2024 Highlights from the Visa Office
Driving Down Wait Times and Setting New Visa Records to Support the U.S. Economy
Facilitating safe and secure travel to the United States is a key priority for our consular operations around the world, and we are doing it with greater efficiency and innovation. In October Secretary of State Blinken joined the Secretary of Commerce in voicing our commitment to travel and tourism that supports nearly 10 million U.S. jobs and $2.3 trillion in economic activity.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimundo and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken highlight the economic benefits and importance of a strong tourism industry for the United States. (photo credit: Department of State Official Photographer)
In fiscal year 2024, the Department of State issued a record 11.5 million visas (immigrant and non-immigrant visas combined). Wait times for first-time tourist visa applicants significantly decreased, with the median global wait time under 60 days. They aim to add one million more visa appointments in 2025 above the 2024 level.
Achievements and Milestones for Non-immigrant Visas
In Fiscal Year 2024, U.S. embassies and consulates issued 8.5 million visitor visas, surpassing the previous year’s total by nearly 10 percent. Our embassies and consulates in the largest inbound tourism markets were incredibly productive, building on their gains every year since COVID. Missions Mexico, India, and Brazil each issued more visitor visas than they ever have before.
Globally, the Department of State issued 455,000 H-2 visas for temporary workers – more than ever before. H-2A visas support the agricultural industry, and many H-2B visas directly support the seasonal demands of the service industry.
Non-Immigrant Visa Processing MYTHS vs. FACTS
There are a lot of rumors about the U.S. visa application process. Some may appear to be from a reputable source but may cite data taken out of context or that is otherwise inaccurate. The facts are clear. The United States is open for business and international visitors. More people can travel to the United States than ever before.
From Department of State - Updated December 2024
Engaging Stakeholders Across the Nation
The Visa Office is actively engaging with diverse stakeholders, including businesses and educational institutions. From one-on-one meetings to conferences like Skift and U.S. Travel Association with hundreds, our team has been traveling around the country to make sure you are hearing directly from us. They want to hear from you in their Business Visa Center –BusinessVisa@State.Gov - and look forward to sharing how they continue to facilitate travel that builds the U.S. economy and supports American families.
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Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma speaks with Skift CEO Rafat Ali during the Skift Global Forum in September to highlight the launch of Online Passport Renewal and a record-breaking year of U.S. visa issuance. (photo courtesy of Skift)
Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources, Richard Verma speaks with former Amb. Jeff Bleich sharing end of the fiscal year numbers and innovations State has made to improve the visa application experience. (photo credit: Department of State Official Photographer )
Diplomacy through the U.S. Mega Decade of Sports
Sports tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the travel industry. The Bureau of Consular Affairs is committed to ensuring that visitors for these events can travel smoothly to the United States. Their consular teams around the world facilitated the travel of participants, staff, and journalists for 16 games in the 2024 Cricket World Cup hosted in New York, Texas, and Florida. They are working closely with the organizers of the FIFA 2026 World Cup and Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games to ensure international travel for these events generates the maximum economic benefit. Partner with the Bureau of Consular Affairs to encourage travelers who need visas to apply now; they do not need to have purchased tickets or made reservations at the time of application.
Check out U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs video: America is Open for Business