US Visa Wait Times Show Stark Differences Across Indian Consulates
The latest global wait time data for American visa interviews reveals significant disparities between different consular locations in India. Released on January 14, 2026, these figures highlight how dramatically waiting periods can vary depending on where applicants choose to schedule their interviews.
Understanding the Data Points
The US Department of State provides two key metrics for each visa category:
- Average wait time: The typical number of days applicants wait before securing a visa interview slot
- Next possible appointment date: The earliest available interview date if scheduling today
These numbers help applicants gauge the backlog at specific consulates and plan their travel accordingly. However, it's important to note that actual appointment dates may differ since new slots open regularly.
New Delhi: Longest Visitor Visa Waits
The US Embassy in New Delhi currently shows some of the longest waiting periods for visitor visas (B1/B2 categories). Applicants face an average wait of about two months, with the next available interview slot potentially eight months away.
Interestingly, not all visa categories experience such delays in the capital. Student visas (F, M, and J types) move relatively faster, with next available dates appearing within one month. This makes New Delhi a quicker option for students planning US education.
Employment-based visas (H, L, O, P, and Q categories) currently show irregular scheduling patterns in Delhi.
Mumbai: Fastest for Work Visas
Mumbai presents a mixed picture for visa applicants. Visitor visa seekers wait approximately two and a half months on average, with next appointments about seven months out—slightly better than Delhi's eight-month estimate but still substantial.
Student visas take around three months in Mumbai, slower than Delhi but still reasonable. Where Mumbai truly excels is employment visas. Work categories show next available appointments in just one month, the shortest wait among Indian cities. This makes Mumbai particularly efficient for professionals heading to the US for employment.
Hyderabad: Balanced Processing Times
Hyderabad offers relatively steady timelines across visa categories. Visitor visas show average waits of two and a half months with next appointments in four months—better than both Delhi and Mumbai.
Student visa appointments become available in about two months, while employment categories show slots in approximately two and a half months. This balanced approach makes Hyderabad a strong option for various visa types.
Kolkata and Chennai: Different Patterns
Kolkata displays patterns similar to Hyderabad, with average waits around two and a half months and next interview dates approximately four months ahead. Student visas take about two months, though employment visa information appears less consistent in recent statistics.
Chennai shows one of the shortest average waits for visitor visas at just one and a half months. However, official data doesn't include next available slot information, suggesting possible dynamic scheduling. Student and employment visa details remain incomplete for this consulate.
Strategic Implications for Applicants
The dramatic differences between consulates highlight how location choice can significantly impact how quickly applicants secure interview slots. Those with flexibility might consider:
- Hyderabad or Mumbai for employment visas
- New Delhi or Hyderabad for student visas
Regularly checking appointment portals remains crucial since new slots open frequently and cancellations create opportunities for earlier dates. Planning according to travel urgency and available consulate options can help minimize waiting periods significantly.
