Record Number of Nonimmigrant Visas Issued; Encouraging Third-Country National Processing; Optimism for Better Visitor Visa Appointment Availability; & More - Department of State Released Summary of 2023 Worldwide Visa Processing Highlights

The Department of State (DOS) recently released some highlights from its 2023 worldwide visa processing operations. Included was a nice bonus expectation for visitor visa processing in 2024. Some key highlights include:

* Consulates issued more nonimmigrant visas worldwide in 2023 than in any year since 2015 - a nice rebound after recovering from COVID limitations.

* The total number of nonimmigrant visas issued in 2023 was 10.4 million.

* Interview waivers continue to be an effective strategy to combat visa appointment backlogs. 40% of those 10.4 million visa processes did not require an in-person interview.

* New technology has reduced the number of visa applicants subjected to 221g administrative processing on security grounds.

* DOS continues to encourage third-country national processing. The update reads: "As wait times continue to drop, we encourage any visa applicant who can travel to another embassy or consulate with shorter wait times to consider doing so. As a global organization, we recognize that there are reasons for applying anywhere appointments are available, even outside your home country and will not disadvantage applicants who choose this route."

* DOS' goal is for more than 90% of their overseas posts to have visitor visa interview wait times under 90 days in 2024.