US visa delays for Indians fall: F-1 and B-1/B-2 interview wait times drop in New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata

India’s long wait for United States visa appointments has eased significantly, according to the latest update from the US State Department.

Processing times for key visa categories have decreased across major cities. This offers relief to students, workers and visitors after months of heavy backlogs.

The following are the updated wait times for major Indian consulates:




New Delhi

F, M, J visas (students, vocational trainees, exchange visitors): next available appointment 0.5 months (previously 2 months)

H, L, O, P, Q visas: next available appointment 1 month

B-1/B-2 visas: next available appointment 3.5 months (previously 6.5 months)

Chennai

B-1/B-2 visas: average wait “N/A” (previously 5 months)

Interview-required visas: next available appointment 3 months

Kolkata

B-1/B-2 visas: average wait 4.5 months, next available appointment 5 months

F, M, J visas: next available appointment 2.5 months

H, L, O, P, Q visas: next available appointment “NA”

Mumbai

B-1/B-2 visas: average wait 9.5 months, next available appointment 9.5 months

F, M, J visas: next available appointment 3 months

H, L, O, P, Q visas: next available appointment 1 month

Hyderabad

B-1/B-2 visas: average wait 4 months, next available appointment 5 months

F, M, J visas: next available appointment 2.5 months

H, L, O, P, Q visas: next available appointment 2 months

Globally, the longest visitor visa delays remain outside India, with Toronto at 16.5 months, San Jose 13 months, Lagos 12.5 months, Merida 11.5 months, and Ottawa 11 months.

The US State Department says visa processing aims to maintain national security while ensuring efficiency. Months are calculated in 30-day periods and half months in 15-day increments, including weekends and holidays when embassies are closed.

Embassies and consulates regularly release new appointment slots. Applicants can check the scheduling system to move to an earlier appointment if one becomes available. The department notes that average wait times are based on past applications and do not guarantee a visa interview on a specific date.