Indian applicants for B1/B2 US visas face long wait times for interviews. New Delhi is now facing a 12-month delay, a significant increase compared to the previous 6-month delay. Chennai saw a sharp improvement, and the United States has completed the third country's visa applications, forcing applicants to search their home country. This policy change is expected to further increase waiting times for many people.
Indian applicants for US B1/B2 business and tourist visas face longer waiting times for interview appointments, according to the latest data from the State Department, updated in September 2025. The average waiting period varies from 2.5 months in Chennai to 5.5 months in Mumbai and Kolkata, with the longest waiting time for a follow-up agreement now at 12 months.
Chennai has seen a sharp improvement, with the average waiting time decreasing from 8.5 months in August to 2.5 months in September. Hyderabad remains stable after 3 months, while Mumbai and Kolkata see little change. However, applicants from New Delhi are now facing significantly longer delays than they did in August, which raises concerns for those planning an immediate journey.
Average wait time indicates how long applicants typically waited from the time they paid the visa fee until the date of their interview. This measure is based on historical data from the previous month. Since it is an average, some applicants may have experienced waits that were shorter or longer than this. It provides a general idea of processing speed, but does not guarantee when an individual application will receive an appointment.
The next available appointment refers to the earliest interview date currently available for scheduling at a particular US embassy or consulate. This date is subject to change frequently as new time slots are released. Applicants who have already planned their interviews can check the system regularly and move their appointments to an earlier slot once one becomes available.
Applicants are encouraged to regularly monitor appointment systems, as embassies frequently release additional slots. Planning for a previous date can reduce the waiting times without the need to travel abroad. For those who apply for faster interviews, US posts nearby, such as those in the Gulf and Southeast Asia, previously offered rapid alternatives. Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha and Singapore showed availability within a month or less. However, the United States has ended the practice of applying for a non-immigrant visa in third countries. Most applicants must now use their country of nationality or legal residence if it is a requirement intended to prevent visa shopping.
Existing appointments made before the rule change are likely ot be honoured, but any new appointments must be scheduled in the applicant's home country.
This policy is expected to significantly increase waiting times for applicants who have previously used land positions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to update the waiting time information on a monthly basis and recommends that applicants check the embassy's website for details on planning, restructuring, and possible waivers for an interview.
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