Indians Welcome, U.S. Consulates Work to Make Visa Process Simple

By siliconindia   |   Friday, 18 January 2013, 18:09 IST
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Bangalore:  Visa procedures are expected to become easier with the US consulates working on it and according to US estimates, by the year 2015 the number of Indians visiting America would exceed 1 million, reports Firstpost.

“This is not just because of America’s welcoming atmosphere and outstanding sights. It is also because Indians and Americans are finding more in common. Our personal and cultural ties are increasing dramatically and trade between our two countries is following the same trajectory’’, says an official statement issued by the American embassy, reports Firstpost.

The statement also quoted Nancy J. Powell, US Ambassador, “Travel and tourism to the US is an important way for us to expand our cultural and commercial ties and increase trade growth
between our countries. But the most important aspect of travel and tourism is not the dollar figures, but the person-to-person relationships that are cultivated.”

In the year 2011, there was a rise in the number of Indians who visited America and it came up to 660,000.  “In order to help more Indians who are eligible to visit the United States, our Consular office continues to improve its services,” the statement said.

Indians now have the option to pay and make visa interview appointments online. Other innovations include an interview waiver program for select visa applicants, offsite biometric collection, and a website for checking visa application status.