A Record-Breaking Boost for US Tourism, Employment, and Family Reunification

By Casey May 15, 2024 2 min. read
overstayed united states work visa

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?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-877-296-0874.

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