Indian travellers planning a trip to the United States may need to prepare much earlier than expected. The latest figures from the US Department of State show that the US tourist visa wait time has increased at several American consulates across India, with Hyderabad and Mumbai recording the longest wait times.
The updated data, released on June 18, reflects growing demand for B1/B2 visitor visa appointments. As a result, many applicants could face waiting periods of several months before attending their visa interview.
Hyderabad and Mumbai Report the Longest Delays
Among all major US consulates in India, Hyderabad and Mumbai now have the highest average interview waiting period.
| US Consulate |
Average Interview Wait Time |
| Hyderabad | 9.5 months |
| Mumbai | 9.5 months |
| New Delhi | 7.5 months |
| Chennai | 5.5 months |
| Kolkata | 4 months |
The US tourist visa wait time in Hyderabad and Mumbai is among the longest reported worldwide for B1/B2 visitor visas.
Wait Times Rise Across Most Indian Consulates
The latest update shows longer queues at most visa processing centres in India. New Delhi applicants now wait an average of 7.5 months for an interview. Chennai follows with approximately 5.5 months. Kolkata is the only major consulate where the situation has improved slightly. The average waiting period has been reduced to four months, making it the fastest option among India’s major US consular posts.
How Are US Visa Wait Times Calculated?
The published timeline applies only to applicants who must attend a visa interview for a B1/B2 visitor visa. The waiting period starts after the visa application fee is paid and continues until the scheduled interview date. It does not include additional processing after the interview or the time required to return the passport once a decision is made. The US Department of State updates these estimates every month. The figures are average wait times and should not be treated as guaranteed appointment dates.
Can Applicants Get an Earlier Appointment?
Possibly. The US Department of State regularly releases additional interview slots. Applicants who already have an appointment are encouraged to check the scheduling system frequently. Earlier dates may become available if new slots are opened or cancellations occur. Rescheduling to an earlier appointment is possible whenever eligible slots are available.
Are These Wait Times Applicable to Everyone?
No. These estimates apply only to interview-required B1/B2 visitor visas, which are commonly issued for tourism and business travel. Some applicants may qualify for an interview waiver. Those cases follow a different processing timeline and are not included in the published interview wait estimates.
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