Consular Processing Time
Have you ever wondered how many people immigrate to the United States each year?
The U.S. Department of State recently provided an update on its visa processing capacity during 2023. According to the update, the DOS “… issued more nonimmigrant visas (NIVs) worldwide in 2023 than in any year since 2015.” This is fantastic news for people looking to obtain visas for tourism, study, work, sports, etc.
Breakdown, In Numbers
- 563,000 – immigrant visas (IVs);
- 830,000 – student and exchange visitor visas (F and J);
- 442,000 – temporary worker visas (H-2A and H2B);
- 365,000 – nonimmigrant visas to airline and shipping crewmembers (C1/D);
- 590,000 – nonimmigrant and immigrant visas to high-skilled workers;
- 55,000 – diversity visas
How did the Department of State manage to increase it’s processing capacity so much in 2023?
According to the update, the increase in processing capacity is in large part due to improved efficiency through interview waivers (for several key visa categories and individuals renewing nonimmigrant visas) as well as enhanced U.S. national security through streamlined processing.
What’s Expected for 2024?
The Department of State indicated that it’s goal is to have “… more than 90 percent of our overseas posts to have visitor visa interview wait times under 90 days in 2024.”
To further streamline the lengthy wait times for an interview, the Department of State recommends that “ … any visa applicant who can travel to another embassy or consulate with shorter wait times to consider doing so.” The Department of State has assured that requesting to be interviewed outside of what is considered the home country will not disadvantage applicants.
Consular Processing Attorney
If you would like to speak with a consular processing attorney, contact Attorney Dayna Lally, at [email protected]. Consultation fees may apply.
Disclaimer: This blog article is provided by Lally Immigration Services, LLC for informational and marketing purposes. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship. No reader should act, or refrain from acting, on the basis of any information presented in this article, or elsewhere on this website, without seeking the advice of appropriate legal counsel, or other professional counsel, licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. Lally Immigration Services, LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability with respect to any actions taken, or not taken, based on any content of this article or website. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Last Reviewed/Updated: 1/1/2024
