In addition, the US Consulate in Mumbai, will now issue student visas as early as 4-months prior to the start of classes. Earlier, students could get visas 3 months before the start of classes.
US Consul General, Michael Owen said, "We are happy to say that India is the only country which has been sending its students to the US to pursue graduate and undergraduate studies, in large numbers. So far, 81,000 students are studying in the US and we are sure the number would reach 1 lakh soon."
So far, this year the consulate has received 12,000 student visa applications. The number of students applicants has gone up by 3% as compared to last year. The consulate has increased the number of staff members to meet the needs students regarding visa formalities.