Where to Get a US Visa Appointment Faster in 2025: Wait Times by Country

If you’re planning a trip to the United States in 2025, here’s the thing: securing a visa appointment isn’t just a step in the process; it’s the step that can either smooth your journey or derail your plans entirely.

The US State Department has shared fresh data on nonimmigrant visa wait times worldwide and updated how interviews and appointments work. Long waits remain a reality in many cities, but there are ways to beat the backlog if you know where to look and how to act fast.

Let’s break it down.

US Global Visa Appointment Wait Times

As of July 29, 2025, the US government has begun publishing monthly updates on two key metrics:

• Next Available Appointment: Predicts the soonest date you can book an interview.
• Average Wait Time (B1/B2 only): Measures how long applicants waited from fee payment to interview last month.

These updates are location-specific and include weekend and holiday delays. But remember, these aren’t guarantees. New slots are released regularly, and if you’re quick enough, you can grab an earlier one.

Visa Wait Times by Region: 2025 Key Highlights

US Visa Wait Times In Africa

If you’re departing from Africa, expect significant differences by country and post:

• Nigeria (Abuja): Typical B1/B2 wait is around 9.5 months (next slot in 7 months). F/M/J and other work or crew categories usually last 2-3 months.
• Ghana (Accra): B1/B2 visas take about 7 months for both average and next available. Study visas are slightly quicker at 6 months.
• Kenya (Nairobi): Business and tourist visa wait is short—often immediate. Employment and student categories also move quickly.
• Morocco (Casablanca): About 6-6.5 months for a B1/B2 appointment, with F/M/J at just 1 month.
• Uganda (Kampala): Longest waits in the region, with B1/B2 averages at 9.5 months (next slot in 12 months).

Tip: Slots for work and study visas can sometimes be much quicker than for tourists—if your plans allow, check all categories when applying.

US Visa Wait Times In Asia

India’s major cities vary widely for wait times:

• Chennai: B1/B2 average 8.5 months; next slot in 5 months.
• Kolkata: 6 months average to get in for B1/B2.
• Hyderabad: One of India’s fastest, at just 3 months average wait.
• Mumbai, New Delhi: Range from 3 to 4.5 months average, but always check for sudden cancellations.

Elsewhere in Asia:

• Dhaka (Bangladesh): B1/B2 wait averages 6 months, with the next interview stretching out to 10.5 months.
• Islamabad (Pakistan): One of the region’s slowest at 11 months average, but F/M/J visas are far quicker.
• Thailand and Singapore: B1/B2 applicants in Bangkok can typically get appointments in 2 months.

Tip for Asia: If you’re travelling for study or on an official program, you may have a significantly shorter wait than business or tourist visa applicants.

US Visa Wait Times In Europe

Europe generally offers faster turnaround for US visa interviews:

• Germany: Most posts have waits of 1 month or less for all categories.
• France (Paris): B1/B2 interviews take about 6 months on average.
• Italy and Spain: Consulates in Rome, Milan, Madrid, and Florence typically offer 1-2 month turnaround for first appointments.
• UK (London): B1/B2 slots are about 2 months out; similar story for F/M/J waits.

US Visa Wait Times In North America

Canada and Mexico see some of the world’s longest delays:

• Canada: Toronto and Calgary are among the slowest globally, 17.5 and 24 months for B1/B2 interviews, respectively. Ottawa and Vancouver run between 9 and 10 months.
• Mexico: B1/B2 wait times range widely, with Tijuana at 18.5 months, while Mexico City averages 11 months.
• Caribbean: Most posts have immediate or very short wait times (0-2 months) for almost all visa types, making them a possible alternative if travel allows.

US Visa Wait Times In South America

• Argentina (Buenos Aires): Current B1/B2 interviews can be snagged within 1 month.
• Brazil: Sao Paulo’s wait has risen to 3 months, but some posts are faster.
• Colombia (Bogota): Averages jump to 10.5 months, with Ecuador’s Quito even longer at 12.5 months.

US Visa Wait Times In Oceania

• Australia: Major cities like Melbourne and Sydney clock B1/B2 waits from 3.5 to 7 months, with Perth a bit faster.
• New Zealand (Auckland): Shorter waits—about 2 months for business/tourist visas.

You can check real-time wait times for every US embassy or consulate here: US Global Visa Wait Times Tool.

Also Read: US to End Most Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waivers from September 2025

How to Get a US Visa Appointment Faster in 2025

The process can be maddening, bookings vanish in seconds, and rules keep shifting. But with the right strategy, you can cut down the wait and stress. Here’s a smart, practical guide:

1. Book Early, Even If the Slot Is Months Away

Once you’ve paid the visa fee and submitted your DS-160, book the first available appointment. This locks you into the system and opens the door to future rescheduling, interview waivers, or even expedited requests.

2. Use the Interview Waiver (Dropbox) If You Qualify

In early 2025, the US expanded its dropbox eligibility. If you’re renewing a visa (within 12-48 months, depending on category) or fall under certain classifications like H-2 workers or diplomats, you might skip the interview altogether. These dropbox slots often have shorter waits, just a few weeks.

3. Monitor for Cancellations Multiple Times a Day

Appointment slots are released and cancelled all the time. Check the system 2–4 times daily, including off-hours like midnight or early morning. But don’t go overboard, too many refreshes can freeze your account for 24 hours.

4. Be Flexible With Your Consulate Location

This is the most overlooked trick. Wait times vary by city. For instance, in June 2025:

• Kolkata: ~6 months
• Delhi: ~8 months
• Mumbai: ~9.5 months

If you’re willing to travel, apply at the consulate with the shortest queue. It’s completely legal and widely practised.

5. Submit an Expedited Request for Valid Reasons

Have an urgent situation? Think medical needs, university deadlines, ESTA denial, or a family funeral. First, book any slot, then apply for expedited processing through the embassy portal. Approval isn’t guaranteed, but strong documentation helps.

6. Follow Embassy Announcements

Before peak seasons, like the start of the academic year, embassies often release thousands of new appointments. For example, India saw a massive student slot drop in May 2025. Bookmark your embassy’s site and monitor updates weekly.

7. Use Tools and Technology (Carefully)

Browser extensions that auto-refresh the USTravelDocs calendar can be lifesavers. Some use Telegram bots or follow visa forums to get real-time alerts. Just steer clear of shady agents—many overpromise and can lock your account or scam you.

8. Prepare Your Documents Before the Rush

It’s easy to forget the basics in all the appointment stress. Get your documents in order:

• DS-160 confirmation
• Valid passport
• Visa fee receipt
• Supporting documents like invitation letters, university admission proof, or medical letters

Make sure you’re applying under the correct visa category (e.g., B1/B2, F1, J1) and check for any interview waiver criteria in advance.

Final Thought

Getting a US visa in 2025 isn’t exactly a cakewalk, but it’s not impossible either. The embassies are working to reduce wait times. But your best shot lies in being prepared, informed, and just a little bit obsessive with your refresh button.