Non-immigrant visa applicants, including those applying for B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism), or B-1/B-2 combination visas, are generally required to schedule and attend an in-person interview unless they qualify for an interview waiver. The waiting period for interviews varies by location and is influenced by factors such as the staffing levels and workload at each consulate.
According to the U.S. Department of State, information is now available on the average wait time applicants experienced in the previous month, along with the estimated time until the next available interview appointment for visitor visas.
The U.S. Embassy in India and the consulates in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad release new appointment slots regularly. Below is the wait time data:
In Chennai, the average wait time for B1/B2 interviews is 11.5 months, with the next available appointment in 13.5 months. For F, M, and J visas, the next appointment is in 1.5 months. Petition-based H, L, O, P, and Q visas have a wait time of 2 months, and crew/transit visas (C, D, C1/D) are at 1.5 months.
In Hyderabad, the average B1/B2 wait time is 7.5 months, and the next available appointment is also in 7.5 months. For F, M, and J visas, the wait is 2 months. Petition-based categories have a wait time of 2.5 months. Crew and transit visa data is not available.
In Kolkata, the wait time for B1/B2 visas is 8 months, with the next available appointment also in 8 months. F, M, and J visa appointments are available in 2 months. There is no data available for petition-based or crew/transit visa categories.
In Mumbai, the average B1/B2 wait time is 7.5 months, with the next available appointment in 9.5 months. For F, M, and J visas, the wait time is 3 months. No data is available for petition-based categories, while crew/transit visas are available in 2 months.
In New Delhi, the average wait for B1/B2 visas is 9 months, and the next available appointment is also in 9 months. F, M, and J visa applicants can expect appointments in 2 months, and crew/transit visa appointments in 2.5 months. Petition-based visa data is not available.
Applicants who have already scheduled an interview are advised to check the scheduling system frequently, as earlier slots may become available. The average wait times are based on the time between fee payment and interview date from the previous month. These estimates serve as general guidance and do not guarantee specific timelines for individual cases.
New appointments are added on a regular basis, which can result in applicants securing earlier slots. Rescheduling is allowed, but eligibility for a visa is determined by individual circumstances, including the applicant’s ties to their home country and the documentation they provide. Consular officers evaluate each case independently and may deny a visa if there is insufficient evidence of strong ties to India.
Wait time estimates are updated monthly and are calculated over 30- and 15-day periods, including weekends and holidays. Timelines for interview waivers are different and not included in the general wait time figures.
