(DDM) – The United States has broken new records in visa issuance, with approximately 5.2 million nonimmigrant visas issued in the first half of fiscal year 2024 (October 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024).
According to the US State Department, this represents an unprecedented surge in visa approvals, reflecting growing global demand for travel to the US. Visa offices at 230 US embassies and consulates worldwide reported historic levels of applications and approvals, making this the highest number of valid visas ever in circulation.
The surge is attributed to rising international travel following the easing of pandemic-related restrictions. Tourist and business destinations alike have seen a significant rebound, with visa volumes in countries such as Mexico, India, Brazil, and Colombia surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Data indicates that the top eight countries issuing nonimmigrant visas accounted for nearly 65% of the total visas issued worldwide during this period. These countries also saw a 15% increase in visa approvals compared to the previous year, highlighting a strong recovery in international tourism and business travel.
Julie Stufft, Assistant Secretary for Visa Services at the US Department of State, emphasized that the surge in visa issuance was accompanied by improvements in service delivery. She noted that embassies and consulates have successfully reduced appointment wait times.
For example, Brazil saw an average reduction of 85% in visa interview wait times compared to the previous year, allowing travelers quicker access to appointments and approvals.
Nonimmigrant visas cover a wide range of travel purposes, including tourism, business, student, and temporary work visas. The record issuance reflects strong demand for both leisure and professional travel, particularly in markets with growing economic and educational ties to the United States.
The first six months of FY 2024 also revealed that consular operations have become more efficient, enabling faster processing of applications and reducing backlogs that accumulated during the pandemic. Embassies in high-demand regions have implemented additional staffing and scheduling measures to accommodate the surge.
With nearly 5.2 million visas issued globally, the US now has an unprecedented number of individuals eligible to travel with valid visas. This milestone signals both a robust rebound in global mobility and the effectiveness of US consular services in managing increased demand.
The record-setting visa issuance is expected to have positive implications for international tourism, trade, and educational exchange. Countries that saw the highest growth in approvals are poised to benefit economically from increased travel to the US.
Overall, the historic figures underscore the United States’ continued role as a leading global destination for visitors and highlight the government’s commitment to improving visa services worldwide. The surge in visa approvals also reflects growing confidence in safe and predictable international travel amid the ongoing post-pandemic recovery.
Key points include:
Nearly 5.2 million nonimmigrant visas issued in first half of FY 2024
230 US embassies and consulates reporting record visa issuances
15% increase in visa issuance in top eight countries
Brazil’s visa interview wait times reduced by 85%
Demand exceeds pre-pandemic levels in several major markets
This development positions the US as a hub for international tourism, study, and business travel, demonstrating both resilience and adaptability in global visa services.
