The wait time for Indians wanting to visit the United States has reached unprecedented lengths, with applicants in Kolkata facing a staggering 500-day delay for B1/B2 visas. The situation isn’t much better in Chennai, where the wait is around 486 days, followed by Mumbai at 427 days and Delhi at 432 days. In Hyderabad, the delay stands at 435 days, leaving many frustrated and anxious about their travel plans.
These lengthy delays continue despite efforts from the US government to reduce the backlog of visa applications. The US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs states that the estimated time to secure a non-immigrant visa interview can change weekly, depending on the current workload and staffing levels.
The B1 visa is primarily for individuals traveling for business, while the B2 visa caters to those visiting for tourism, family visits, medical treatment, or social events without accepting payment. Often, the B1 and B2 visas are issued together, allowing travelers to mix business with leisure during their time in the US.
In 2023, the US Consular Team in India processed an impressive 1.4 million visas, substantially decreasing visitor visa appointment wait times by 75%, as stated by the US Embassy and Consulates in India. This surge in applications saw a 60% increase compared to the previous year across all visa categories.
On a brighter note, those applying for Interview Waiver Visitor visas can enjoy significantly shorter waiting periods. In Delhi, applicants may wait as little as 14 days, while Kolkata offers a slightly quicker 13-day waiting time, according to reports from the Economic Times.
Recently, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced plans to add one million more visa appointment slots next year. This initiative aims to meet the rising travel demands as the US prepares for major international events, including the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Olympics in 2028.
