General policyREPORT
U.S. Issues Over 10 Million Nonimmigrant Visas in Fiscal 2023, Near Record High
The U.S. State Department reported that in fiscal year 2023, over 10 million nonimmigrant visas were issued, near a record high. This included nearly 8 million business/tourism visas, the highest since 2016; 600,000 student visas, the highest since 2017; and 442,000 temporary/seasonal worker visas, a record high.
The State Department released statistics this week: in the just-concluded fiscal year 2023, the United States issued more than 10 million nonimmigrant visas, approaching the all-time high. Specifically—
Tourists:
- Nearly 8 million business/tourism visas were issued, the highest since 2016.
- Tourists contribute $239 billion in spending to the U.S. economy annually and support 9.5 million jobs.
Students:
- 600,000 student visas were issued, the highest since 2017.
- Embassies and consulates in India issued 140,000 student visas, a record high.
- Nearly 40,000 student visas were issued to African students.
- International students contribute $38 billion to the U.S. economy each year.
Additionally:
- 442,000 temporary/seasonal worker visas were issued, a record high, meeting the needs of agriculture and other industries facing labor shortages.
- Nonimmigrant visas were issued to 590,000 highly skilled workers and executives, spanning fields from emerging technologies to healthcare.
- Visas were issued to 365,000 airline/crew personnel.
