US Visa Types for Indian Applicants — F-1, B-1/B-2, H-1B, L-1
Application guides and current interview wait times for all 4 US visa categories at Indian consulates. Scheduled twice-weekly checks of U.S. State Department data.
F-1 Student Visa
54
avg days
For full-time academic and language study at SEVP-approved US institutions. Covers bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and certificate programmes.
Eligibility
Admitted students with a valid Form I-20
Fees
$350 SEVIS + $185 MRV
Fastest current wait: 30 days · All-consulate avg: 54 days
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
258
avg days
For business visits (B-1) and tourism, family visits, or medical treatment (B-2). Most common US visa for Indian travellers.
Eligibility
Visitors with no immigrant intent
Fees
$185 MRV
Fastest current wait: 180 days · All-consulate avg: 258 days
H-1B Work Visa
For specialty occupation workers — requires an approved petition (I-797). Indian H-1B holders return to India for visa stamping after each petition cycle.
Eligibility
Petition holders with I-797 approval notice
Fees
$185 MRV
L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
For employees transferring to a US office of the same company in a managerial, executive, or specialised knowledge role. L-1A (managerial) or L-1B (specialised).
Eligibility
Employees with 1+ year of employment at the same company abroad
Fees
$185 MRV
US Visa Applications from India — 5 Consulates, 4 Visa Categories
The United States operates 5 consular posts in India that process nonimmigrant visa applications: Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Each consulate handles all 4 major visa categories shown above, and applicants may choose any consulate regardless of home state. Interview appointment wait times at these consulates range from under 30 days to over 300 days depending on visa type and season.
Apply at the consulate showing the shortest current wait time for your visa category, if your schedule is flexible. WaitDelta tracks official-source wait time data on a twice-weekly check schedule and shows historical trends across all 20 consulate–visa combinations — 5 cities × 4 visa types.
Plan your application at least 90 days before your travel or programme start date, if you are applying for a student or work visa during peak season (April–August). B-1/B-2 visitor visa wait times spike during 2 annual windows: October–November ahead of Diwali travel, and March–April ahead of summer visits. Check each visa type's guide below for detailed seasonal planning advice.
Build a Planning Scenario for Your Interview Date
Choose your stage, your consulate and your travel date to see a planning scenario built from a published estimate or your own interview date, with assumptions you can edit. A scenario, not a guaranteed date.
Open timeline calculator →Bringing Your Parents to Visit the USA
Written for the adult child in the United States: which visa your parents need, the documents, the invitation letter and what happens when they arrive.