The US State Department has reported a surge in visa issuances, reaching unprecedented levels in the first half of fiscal year 2024. Between October 2023 and March 2024, over 5.2 million visas were granted worldwide, surpassing all previous records for the same period. This achievement was made possible by technological advancements and streamlined processes, like waiving interviews for certain applicants.
This increase in visa issuance has far-reaching benefits. A record number of temporary and seasonal worker visas were granted, supporting key sectors like agriculture. Employment-based visas also saw a significant boost, contributing to US job growth. Additionally, the agency broke records for family-based visas, allowing more families to reunite. This surge in visa approvals aligns with recent efforts by the Department of Homeland Security to leverage AI for a faster and more efficient visa process.
Types of US Visas on the Rise
Visitor Visas
A significant boost to tourism and business travel was evident in the nearly 4.1 million B-1/B-2 visas and border crossing cards issued during this period.
H-2A and H-2B Visas
Over 200,000 visas were issued to temporary workers in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, addressing crucial workforce shortages across various industries.
Employment-Based Green Cards
The number of employment-based immigrant visas granted surged by 75% compared to fiscal year 2019, with nearly 25,000 individuals receiving these visas.
Family Immigration
A record number of visas, exceeding 152,000, were issued in the Immediate Relative category during this six-month period.
Study Visas
The U.S. solidified its position as a premier destination for international education with a surge in academic and cultural exchange visas. Nearly 134,000 J-1 visas were issued to exchange visitors, and over 115,000 F-1 student visas were granted during this period.
Are You Interested in Applying for a US Visa in 2024?
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VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor
Casey
Meet Casey, one of VisaPlace's immigration news contributors. She brings 7+ years of experience of content creation and SEO to VisaPlace. Casey has honed her expertise in delivering comprehensive and up-to-date content on immigration-related matters. Her work not only encompasses the complex legal aspects of immigration but also highlights the ever-evolving policies, procedures, and news that impact immigrants and aspiring visa holders.
