Getting a US visa has always been difficult, but 2025 has introduced new challenges. High demand and limited slots, along with varying processing speeds at different consulates, mean that applicants are waiting months just for an interview. The wait times can differ significantly depending on where you apply.
How the US Tracks Visa Wait Times
To help travellers plan ahead, the U.S. Department of State updates Global Visa Wait Times monthly. These numbers are estimates, not guarantees. They are based on 30-day periods, with half months counted as 15 days, and they include weekends and holidays when embassies are closed.
The good news is that visa wait times can sometimes be shorter in reality. Consulates release new slots on a rolling basis. Persistent applicants who check the system often find a way to reschedule earlier appointments.
It’s also worth noting:
- B1/B2 wait times are published only when the delay exceeds three months.
- Some applicants may qualify for interview waivers, which aren’t reflected in the charts.
- Each embassy or consulate website remains the most reliable source for eligibility and scheduling details.
In short, the waitlist shifts constantly, and your best chance is to monitor the system closely.
US Visa Wait Times in India – September 2025
Chennai
Chennai is currently the most challenging place for visitor visas, with wait times nearing a year. For anyone travelling for leisure or business, this is the slowest consulate in India.
- B1/B2 (Tourist/Business): 9 months
- F/M/J (Students & Exchange): 2 months
- Petition-Based (H, L, O, P, Q): 2 months
- Crew & Transit (C/D): 1 month
Hyderabad
Hyderabad is one of the fastest choices for visitor visas. Applicants from southern India often choose it if they’re okay with travelling for the appointment.
- B1/B2: 3.5 months
- F/M/J: 2 months
- Petition-Based: 3 months
- Crew & Transit: 0 months
Mumbai
Mumbai sits in the middle range. It is not as fast as Hyderabad, but it is much better than Chennai. This makes it the natural choice for applicants from western India.
- B1/B2: 4 months
- F/M/J: 2 months
- Petition-Based: 1 Month
- Crew & Transit: 1 Month
New Delhi
The US Embassy in Delhi manages one of the highest numbers of applications, and it’s evident. However, the capital provides faster processing for visitor visas, taking less than four months, compared to Chennai.
- B1/B2: 5 Months
- F/M/J: NA
- Petition-Based: NA
- Crew & Transit: 0 Months
Kolkata
Kolkata is facing delays for visitor visas that exceed five months. However, for students, the processing time is similar to that of other cities.
- B1/B2: 5.5 months
- F/M/J: 2 months
- Petition-Based: NA
- Crew & Transit: NA
New Guidance on Where to Apply
The US now requires most nonimmigrant visa applicants to apply in their country of residence or nationality. This means interviews are largely restricted to the country where you live. Nationals without local services must use designated embassies, facing stricter rules on fees, proof of residence, and longer waits.
The Takeaway for Applicants
- B1/B2 applicants face the longest waits, anywhere from 3.5 months in Hyderabad to 9 months in Chennai.
- Students and petition-based visas are more stable, averaging around two months nationwide.
- Flexibility helps. If you can choose where to apply, Hyderabad currently offers the fastest appointments.
What this really means is that anyone planning US travel in 2025 should build extra time into their plans. Checking the system regularly and rescheduling when new slots open could save you weeks, sometimes months.
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