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US visitor visa wait times have improved in India, bringing relief to travelers. Learn which cities offer quicker appointments, and where you can apply abroad for even faster visa processing.
For Indian citizens dreaming of visiting the United States for business or leisure, there’s a breath of fresh air. After a period of lengthy delays that stretched beyond imagination, the wait times for B1/B2 visitor visa appointments at US consulates across India have seen a significant and welcome reduction in recent months.
This positive development offers renewed hope to countless individuals eager to explore the vibrant landscapes and bustling cities of America.
Current Visa Wait Times in India
Currently, the average waiting period for a B1/B2 visa interview stands at approximately 140 days in Hyderabad, 151 days in Mumbai, and 156 days in New Delhi.
• Hyderabad: 140 days
• Mumbai: 151 days
• New Delhi: 156 days
• Chennai: 407 days
While most cities are seeing quicker appointments, Chennai continues to struggle with a wait time of over 13 months, the highest in the country.
This marks a considerable improvement from the peak of the backlog in 2022 and early 2023, when wait times had alarmingly soared past 800 days in some locations, leaving travel plans in disarray.
Why the Drop in Visa Wait Times?
The dramatic improvement is the result of several key steps taken by the US Embassy and its consulates:
• Increased staffing at visa sections
• Extended working hours and processing windows
• More interview slots opened each week
These changes are aimed at clearing the backlog caused by the post-pandemic travel surge that pushed some of the highest wait times in early 2023.
Why Chennai Has the Longest US Visa Wait Time?
Chennai remains an outlier due to exceptionally high demand and a slower pace of processing. With a 407-day wait time, it’s the least favourable city for scheduling an interview. Many applicants are now opting to apply in other Indian cities with shorter wait periods, even if it means travelling there.
Faster US Visa in Other Countries
For Indian applicants facing urgent travel needs and the continued long waits in Chennai and other Indian cities, exploring visa appointments in select foreign cities could be a viable alternative.
While it involves international travel and additional expenses, the significantly shorter waiting times in some locations might outweigh these factors for time-sensitive situations.
How to Speed Up Your US Visa Application
• Apply early: Don’t wait until the last minute, especially if you’re applying from Chennai.
• Be flexible: Choose consulates with shorter queues, including those in neighbouring countries.
• Stay updated: Regularly monitor the appointment portal for cancellations or new slots.
• Prepare thoroughly: Have all documents ready and filled out correctly to avoid delays.
US Visa Checklist for Applicants
Before heading to your appointment, make sure you carry:
• Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity beyond intended stay)
• DS-160 confirmation page (printed)
• Visa fee payment receipt (printed)
• Supporting documents (bank statements, job letters, invitation letters, etc.)
• Biometrics appointment confirmation (if applicable)
Pro tip: Travel light and avoid carrying electronics, large bags, or restricted items like lighters and matchboxes.
Record-Breaking Year for US Visas in India
Last year, the US issued over one million visas in India, a new record. B1/B2 visas formed a major chunk of this, highlighting just how high demand remains. The embassy continues to urge applicants to apply early, stay flexible with the consulate’s location, and prepare carefully to avoid any hiccups.
Final Words
With visa wait times improving across India (except Chennai), Indian travellers now have better chances of getting their US visitor visa approved on time. For those on tighter schedules, international options like Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore offer a quicker route.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/us-visa-wait-times-drop-top-cities-fastest-appointments/
