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. Updated monthly.
F-1 Student Visa
51
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: 14 days · All-consulate avg: 51 days
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
186
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: 105 days · All-consulate avg: 186 days
H-1B Work Visa
51
avg days
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
Fastest current wait: 30 days · All-consulate avg: 51 days
L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
51
avg days
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
Fastest current wait: 30 days · All-consulate avg: 51 days
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 updated monthly 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.
Calculate Your Interview Booking Deadline
Enter your consulate, visa type, and travel date to find the latest safe date to book your interview — calculated from current wait times plus a 10-day processing buffer.
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