Indian applicants planning travel to the US are facing uneven visa wait times across cities, with visitor visa queues stretching up to nine months in some locations, according to Department’s Global Visa Wait Times. New Delhi currently shows a 7-month wait for the next available B1/B2 visa interview, while Mumbai reports a longer 9-month timeline.
The data is part of the Department’s Global Visa Wait Times update, which provides monthly estimates of interview availability across US embassies and consulates.
The department said these timelines are indicative and may change as new appointment slots are released.
Also read: New H-1B wage rules may lift foreign worker pay by $14,000 a year
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Visitor visa wait times vary across cities
Mumbai remains among the most delayed centres, with both the average wait time and next available B1/B2 appointment at 9 months. In New Delhi, the average wait stands at 5.5 months, while the next available slot extends to 7 months.
Hyderabad shows an average wait of 6.5 months and an 8-month next available appointment. Kolkata lists a 6.5-month next slot, while Chennai reports a shorter wait time of 3 months.
The variation indicates that applicants may find earlier interview dates by choosing a different consulate, depending on availability.
Also read: US Visa Bulletin April 2026: Green Card queue eases slightly as filing window widens for Indians
Student and work visas move faster
Student visa categories (F, M, J) continue to show shorter wait times. New Delhi lists availability in less than half a month, while Mumbai shows 2 months and Hyderabad 2.5 months.
Work visa categories such as H, L, O, P and Q also reflect quicker movement. New Delhi shows availability in about 1 month, Mumbai at 1 month, Hyderabad at 3 months, and Kolkata at 1.5 months.
Crew and transit visas remain among the fastest, with most cities offering appointments within one month or less.
The US Department of State said visa wait times are updated every month and are based on the previous month’s data. It noted that embassies and consulates regularly release new appointment slots, allowing applicants to reschedule if earlier dates become available.
Also read: US under fire for collecting $1 billion in immigration fees for stalled applications
The department said, “The average wait times we report do not guarantee a visa applicant will get an appointment within a specific time.”
The latest figures indicate that demand for visitor visas remains high in major Indian cities, while student and employment-linked categories are moving faster. Applicants are advised to check official appointment systems regularly as timelines can change.
The data is part of the Department’s Global Visa Wait Times update, which provides monthly estimates of interview availability across US embassies and consulates.
The department said these timelines are indicative and may change as new appointment slots are released.
Also read: New H-1B wage rules may lift foreign worker pay by $14,000 a year
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Visitor visa wait times vary across cities
Mumbai remains among the most delayed centres, with both the average wait time and next available B1/B2 appointment at 9 months. In New Delhi, the average wait stands at 5.5 months, while the next available slot extends to 7 months.Hyderabad shows an average wait of 6.5 months and an 8-month next available appointment. Kolkata lists a 6.5-month next slot, while Chennai reports a shorter wait time of 3 months.
The variation indicates that applicants may find earlier interview dates by choosing a different consulate, depending on availability.
Also read: US Visa Bulletin April 2026: Green Card queue eases slightly as filing window widens for Indians
Student and work visas move faster
Student visa categories (F, M, J) continue to show shorter wait times. New Delhi lists availability in less than half a month, while Mumbai shows 2 months and Hyderabad 2.5 months.Work visa categories such as H, L, O, P and Q also reflect quicker movement. New Delhi shows availability in about 1 month, Mumbai at 1 month, Hyderabad at 3 months, and Kolkata at 1.5 months.
Crew and transit visas remain among the fastest, with most cities offering appointments within one month or less.
US visa wait times in India (March 2026)
| City | B1/B2 Avg Wait | B1/B2 Next Slot | Student (F,M,J) | Work (H,L,O,P,Q) | Crew/Transit |
| Mumbai | 9 months | 9 months | 2 months | 1 month | 1 month |
| New Delhi | 5.5 months | 7 months | < 0.5 month | 1 month | < 0.5 month |
| Hyderabad | 6.5 months | 8 months | 2.5 months | 3 months | < 0.5 month |
| Chennai | 3.5 months | 3 months | NA | NA | NA |
| Kolkata | NA | 6.5 months | 2.5 months | 1.5 months | NA |
The US Department of State said visa wait times are updated every month and are based on the previous month’s data. It noted that embassies and consulates regularly release new appointment slots, allowing applicants to reschedule if earlier dates become available.
Also read: US under fire for collecting $1 billion in immigration fees for stalled applications
The department said, “The average wait times we report do not guarantee a visa applicant will get an appointment within a specific time.”
The latest figures indicate that demand for visitor visas remains high in major Indian cities, while student and employment-linked categories are moving faster. Applicants are advised to check official appointment systems regularly as timelines can change.
