The U.S. Department of State’s Global Visa Wait Times page, updated September 17, 2026, shows B1/B2 visitor visa interview appointments stretching to 12 months at some Indian consular posts.
What Changed and Who Is Affected
You should plan around the update if you are an Indian passport holder applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa and have not yet interviewed. The figures cover the five U.S. consular posts in India: Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi.
B1/B2 visitor visas (business and tourism, including family visits) face the longest waits across all posts, according to the State Department figures as reported by Aviation A2Z.
| Post | B1/B2 next available | B1/B2 average | Student (F/M/J) next | Work (H/L/O/P/Q) next |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyderabad | 12 months | 11.5 months | 1.5 months | 5.5 months |
| Mumbai | 11.5 months | 11 months | 2.5 months | 1.5 months |
| New Delhi | 10 months | 7.5 months | 2 months | 3 months |
| Chennai | 7.5 months | 7 months | Under 0.5 month | 1.5 months |
| Kolkata | 6.5 months | 6 months | 2 months | 1 month |
These are estimates, not guarantees. The State Department updates figures monthly and releases additional appointment slots regularly, so applicants who already have an interview can sometimes move earlier by checking the scheduling system.
How to Apply and What to Avoid
Start with the official U.S. visa process, set out by the U.S. Embassy in India:
- Form: complete the DS-160 online application.
- Fee: pay the nonrefundable visa fee, US$185 for B1/B2 visas, according to the State Department’s fee notice.
- Appointments: create a profile at ustraveldocs.com and schedule both your Visa Application Center biometrics appointment and your embassy or consulate interview.
Because waits vary sharply by post, compare the five consulates when you book. Applicants can move to an earlier slot if one opens, so check the system after booking. For urgent travel, consular sections may approve expedited interview appointments; the U.S. Embassy says you must already have a confirmed interview date to request one through the online appointment system, and expedited slots are very limited.
Be cautious of third-party services that promise faster appointments for a fee. The U.S. Embassy in India says visa information on its website and the State Department’s is free and is “the only accurate source on which you should rely,” as it explains on its visa consultants page. Wego’s guide to fast-track US visa scams covers the official ways to speed things up.
What These Numbers Mean
The State Department separates “next-available appointment” from “average wait.” The first estimates when a new applicant could get an interview today; the second reflects how long applicants typically waited from fee payment to interview during the previous month, and is published when the next appointment is more than three months out. Because slots are added continuously, the two can differ, and either can shift from month to month.
The data excludes applicants qualifying for an interview waiver (for example, some B1/B2 renewals within 12 months of expiration for applicants aged 18+ at last issuance). Those applicants use a separate process through ustraveldocs.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an earlier appointment than the listed wait?
Yes, possibly. The State Department releases slots regularly and already-booked applicants can often move earlier through the appointment system. Check back after scheduling.
Do wait times apply to renewals?
Not always. If your previous B1/B2 visa is still valid or expired within the last 12 months and you were at least 18 at issuance, you may qualify for an interview waiver; the published wait times do not cover those submissions.
Is there a paid way to get an earlier interview?
From July 1 to December 31, 2026, the State Department is trialing a US$750 fee for an expedited B1/B2 interview within ten business days at selected posts, under its fee notice. The posts are listed on travel.state.gov; check whether your Indian post takes part before relying on it. Free expedited requests for urgent or humanitarian reasons remain available at all posts. See Wego’s guide to the US$750 premium interview fee.
Are the figures guaranteed?
No. The State Department says estimates do not guarantee an appointment within the stated period and that new slots are added regularly.
Can I book flights before my visa is approved?
It is safest not to buy nonrefundable tickets or hotels until you have the visa, because interview dates can move and administrative processing can add time beyond the interview.
Sources
- U.S. Department of State, Global Visa Wait Times
- Aviation A2Z, US Visa Delays Hit Indian Travelers as Visitor Appointments Reach 12 Months (September 25, 2026)
- Federal Register, Schedule of Fees for Consular Services (June 9, 2026)
- U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India, Visas
- U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India, Visa Consultants
Image: U.S. flag. Photo by Linda Rusinko on Pexels.
Disclaimer: We’ve worked hard to make sure the information in this article is as accurate and up to date as possible at the time of publishing. Travel details such as prices, schedules, visa rules, and entry requirements can change at short notice, so it remains your responsibility to verify the current details with official sources before you book or travel. Wego accepts no liability for any loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this content.
