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US Visa Waits in India Vary Sharply by City and Category

A January 14 State Department update shows sharp city-by-city disparities, complicating visa planning for Indian applicants.

Overview

  • New Delhi shows the longest delays for visitor visas, with an average wait near two months and the next available interview up to eight months away.
  • Mumbai has the shortest employment-visa waits at roughly one month, while visitor slots average about 2.5 months with the next availability nearly seven months out.
  • Student visas are generally faster, with New Delhi offering interviews in about one month and Mumbai around three months.
  • Hyderabad and Kolkata post quicker timelines for visitors, averaging about 2.5 months with next appointments in roughly four months, and student visa slots in about two months.
  • Chennai reports one of the shortest average waits for visitor visas at about 1.5 months, yet the next available appointment date is not listed, adding uncertainty.