Over 10 million non immigrant visas were issued globally between October 2022 and September 2023, a historic accomplishment that demonstrates the Department of State’s dedication to balancing national security and facilitating international travel. The historic number highlights the crucial role that international visitors play in fostering interpersonal relationships and generating sizable economic contributions across the U.S. economy.
The following are a few key accomplishments from the fiscal year:
1. The Department’s nearly eight million visitor visas, the highest number since 2016, were issued for business and tourism.
2. The Department issued more than 600,000 student visas, the highest number since FY 2017 in recognition of the significance of international students. By issuing more than 140, 000 student visas, the Indian embassy and consulates broke an all-time record. Notably, African students received almost 40.000 student visas, while Nigerian applicants received over 9,700.
3. Economic Contributions: The U.S. economy has benefited significantly from foreign visitors, who are estimated to have supported 9.5 million American jobs and contribute up to$ 239 billion annually. In order to meet workforce needs in agriculture and other sectors, the Department issued record-breaking 442, 000 visas to temporary and seasonal workers. In addition, high-skilled employees and executives received 590,000 non immigrant visas, and airline and shipping crew members received 365, 000, which is essential for maintaining global supply chains and transportation.
4. Innovative solutions, such as the expansion of interview waiver authorities, allowed frequent travelers to renew their visas without going to an embassy or consulate, which made the accomplishments possible. The Department intends to investigate new technologies in the future, such as the potential for domestic renewal in some visa categories, to further streamline operations.
The important achievements serve as a constant reminder that business is open in America, and U.S. visa operations ‘success helps the country grow and engage with the rest of the world every day.
