Significant Decrease in US Visa Wait Times Excites Indian Travelers

The wait times for US visa appointments in India have significantly decreased, bringing relief to students, tourists, and business travelers. According to recent data from the US Department of State, appointment backlogs for student (F-1), exchange visitor (M and J), and tourist/business (B-1/B-2) visa categories have sharply dropped across key Indian cities.

As of early December 2025, the waiting period for F, M, and J visa categories in New Delhi reduced to about 4 weeks, down from over 2 months earlier. Tourist and business visa wait times have improved across major cities as well. Chennai now shows “N/A” status for B-1/B-2 appointments, indicating a notable improvement, while Kolkata’s wait time dropped to around 4.5 months from the previous 6-7 months. In Mumbai, though wait times remain longer, they have decreased to 9.5 months for B-1/B-2 and about 3 months for student visas.

For work visas like H-1B and L-1, the wait time in Delhi remains at 31.5 and 35.5 weeks respectively, while Mumbai lists 24 weeks for both categories. Visa experts credit the reduction in delays to increased appointment slots, better staffing, and streamlined consular operations.

Officials clarify that the “average wait time” reflects the time from visa fee payment to the interview scheduling in the previous month. Actual waiting times may vary, and applicants are encouraged to frequently check for updated slots on official platforms.

US visa, India, appointment wait time, student visa, tourist visa