Indian travellers grappling with prolonged US visa delays have finally received a wave of positive updates. Official data from the U.S. Department of State reveals significant shifts in appointment availability across major Indian consular posts, bringing relief to many, especially students, while some categories continue to pose challenges.
Dramatic Improvements in New Delhi Lead the Way
The most encouraging news comes from the capital, New Delhi. The wait time for F (student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor) visas has seen a steep fall from 2 months to just 15 days (0.5 months). This sharp reduction is a major boon for students facing strict university reporting deadlines for the upcoming academic sessions.
New Delhi has also recorded progress for B-1/B-2 (business and tourist) visa applicants. The waiting period for this category has been halved, improving from 6.5 months to 3.5 months. The State Department clarifies that these figures represent the next available appointment date, not the average processing time for all applications.
Mixed Signals from Chennai and Other Metros
Chennai's consulate has presented a notable change. The wait time for B-1/B-2 visas, which was around five months, now shows as "N/A" (Not Available) on the official portal. This status typically indicates that appointment slots are under review or being recalibrated, not that services are suspended.
For other interview-required visas like H, L, O, P, and Q in Chennai, wait times have improved to three months from five. However, other cities show a varied picture. Mumbai continues to have one of the longest waits for B-1/B-2 visas at nearly 9.5 months, followed by Hyderabad at around 5 months. Kolkata maintains moderate wait times, with student visas stabilising at approximately 2.5 months.
What This Means for Applicants and Next Steps
The overall reduction is significant for India, which remains a top source of US visa applicants worldwide. The drastic cut in student visa wait times facilitates last-minute travel plans aligned with academic calendars. Business travellers also benefit from shorter delays.
However, the persistently high wait times for tourist visas in cities like Mumbai highlight ongoing demand pressures. The State Department reminds applicants that appointment availability is dynamic, with new slots added regularly. They advise:
- Frequently check the official Global Visa Wait Times website even after booking an appointment.
- Earlier slots often open up due to cancellations or rescheduling.
- If you decline an earlier slot, your recorded wait time remains higher, as it is calculated from fee payment to interview attendance.
The department calculates wait times using 30-day intervals for "months" and includes weekends and holidays. The "next available appointment" shows the earliest bookable date, which can be sooner than the historical average if new slots have been released.
