'All Time Record': Over 55K Indian Students' Visa Approved To Study In US

"Through these efforts, more than 55,000 students and exchange visitors are boarding planes to study in the US, and more students are being approved every day," the US embassy said in a statement.

New Delhi: Visas of more than 55,000 Indian students and exchange visitors who are traveling to the US for study have been approved, the US embassy said on Monday. They also mentioned how this is "an all-time record".

"The US mission in India is pleased to announce that its embassy and consulates approved more student visa applicants in 2021 than ever before, despite the global COVID-19 pandemic," the embassy said according to PTI. 

"Through these efforts, more than 55,000 students and exchange visitors are boarding planes to study in the US, and more students are being approved every day," it said in a statement.

The Charge d'Affaires at the US embassy, Ambassador Atul Keshap, praised the staff involved in the issuance of visas and said Indian students enrich US society, achieve high levels of academic success, and deepen the bonds of friendship between the two countries.

"Studying in the US is a unique and often life-changing experience for Indian students, granting fresh, global perspectives and frequently leading to invaluable career opportunities," he was quoted as saying by PTI. 

The embassy said the US missions typically begin interviewing fall semester students for a given year in May, but the second wave of COVID-19 forced a delay in the commencement of the student visa season by two months. It said the US embassy and consulates opened additional hours for visa appointments and made every possible effort to ensure timely arrival for academic programmes for as many students as possible.

It said interested students can also participate in upcoming Education USA University Virtual Fairs to be held on August 27, 2021 for prospective graduate students and on September 3, for prospective undergraduate students.