Kolkata: On June 13, 2024, the U.S. Mission to India's Consular team interviewed more than 3,900 student visa applicants during the 8th Annual Student Visa  Day across the country, including at the U.S. Consulate General Kolkata.  Mission India used the opportunity to highlight our strong commitment to higher education and the growing educational ties between the United States and India.  The day-long event included  programming and engagement with applicants and their families about studying in the United States. 

Ambassador Eric Garcetti shared his best wishes for all Indian students, stating, “Every international student on a U.S. campus represents tremendous accomplishment  - years of study and hard work that went into preparing for academic excellence.  Like those who went before, today's Indian students also represent tremendous potential - the knowledge you will unlock, the new skills and opportunities you will experience,  and the relationships you will build are worth the investment.  Each student is an ambassador for India.  Together we are taking the U.S.-India relationship forward!” 

Minister-Counselor for Consular Affairs Russel Brown acknowledged the occasion stating, “This year, as Indian students are poised to become the largest group  of international students in the United States, the Department of State and our EducationUSA colleagues are excited to welcome student visa applicants on Student Visa Day and throughout the student season.” 

More than 100 students and their families participated in Student Visa Day activities at the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata.  Consul General Melinda Pavek shared  insights on U.S. education, campus life, and cultural exchange, and praised the students for taking to pursue higher education.  

“Kudos to each of you embarking on this exciting journey toward higher education in the United States,” Consul General Pavek said.  "Your acceptance into  U.S. universities is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and academic excellence. You will be joining over one million international students enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions, and more than a quarter of them are from India. 

 Thousands of students from the East and Northeast will become part of the largest delegation of Indian students in history this year in the United States.

As you join vibrant campuses known for fostering democratic values, open dialogue, and personal growth, you become the newest link in the thriving friendship between our nations, contributing to a transformative experience that extends  beyond the classroom and equips you for success in a global landscape.” 

Students and their families met with educational experts from EducationUSA and spoke with Consulate officials about what to expect when studying in the United  States.  Parents and family members also had the opportunity to ask Consulate staff questions to learn more about the experiences their students will have.  The United States remains the number one higher education destination for Indian students, with studies  showing 69 percent of Indian students prefer a U.S. education to any other destination.  Indian students, already the largest group of international graduate students in the United States, gain valuable real-world experience, receiving employment-based U.S.  visas or becoming leaders in their fields here in India – reflecting the lifelong benefit of a U.S. education. Indian students preparing to travel to the United States can learn about the student visa process by visiting bit.ly/EdUSAIndiaPDO24  and joining a pre-departure orientation (PDO) hosted by Education USA, the official source of information for higher education in the United States.