For Indian travellers planning a trip to the United States, whether for business or leisure, the waiting game for a visa interview can vary widely depending on where you apply.
Recent data from the US Department of State’s Global Visa Wait Times portal shows just how different the experiences can be across Indian cities.
Currently, the US Consulate in Hyderabad offers the shortest wait, with B1/B2 visa applicants typically getting an interview in around 4.5 months.
On the other end of the spectrum, travellers applying through the Mumbai consulate may face a wait of up to 11 months. Other cities fall somewhere in between: New Delhi reports about 6.5 months, Chennai around 5 months, and Kolkata approximately 5.5 months.
What does the wait time actually stand for?
It is important to know that “average wait time” and “next available appointment” are two different indicators.
The average wait time is based on historical data, how long applicants typically waited from the time they paid the visa fee until their interview in the past month. This gives a sense of general trends but may not reflect sudden changes in demand.
The “next available appointment”, on the other hand, shows the earliest date currently open for scheduling. This is dynamic and changes frequently as new slots open or cancellations occur.
For applicants eager to book quickly, this is the most immediate way to gauge how soon an interview can happen.
Both metrics can help in planning, but travellers should treat the next available appointment as the real-time guide. The Department of State updates these statistics regularly, and they apply to applicants who do not qualify for an interview waiver.
Before scheduling, it is wise to check the official visa information page to see the latest wait times for your preferred consulate. Processing times can fluctuate depending on demand, so staying informed can save time and stress.
