Summary
The US Consulate in Hyderabad has extended the student visa season by two weeks, now running until the end of August 2024. This extension ensures that students with later interview appointments can reach the US in time for their academic programs. The consulate began student visa interviews yesterday and will release additional appointment slots for June, July, and August.
This move follows a record year for student visas issued to Indian nationals, with over 140,000 visas issued from October 2022 to September 2023. During the peak visa season of June to August 2023, 95,269 student visas were issued, an 18% increase from the previous year. For the first time since 2009/10, India has surpassed China as the largest source of international graduate students in the US.
Students can schedule visa appointments at consulates in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and the US Embassy in New Delhi by logging on to the official website.
US Consulate in Hyderabad Extends Student Visa Season to Accommodate Rising Demand
In a significant move to support aspiring international students, the US Consulate in Hyderabad has announced an extension of the student visa season by two weeks. This decision aims to ensure that students with later interview appointments can arrive in the United States in time for their academic programs.
Extended Visa Interview Period
The extension means that student visa interviews will now continue until the end of August 2024. This adjustment provides additional time for students to secure their visas and prepares for their journey to the US, alleviating concerns about potential delays in starting their studies.
Ongoing Interview Process
The consulate began conducting student visa interviews yesterday, starting with the first tranche of appointment slots. Over the coming weeks, additional appointment batches will be released for June, July, and August. This phased approach aims to manage the high demand and streamline the visa application process.
Record Number of Visas Issued
The decision to extend the visa season comes in the wake of a record-breaking year for student visas issued to Indian nationals. According to the US State Department, the US Embassy and Consulates in India issued over 140,000 student visas between October 2022 and September 2023. During the peak student visa season of June to August 2023, consular officers across India, including Hyderabad, issued 95,269 visas in the F, M, and J categories — an 18 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022.
India: A Leading Source of International Students
According to the Open Doors Report, India has now surpassed China to become the largest source of international graduate students in the US for the first time since the 2009/10 academic year. This milestone underscores the growing interest among Indian students in pursuing higher education in the United States.
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How to Schedule Visa Appointments
Students seeking visa appointment slots can log on to the official website of the US Embassy and Consulates in India. Slots are available at consulates in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and the US Embassy in New Delhi. The consulate encourages students to monitor the website regularly for updates and availability of new appointment slots.
The extension of the student visa season by the US Consulate in Hyderabad reflects the increasing demand for US higher education among Indian students and the consulate’s commitment to facilitating their academic ambitions. By extending the interview period, the consulate aims to ensure that all students have the opportunity to start their programs on time, supporting the continued growth and success of educational exchanges between India and the United States.
