Stories
US Tourist Visa Wait Times Soar for Indian Travelers: Plan Your Trip Early!
- •Indian travelers face significantly longer wait times for US B1/B2 tourist visa appointments, stretching up to 12 months in Hyderabad.
- •Mumbai sees wait times of 11.5 months, New Delhi 10 months, Chennai 7.5 months, and Kolkata 6.5 months for B1/B2 visas.
- •Student and exchange visitor visa applicants (F, M, J categories) experience much shorter wait times, ranging from less than half a month to 2.5 months.
- •High demand for B1/B2 visas, covering holidays, family visits, and short-term business, is the primary reason for extended queues.
- •Applicants should plan their visa process well in advance and avoid booking non-refundable travel until their visa is secured, as earlier appointments are not guaranteed.
Key Questions Answered
Appointment wait times for a B1/B2 visitor visa vary across India's five consular posts, with Hyderabad facing the longest wait at around 12 months. Mumbai is listed at approximately 11.5 months, New Delhi at 10 months, Chennai at 7.5 months, and Kolkata has the shortest wait at about 6.5 months.
Yes, appointment availability is not fixed and can change as US consulates release additional slots. Applicants can continually check the appointment system and reschedule if an earlier date opens up, though an earlier slot is not guaranteed.
Student and exchange visitor applicants for F, M, and J visas experience considerably shorter appointment waits than B1/B2 tourist applicants. These student visa appointments are available in less than half a month in Chennai, about 1.5 months in Hyderabad, and two months in Kolkata and New Delhi.
