Indian applicants planning travel to the United States for study, employment or tourism are experiencing notable changes in visa wait times, with several US consulates across the country reporting shorter delays. According to the latest data from the US State Department’s Global Visa Wait Times portal, appointment backlogs for student, work and visitor visas now vary widely by location but show meaningful improvement compared with previous months. Applicants are being encouraged to monitor the scheduling system frequently, as new appointment slots are released on a regular basis.
Major cities including New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata have reported updated timelines for different visa categories. Among them, New Delhi and Chennai have registered some of the most significant reductions. New Delhi now offers faster access for students and exchange visitors, with the next available appointment for F, M and J visas listed at approximately 0.5 months, a substantial decrease from earlier estimates of nearly two months. Work-related categories such as H, L, O, P and Q continue to show manageable delays, with New Delhi currently reporting an approximate one-month wait. Tourist and business travelers seeking B1/B2 visas face an average wait time of 3.5 months, reduced from the earlier 6.5-month timeline.
Chennai has also shown notable improvement, particularly for interview-required appointments. Although the average B1/B2 wait time is not listed, the next available appointment for the category has shifted to around 3 months, signaling progress from previous backlogs. Student and exchange visitor visas in Chennai currently reflect a wait time of two months, while work-related categories show availability at one month. By comparison, Hyderabad and Kolkata are reporting moderate timelines, with student visa appointments averaging between 2 and 2.5 months. Visitor visa applicants in both cities continue to face waits ranging from four to five months, although these figures remain subject to frequent updates.
Mumbai, meanwhile, continues to report some of the longest delays in the country, particularly for visitor visas. The average B1/B2 wait time stands at approximately 9.5 months, with next appointment availability matching that estimate. Student visa seekers in Mumbai currently face a timeline of about 3 months, while work-visa applicants are experiencing a one-month wait.
The State Department notes that its calculations use a uniform 30-day cycle and include weekends and holidays. Officials emphasize that the published wait times reflect past patterns and do not guarantee the actual date an applicant may secure. Because updated slots may appear unexpectedly, applicants are encouraged to check the appointment portal regularly for earlier options. These revised timelines demonstrate gradual progress as consulates continue working through high demand, particularly for student and visitor categories, ahead of peak travel seasons.
