U.S. Consulate Kolkata celebrates Student Visa Day

Chargé d’Affaires Patricia Lacina, U.S. Consul General Melinda Pavek, and consuls general throughout India congratulated visa recipients as they prepared to join the growing ranks of Indian students who have chosen to study in the United States – the world’s leading destination for international students. 

“Today we recognize the many contributions of Indian students in shaping the U.S.-India relationship, which is celebrating 75 years of achievement,” said Chargé Lacina.

Melinda Pavek, U.S. Consul General said in her video message: “We at the U.S. Consulate Kolkata place a significant focus on students because international student mobility is central to U.S. diplomacy, innovation, prosperity, and national security. You act as a bridge between our two countries, and just as I am sure you will learn from your American professors and classmates, Americans will also surely learn from you.”

At the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata, about 75 future students were treated to a festive college fair-like atmosphere, with activities and a cake-cutting.  The venue was decorated with university banners and a large map of the United States on which students pinned their destination colleges and universities. Consular staff members wore their alma maters’ colors to mark the occasion. They offered guidance on student life in the United States.     

Student Visa Day celebrates higher education ties between the United States and India.  This year, more than 200,000 Indian students are studying at U.S. academic institutions, representing more than 20 percent of international students currently in the United States.   

“This year, consular officers will interview more students than ever before, and we hope to break last year’s record for issuances,” remarked Don Heflin, the Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs in India.

The U.S. Mission encourages all students interested in studying in the United States to contact EducationUSA, the U.S. government-sponsored advising service that offers credible and comprehensive information to help navigate the admission and visa processes.  EducationUSA represents more than 4,000 accredited U.S. colleges and universities with eight advising centers across India.  Students can visit educationusa.state.gov or @educationUSAIndia on Facebook and Instagram to learn more.