US Visa Wait Times Plummet for Indian Applicants in Major Cities

Wait times for US visas have significantly decreased in key Indian cities, providing a welcome update for applicants amid ongoing processing challenges. The latest figures from the US State Department indicate that in New Delhi, the wait for F, M, and J visa appointments has dropped from two months to just half a month. This represents a substantial improvement for students and exchange visitors looking to secure their visas.

In addition to New Delhi, other major cities such as Chennai and Kolkata are also experiencing shorter wait times for various visa categories. For example, the average wait for B-1/B-2 interview appointments in Chennai has shifted from five months to a status of “N/A,” while Kolkata’s wait time for the same category stands at four and a half months.

Current Visa Appointment Wait Times Across India

According to the latest report, New Delhi is seeing a notable reduction in wait times for several visa categories. The specific averages are as follows:

– **F, M, J visas**: 0.5 months
– **B-1/B-2 visas**: Reduced from 6.5 months to 3.5 months

In Chennai, the situation is even more promising, with the B-1/B-2 appointments now categorized as “N/A,” indicating no current wait time. The average wait time for B-1/B-2 interviews in Kolkata is currently 4.5 months, while in Mumbai, applicants face a wait of 9.5 months for the same visa category.

Other cities also report varied wait times:

– **Hyderabad**: Average wait for B-1/B-2 is 5 months, with F, M, J visas at 2.5 months.
– **Kolkata**: B-1/B-2 average wait time is 4.5 months.
– **Mumbai**: B-1/B-2 average wait time is 9.5 months.

In comparison, globally, cities like Toronto and San Jose still face significant delays, with wait times exceeding a year for B-1/B-2 visas.

Understanding Visa Appointment Availability

The US State Department calculates wait times based on the average duration individuals experienced from paying their visa fees to their interview date over the preceding month. This process includes consideration for holidays and weekends when US embassies are closed.

New appointments are added regularly, which may allow applicants to secure an earlier appointment than expected. After booking, individuals can utilize the appointment scheduling system to check for earlier openings if they arise.

It’s essential to note that the “average wait time” represents the typical duration for appointments and may differ from the next available appointment. The State Department frequently updates these figures, offering applicants the potential to reschedule their appointments to earlier dates, thereby potentially reducing their waiting times.

As the situation continues to evolve, these improvements in visa processing times are a positive sign for many Indian applicants navigating the complexities of US immigration. The reduction in wait times for critical visa categories is a crucial development for students, tourists, and business travelers alike.