US Visa Wait Times Show Mixed Picture Across Indian Cities
The United States Department of State released updated global visa wait time data on January 14, 2026. This information provides crucial insights for Indian applicants planning to travel to America. The data reveals a complex landscape where some cities offer quicker interview appointments while others continue to experience significant delays.
Visitor Visa Wait Times Vary Widely
For visitor visas under the B1 and B2 categories, applicants face different waiting periods depending on their location. Hyderabad and Kolkata currently show an average wait time of approximately two and a half months. However, the next available interview appointment in these cities is roughly four months away.
Chennai presents a slightly better situation with an average wait of about one and a half months. The data did not include specific details about the next available appointment date for Chennai.
Mumbai continues to struggle with longer delays. While the average wait time matches Hyderabad and Kolkata at two and a half months, the next available interview slot is nearly seven months away. New Delhi shows an average wait of around two months, but applicants might need to wait up to eight months for their interview appointment.
Student Visas Move Faster in Most Locations
The situation improves significantly for student visas in the F, M, and J categories. Hyderabad and Kolkata both show next available appointments in about two months. Mumbai reports a wait of approximately three months for student visa interviews.
New Delhi offers the quickest access for student visa applicants. The capital city provides interview slots available in about one month, making it the fastest option for students planning to study in the United States.
Employment-Based Visa Availability Differs
Employment-based visas including H, L, O, P, and Q categories also show varying wait times across cities. Hyderabad indicates next available appointments in around two and a half months. Mumbai presents a much shorter wait of about one month for these visa types.
New Delhi has not listed availability for employment-based visas in the current data release. This omission suggests limited or irregular scheduling for these categories in the capital.
Overall Implications for Indian Applicants
The updated wait time data highlights important regional differences for Indian visa seekers. While some cities like Hyderabad and Kolkata show relatively faster processing for certain visa types, others like Mumbai and Delhi face extended delays particularly for visitor visas.
Applicants should carefully consider their specific visa category and preferred consulate location when planning their US travel. The data underscores the importance of early application submission, especially for those facing longer wait times in certain cities.
The Trump administration originally released this wait time tracking system to provide transparency in the visa application process. The current data continues this tradition, offering valuable information for thousands of Indian citizens planning trips to the United States for tourism, education, or employment purposes.
