In India, demand for U.S. visas remains high, particularly for tourism, business, education, and employment. Applicants for B-1 (business), B-2 (tourist), or combined B-1/B-2 visitor visas must attend an in-person interview unless eligible for a waiver. Interview scheduling depends on the location, staffing, and operational capacity of consular offices.
Recent data reveals substantial differences in visa appointment wait times across Indian cities and visa categories. Chennai has the longest delay for B1/B2 visa interviews, with an average wait of 11.5 months and the next available appointment set for 13.5 months. In contrast, applicants seeking F, M, or J visas (commonly for students and exchange visitors) have a relatively shorter wait of just 1.5 months. Petition-based visas such as H, L, O, P, and Q have an average wait time of 2 months, while crew and transit visas (C, D, C1/D) also require about 1.5 months.
Hyderabad provides a more favorable situation for B1/B2 applicants, with an average and next available wait time of 7.5 months. F, M, and J visa interviews are typically scheduled within 2 months, and petition-based visas are currently available after about 2.5 months. However, no data is currently available for crew and transit visa categories in this city.
In Kolkata, B1/B2 visa appointments are both averaging and available in 8 months. F, M, and J visa appointments are obtainable in about 2 months. There is no published data for petition-based or crew and transit visa categories in this region at this time.
Mumbai reflects similar patterns, with a B1/B2 visa wait of 7.5 months and the next available interview scheduled at 9.5 months. F, M, and J visa applicants face a 3-month wait, while crew and transit visa slots are generally available in 2 months. There is no current data available for petition-based categories.
New Delhi has a 9-month average and next available wait for B1/B2 visas. F, M, and J visa appointments can be booked within 2 months, and crew and transit visas require about 2.5 months. As with several other cities, data for petition-based categories has not been made available.
Overall, the longest delays for B1/B2 visas are seen in Chennai, whereas Hyderabad and Mumbai offer comparatively shorter wait times. F, M, and J categories maintain quicker processing times across all cities. Appointment availability for petition-based and crew/transit visas remains inconsistent and limited in several regions. These figures emphasize the importance of early planning and constant monitoring for those intending to travel to the United States. As appointment slot availability can fluctuate, applicants are encouraged to regularly check for new openings and plan well in advance, especially for business travel, academic programs, or family visits. Understanding the wait time dynamics across cities can significantly improve the chances of securing a timely visa appointment in 2025.
