India has surpassed China as the leading source of international students in the U.S. for the 2023-24 academic year, with over 330,000 Indian students enrolled. According to the Open Doors Report, this represents a 23% increase in enrolment, driven by the appeal of top U.S. universities, STEM-focused programs, OPT opportunities, and the competitive landscape of admission in India.
Additionally, India is the second-largest source of foreign visitors to the United States, with a 27% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. Indian businesses also have significant opportunities in the U.S. across sectors such as investment, job creation, research and development, and other emerging business prospects.
World Trade Center organized an Interactive Meeting with U.S Consulate on nuances of Visa Procedures. The event aimed to clarify the application process for various visa categories, including business, student, and tourist visas, while offering a platform for direct engagement with consular officials.
The session was designed to help participants navigate the complexities of the U.S. visa process, outlining key requirements, common challenges, and best practices for successful applications. The event also allowed for an interactive Q&A session to address specific queries and concerns regarding visa processing.
The event commenced with a welcoming address by Mr. Rajen Padhi, Honorary Convenor, International Trade Promotional Think Tank, World Trade Center Bhubaneswar who expressed gratitude to the U.S. Consulate representatives for their participation. In his address, importance of understanding the visa application process to foster bilateral engagement between India and the U.S. was emphasized.
Dr. J.K Mohanty, Honorary Convenor, WTC Bhubaneswar Tourism & Hospitality Think Tank in his address, deliberated on the tourism point of view and the basic bottlenecks while applying for tourist U.S Visa.
Ms. Rebekah Drame - Consular Chief, U.S. Consulate General, Hyderabad graced the occasion as the Chief Speaker in her address, remarked on the India U.S relationship and said “India has evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from a history of limited engagement to a robust and multifaceted partnership. This bilateral relationship is now one of the most important global partnerships, marked by cooperation in various areas, including trade, security, defence, technology, and education.”
Mr. Samuel. G – Consular Officer U.S. Consulate General, Hyderabad gave a detailed presentation on different types of visas, outlined the necessary documentation, step-by-step application process, appointment scheduling, and provided insights into visa interview preparation. He also highlighted the key stages of the visa application process, including Filling out the DS-160 form, Scheduling appointments, Interview preparation, Administrative processing and its potential impact on timelines, Visa issuance and delivery process.
A valuable segment of the meeting was the Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to ask specific questions regarding the visa process.
Following the formal presentations, attendees had the opportunity for one-on-one consultations with U.S. Consulate officials to discuss individual visa concerns. This offered a more personalized experience, addressing specific queries and providing tailored guidance. The event also served as a networking platform, fostering connections among business professionals, students, and entrepreneurs.
The Interactive Meeting with the U.S. Consulate proved to be an informative and highly productive event, providing participants with valuable insights into the U.S. visa procedures. By facilitating direct engagement with consular officials, the event offered participants a comprehensive understanding of the application process, helping them make informed decisions regarding their visa applications.
The interactive meeting was held on Wednesday, 4th December 2024 at IDCO Conference Hall, IDCO Towers, Janpath, Bhubaneswar.