In a remarkable surge, Indians have become the second-largest group of overseas visitors to the United States, as per the latest report from the US Commerce Department’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO). Despite facing long waiting times for visa interviews and soaring airfares, over 5 lakh Indians traveled to the US this year, following closely behind the UK with 9.6 lakh visitors.

The US Embassy processed a staggering 10 lakh non-immigrant visa applications for Indians this year alone, a figure that marks a significant 20% increase compared to the applications processed between 2019 and 2022. The embassy revealed that Indians now constitute over 10% of all visa applicants worldwide. Notably, they represent 20% of all student visa applicants and an impressive 65% of all H & L category (employment) visa applicants. According to the NTTO, New York emerged as the most visited state with 24 lakh tourists, followed closely by Florida, California, Nevada, and Texas. The estimated overall travel spending in the US reached a staggering $14.9 billion, indicating a substantial 29.5% increase from the second quarter of 2022. Vacation and holidays were the primary purposes of the visits, followed by visits to friends and relatives, and business endeavors.

Furthermore, Indians have not only become prominent travelers but also leading citizens of the world’s wealthiest nations. According to a study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Indians are at the forefront of migration to OECD countries, including Canada, despite diplomatic challenges. In the past two years, Indians have become the largest group gaining citizenship in rich nations, with Canada leading as the primary host country. These statistics underscore the enduring allure of the United States for Indian tourists and immigrants alike. The cultural exchange and economic impact resulting from this trend are poised to further strengthenthe ties between these two nations in the years to come.