Planning a US Visa? Wait Time Now Exceeds 1 Year for Indians — Here’s Why

Indian applicants seeking US B1/B2 visas are facing unprecedented delays, with appointment wait times stretching from 7.5 months to over 13 months across major consular cities. This extended timeline is creating widespread disruption in travel schedules, particularly for family functions, business events, and urgent personal requirements.

Chennai currently records the longest wait, with appointments unavailable for up to 13.5 months. Applicants in Delhi and Mumbai also face delays of over 9 months, while Hyderabad is not far behind.

Personal Plans Put on Hold

The human cost of these delays is significant. A homemaker from Hyderabad shared her frustration, saying her visa appointment was available only months after her niece’s wedding in New York. Similarly, business travellers have found themselves unable to attend critical international meetings and conferences, as appointment uncertainty hampers their ability to make firm plans.

The process has become a waiting game, with applicants checking appointment portals daily, often without progress. For many, the lack of a transparent and structured scheduling mechanism only compounds the difficulty.

Read More: H1-B Visa Applications Drop by 26.9% in FY26, Still Cross 3.4 Lakh Mark. 

Priority Slots Reserved for Student Visas

While general applicants struggle, student visa applicants are being given preference during the summer rush. According to Faheem Sheikh, Chairman of the Travel Agents Federation of India (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), most of the limited priority slots are allocated to F1 student applicants preparing to start their academic sessions in the United States.

Emergency visa requests are also subject to availability and are granted only under exceptional circumstances. Even then, families dealing with genuine emergencies often find it difficult to secure timely interviews due to the scarcity of expedited appointments.

Broader Impact on Travel and Business

The extended wait times are not just a personal inconvenience but also carry broader implications. Travel companies are advising clients to apply well in advance and stay alert for rare slot openings. However, even with early applications, many are left in limbo.

On the economic front, prolonged visa delays could impact the flow of Indian tourists and professionals to the United States. Indian travellers represent a significant portion of US-bound tourism and business exchange. If visa inefficiencies persist, travellers may start considering alternative destinations with more efficient processes.

Conclusion 

These ongoing challenges highlight the need for greater appointment availability and a more predictable scheduling system to accommodate the rising demand from Indian applicants.

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