Visitor visa appointment wait times at US consulates in India have reduced significantly in recent months, offering relief to thousands of Indian applicants. The current wait times for B1/B2 visa interviews are now 140 days in Hyderabad, 151 days in Mumbai, and 156 days in New Delhi. However, Chennai continues to face a substantial delay, with a wait period of 407 days—the highest among all consular locations in the country.
The B1/B2 visa is used by Indian travelers visiting the United States for short-term business or tourism. These visas are among the most sought-after, and demand surged after the resumption of international travel post-pandemic. At the height of the backlog in 2022 and early 2023, wait times had crossed 800 days in some cities.
The recent decline in wait times follows operational changes made by the US embassy and its consulates. These include increased staffing, expanded processing windows, and improved appointment availability. The changes were introduced to address the severe backlog that had disrupted travel plans for both tourists and business visitors.
Despite the nationwide improvement, Chennai remains an exception. With an appointment delay of over 13 months, applicants in the city continue to wait longer than those applying elsewhere. Many travelers are now opting to schedule appointments in cities with shorter queues to avoid extended delays.
While wait times have come down, the visa process continues to involve detailed scrutiny. Consular officers are closely reviewing applications to verify purpose of visit, financial stability, and strong ties to the home country. This applies especially to first-time applicants or those with limited travel history.
In 2023, the US issued over one million visas in India—the highest annual number on record. B1/B2 visas accounted for a large portion of this total. The embassy has advised prospective travelers to apply early, remain flexible with consulate location, and prepare thorough documentation to support their application.
The B1/B2 visa is used by Indian travelers visiting the United States for short-term business or tourism. These visas are among the most sought-after, and demand surged after the resumption of international travel post-pandemic. At the height of the backlog in 2022 and early 2023, wait times had crossed 800 days in some cities.
The recent decline in wait times follows operational changes made by the US embassy and its consulates. These include increased staffing, expanded processing windows, and improved appointment availability. The changes were introduced to address the severe backlog that had disrupted travel plans for both tourists and business visitors.
Despite the nationwide improvement, Chennai remains an exception. With an appointment delay of over 13 months, applicants in the city continue to wait longer than those applying elsewhere. Many travelers are now opting to schedule appointments in cities with shorter queues to avoid extended delays.
While wait times have come down, the visa process continues to involve detailed scrutiny. Consular officers are closely reviewing applications to verify purpose of visit, financial stability, and strong ties to the home country. This applies especially to first-time applicants or those with limited travel history.
In 2023, the US issued over one million visas in India—the highest annual number on record. B1/B2 visas accounted for a large portion of this total. The embassy has advised prospective travelers to apply early, remain flexible with consulate location, and prepare thorough documentation to support their application.
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