The US issued round 82,000 visas within the final one 12 months. (Representational)

New Delhi:

The ready interval for issuance of American visas is predicted to see a major fall by summer season of 2023 and the quantity is projected to achieve round 1.2 million, a senior official of the US embassy mentioned on Thursday.

“India is number one priority for Washington (for issuance of visas). Our aim is to bring the situation to the pre-Covid-19 level by the middle of next year,” the official mentioned.

India has been one of many only a few international locations the place purposes for US visas noticed a serious upswing after coronavirus-related journey restrictions have been lifted.

Considering the lengthy wait time for grant of visas, the US can be rolling out a collection of initiatives together with hiring of extra personnel and growing the “drop box” amenities, the official mentioned.

The plan is to problem round one lakh visas each month.

The official mentioned the US has already recognized H (H1B) and L class visas for Indians as its precedence and practically 1,00,000 slots have been launched lately for these desirous to renew the visas.

The wait time for sure classes has already been introduced right down to round 9 months from earlier 450 days.

The official mentioned the wait time for B1, B2 (enterprise and tourism) visas can be being introduced down from round 9 months.

The official additionally mentioned India is predicted to maneuver to the quantity two place from present quantity three by way of the variety of visas being issued by the US. Currently, Mexico and China are forward of India.

The official mentioned precedence can be being accorded to chop the ready time for the scholars’ visas, particularly for these on the lookout for renewal of their visas.

The course of used to use for renewal of a US visa with out the visa interview is named the drop field facility.

Broadly, the candidates having a US visa inside a span of the final 4 years are eligible for drop field facility.

The US issued round 82,000 visas within the final one 12 months.

“We are looking at 1.1 to 1.2 million visas to Indians by next summer,” mentioned the official.

India has been taking over with the US the difficulty of lengthy ready durations for US visas.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is printed from a syndicated feed.)