US Visa Wait Times for Indians Significantly Reduced, Latest F-1 and B-1/B-2 Updates

Amid ongoing concerns over long visa wait times, Indian applicants seeking US visas now have a reason to be optimistic. Several Indian cities, including New Delhi and Chennai, have seen noticeable decreases in waiting periods for various visa categories. This comes as a relief for many hoping to study, work, or visit the United States.

According to the US State Department, New Delhi now offers significantly shorter wait times for F, M, and J category visas, dropping from two months to just half a month. B-1/B-2 (visitor) visa interview wait times in the capital also saw a sharp reduction—from 6.5 months to 3.5 months.

Chennai has reported that interview-required visas now have a wait period of three months, compared to the previous five. However, the city currently shows “N/A” for B-1/B-2 appointments, indicating slot unavailability or updates pending.

In Hyderabad, B-1/B-2 visa applicants face an average waiting time of four months, with the next available appointment set in five months. Student and exchange visa applicants (F, M, J) in Hyderabad wait approximately 2.5 months on average, while work-related visa categories (H, L, O, P, Q) take around two months.

Meanwhile, global cities continue to show lengthy delays. Toronto, San Jose, Lagos, Merida, and Ottawa report B-1/B-2 interview wait times ranging from 11 to 16.5 months.

Visa wait times are measured in 30-day (1 month) and 15-day (0.5 month) increments and include weekends and holidays. Applicants can regularly check the appointment system to find earlier slots even after booking, potentially reducing their wait time.

It’s important to understand that average wait times reflect the time from fee payment to the interview date over the past month and may differ from the next available appointment.

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