President Donald Trump courted controversy last month, when he issued an executive order imposing a 120-day suspension of the refugee program and a 90-day ban on travel to the United States of America from seven Muslim-majority countries.
The move has also sparked fear in India, with many expressing confusion about their plans to visit the US.
Data indicates that the number of nonimmigrant US visas issued in India more than doubled in the last 10 years.
8.57 Lakh Nonimmigrant Visas issued in India in 2015
The total number of nonimmigrant visas issued by the five issuing offices in India rose from 3.57 lakh in 2006 to 8.57 lakh in 2015, an increase of over 140 percent.
Except for the decrease in 2008 and 2009, the number of nonimmigrant visas issued in India has increased every year. In fact, the number of nonimmigrant visas issued increased by over 70 percent between 2012 and 2015.
Most Visas Issued in Chennai
US consulates in New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai issue US Visas. In the period between 2006 and 2015, the Chennai consulate issued more than 19 lakh nonimmigrant visas, which is more than 1/3rd of all the visas issued in India.
Over 50% Are B-1 and B-2
Here is a list of the most common categories under which visas are issued. These visas accounted for more than 90 percent of all the visas issued to Indians.
Business Visa (B-1): Consult with business associates, attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference, settle an estate, negotiate a contract etc.
Tourism & Visit (B-2): Tourism, visit with friends or relatives, medical treatment, participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organisations, participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests etc.
Temporary Work Visa (H-1B): To work in a specialty occupation. Requires a higher education degree or its equivalent.
Dependent Visa (H-4): A dependent visa issued to immediate family members (spouse and children under 21 years of age) of the H-1B visa holders.
Student Visa (F-1): To enter the USA to attend university or college.
Intracompany Transfer (L): To work at a branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of the current employer in a managerial or executive capacity, or in a position requiring specialised knowledge.
(The article was originally published in Factly. It has been edited for length.)
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