The U.S. Department of State has recently updated visa wait time details for applicants worldwide, including India, for November 2025. The updated US visa wait times now include extra information about waiting times for non-immigrant visas, helping you better understand what to expect.
What’s New with Visa Wait Time Updates?
The department in the official release on global visa wait times said that visa wait times are now updated every month. Visa applicants can now see how long people waited last month and how soon they can expect an interview if they apply now.
| Average Wait Time | How long applicants waited to get an interview last month, measured from when they paid their fee. |
| Next Available Appointment | When can you expect to get the earliest possible interview today? |
This information mainly applies to B1/B2 (visitor visas), but there are also details for other visa types like F, M, J (students and exchange visitors), and petition-based visas (H, L, O, P, Q).
Current Wait Times in Major Indian Cities
US Visa Wait Times in New Delhi
The U.S. Embassy in Delhi is currently experiencing the longest waits, with visitor visa (B1/B2) appointments taking up to 11 months. The current wait time is much higher than last month’s average, which was around 6.5 months. However, student visa applicants are in luck as F, M, and J visa slots usually open much sooner, typically within 2 months.
US Visa Wait Times in Mumbai
The U.S. Consulate in Mumbai continue to face heavy demand. Due to this, both the average and current wait times for the B1/B2 visa sit at 11 months, among the highest in India. However, work visa applicants (H, L, O) usually get their interviews within a month, so the delays mainly impact tourist and business travellers.
US Visa Wait Times in Chennai
With the visa wait times of around 5 months, things are looking better at the U.S. Consulate in Chennai. Interview slots for student and work visas are much faster, typically 1 to 2 months. Which is one of the shortest in India.
US Visa Wait Times in Hyderabad
Hyderabad remains one of the fastest options for a visa interview. The current wait for visitor visas is about 4.5 months, and student visa interviews are available within 2 months. Crew visa applicants can often secure a slot in less than two weeks.
US Visa Wait Times in Kolkata
Kolkata’s U.S. Consulate has moderate wait times. Visitor visas take roughly 5.5 months, similar to Chennai, while student visas can be scheduled in about 2 months. Petition-based visa data isn’t listed, so applicants should check the official site for updates.
Summary of US Visa Wait Times in India
Here’s a quick summary of the latest U.S. visa wait times across major Indian cities. Delhi and Mumbai show the longest delays, while Chennai and Hyderabad offer faster interview slots.
| City/Post | B1/B2 Average Wait | B1/B2 Next Available | F, M, J Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | 6.5 months | 11 months | 2 months |
| Mumbai | 11 months | 11 months | 2 months |
| Chennai | 5 months | 5 months | 2 months |
| Hyderabad | 4.5 months | 4.5 months | 2 months |
| Kolkata | 5.5 months | 5.5 months | 2 months |
How Visa Wait Times Are Calculated
The U.S. calculates months in 30-day increments and half-months in 15-day increments, including weekends and holidays when embassies are closed.
There are two main columns in the wait time chart:
- Next available appointment: The soonest possible interview date.
- Average wait time: How long applicants waited from fee payment to interview in the last month.
It is worth noting that these two numbers can be different. For example, if new slots are added, someone might get an appointment sooner than the average suggests.
US Visa Interview Waivers
Some applicants may not need an in-person interview to get their visa. U.S. embassies and consulates can skip interviews for certain renewals or low-risk cases. These waived cases that skip interviews don’t count in the wait time data, so applicants should check each consulate’s official website to see if they qualify.
What This Means for Travellers
If you plan to apply for a U.S. visitor visa (B1/B2), expect different wait times based on the city. Some consulates, like Hyderabad, process applications faster. Meanwhile, Mumbai has longer queues.
The best approach is to book early and check frequently for earlier openings. Visit your embassy’s website for any interview waiver options that could save you months of waiting.
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