If you are planning to visit the US or go for business, you may have to wait a long time for a visa appointment. According to US State Department data, the next appointment for an interview for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at some US consulates in India is approximately 12 months later.

Longest wait in Hyderabad

According to the information, the next available appointment for B-1/B-2 visa in Hyderabad was after 12 months. The average waiting time here is said to be 11.5 months. This means that those preparing to move to the US may have to wait almost a year for an interview slot.

The average wait time for a B-1/B-2 visa in Mumbai is 11 months, while the next available appointment is approximately 11.5 months later. The average waiting time in New Delhi is 7.5 months, but the next available slot is said to be around 10 months later.

Chennai has the shortest waiting time among these four major hubs. The average wait time for a B-1/B-2 visa here was 7 months and the next available appointment was about 7.5 months later.

What changed compared to August?

The September data also shows changes in waiting times at some centres. The average wait time for B-1/B-2 visas in Mumbai has dropped from 14 months in August to 11 months in September. While in Hyderabad it has increased from 9.5 months to 11.5 months.

The average waiting time in New Delhi was 7.5 months. The next available appointment was in Mumbai after 11.5 months and in Hyderabad after 12 months. The next slot in New Delhi is said to be around 10 months later.

Better status for student visa

Appointment availability is better for F, M and J visa categories compared to B-1/B-2 visas. The next appointment for this visa in Chennai was available in less than half a month. Had to wait around 2 months in New Delhi, 1.5 months in Hyderabad and 2.5 months in Mumbai.

There are different waiting times for job related H, L, O, P and Q visas as per the Centre. Subsequent appointments were available in Chennai and Mumbai after about 1.5 months, in New Delhi after 3 months and in Hyderabad after 5.5 months.

Is there a 12 month wait?

Not necessarily. According to the US State Department, published wait times are estimates and do not guarantee that applicants will have to wait that long. Department releases new appointment slots from time to time. Those who already have an appointment can change their appointment if an earlier date is available in the system.

Apart from this some eligible applicants may also be exempted from interview. Such applications are not included in the published waiting time. Therefore, Indian applicants planning to travel to the US must check the latest information on the website of the respective US Embassy or Consulate before applying.