The waiting time for a US visa for Indian applicants is up to 500 days! Which cities are at the top of the waiting list?

In Kolkata, the visa processing time for people wishing to travel to the US has increased tremendously. Waiting times for B1/B2 visas are now up to 500 days.

After Kolkata, the US Consulate in Chennai processes applications in up to 486 days, while waiting times in Mumbai and Delhi are 427 and 432 days, respectively. Hyderabad faces similar challenges with an estimated waiting time of 435 days. This increase in processing delays has frustrated many applicants.

These extended wait times remain despite the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to reduce the backlog. According to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, the estimated wait time for nonimmigrant visa interview appointments varies based on workload and staffing fluctuations, meaning wait times can change from week to week.

The B1 visa is for business travel, while the B2 visa is for leisure activities, including tourism and visits to friends or family, as well as medical treatment and participation in social events without payment. Typically, the B1 and B2 visas are issued together, allowing holders to pursue both business and personal activities during their stay in the United States.

According to the US Embassy and Consulates in India, the US consular team in India reached a notable milestone by processing 1.4 million visas in 2023, significantly contributing to a 75% increase in wait times for visitor visa appointments reduce. Demand for US visas has risen sharply in all categories, with application numbers increasing by 60% compared to the previous year.

However, there is a positive outlook for applicants who apply for a visitor visa without waiving an interview, as waiting times are currently significantly shorter. In Delhi, the waiting time for this category is just 14 days, and Kolkata offers an even faster response with a waiting time of just 13 days, reports the Economic Times.

In a recent statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced plans to increase the availability of visa appointments by an additional million slots next year. This initiative aims to meet increasing travel demand as the country prepares for major international events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.