4,000 accredited U.S. colleges and universities with eight advising centers across India. Students can visit educationusa.state.gov or @educationUSAIndia on Facebook and Instagram to learn more.
Student Visa Day Fact Sheet
The United States has welcomed Indian students every year since Indian independence.
Last summer Mission India issued 62,000 student visas – a record-breaking number.
India continues to be the second largest source of international students in the United States. Indian students comprise about 20% of the total population of international students in the United States. There are approximately 203,842 Indian students studying in the United States according to data from May 2022.
Over 40% of Indian students studying in the United States are enrolled in graduate programs.
Approximately 45% of Indian students on F1 status in the United States are completing Optional Practical Training.
The top academic majors for Indian students are mathematics, computer science, and engineering, which account for almost 70% of Indian students.
Almost 40% of Indian students studying in the United States are female and about 60% are male.