US Visa Wait Times in India
Every consulate. Every visa type. Checked twice weekly against U.S. State Department data. Last verified August 24, 2026.
US visa interview wait times in India currently range from 1 month to 14 months (~30 to ~420 days) across the U.S. consulates the State Department currently publishes estimates for, depending on visa category and location. Kolkata has the shortest current wait at 1 month (~30 days); Mumbai the longest at 14 months (~420 days). Figures are U.S. State Department estimates, checked twice weekly. Last verified August 24, 2026.
US Visa Wait Times at All Indian Consulates — August 2026
Last verified August 24, 2026 · Source: U.S. Department of State
| Consulate | B1/B2 | F-1 | H-1B | L-1 | B1 | B2 | F2 | H4 | J1 | J2 | L2 | O1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai | 7 months (~210 days)↑ 45d vs last month | Not currently publishedLast published 1 month on May 10, 2026 | Not currently publishedLast published 3.5 months on May 10, 2026 | Not currently publishedLast published 3.5 months on May 10, 2026 | 7 months (~210 days)↑ 45d vs last month | 7 months (~210 days)↑ 45d vs last month | Not currently publishedLast published 1 month on May 10, 2026 | Not currently publishedLast published 3.5 months on May 10, 2026 | Not currently publishedLast published 1 month on May 10, 2026 | Not currently publishedLast published 1 month on May 10, 2026 | Not currently publishedLast published 3.5 months on May 10, 2026 | Not currently publishedLast published 3.5 months on May 10, 2026 |
| Delhi | 7.5 months (~225 days) | 2.5 months (~75 days)↑ 15d vs last month | 2.5 months (~75 days)↑ 15d vs last month | 2.5 months (~75 days)↑ 15d vs last month | 7.5 months (~225 days) | 7.5 months (~225 days) | 2.5 months (~75 days)↑ 15d vs last month | 2.5 months (~75 days)↑ 15d vs last month | 2.5 months (~75 days)↑ 15d vs last month | 2.5 months (~75 days)↑ 15d vs last month | 2.5 months (~75 days)↑ 15d vs last month | 2.5 months (~75 days)↑ 15d vs last month |
| Hyderabad | 9.5 months (~285 days) | 1.5 months (~45 days) | 4.5 months (~135 days)↑ 30d vs last month | 4.5 months (~135 days)↑ 30d vs last month | 9.5 months (~285 days) | 9.5 months (~285 days) | 1.5 months (~45 days) | 4.5 months (~135 days)↑ 30d vs last month | 1.5 months (~45 days) | 1.5 months (~45 days) | 4.5 months (~135 days)↑ 30d vs last month | 4.5 months (~135 days)↑ 30d vs last month |
| Kolkata | 4 months (~120 days) | 2 months (~60 days)↑ 15d vs last month | 1 month (~30 days)↓ 15d vs last month | 1 month (~30 days)↓ 15d vs last month | 4 months (~120 days) | 4 months (~120 days) | 2 months (~60 days)↑ 15d vs last month | 1 month (~30 days)↓ 15d vs last month | 2 months (~60 days)↑ 15d vs last month | 2 months (~60 days)↑ 15d vs last month | 1 month (~30 days)↓ 15d vs last month | 1 month (~30 days)↓ 15d vs last month |
| Mumbai | 14 months (~420 days)↑ 135d vs last month | 2 months (~60 days)↑ 15d vs last month | 1.5 months (~45 days) | 1.5 months (~45 days) | 14 months (~420 days)↑ 135d vs last month | 14 months (~420 days)↑ 135d vs last month | 2 months (~60 days)↑ 15d vs last month | 1.5 months (~45 days) | 2 months (~60 days)↑ 15d vs last month | 2 months (~60 days)↑ 15d vs last month | 1.5 months (~45 days) | 1.5 months (~45 days) |
Not published means the U.S. State Department does not currently issue an estimate for that category at that consulate. It does not mean no appointments exist. Check the official table and your consulate's booking portal.
Fastest right now: Kolkata at 1 month (~30 days) for H-1B.
Average Wait vs Next Available Appointment: What These Numbers Mean
| Measurement | What it means | Source | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average interview wait | Mean days from scheduling to interview over the prior period | State Dept wait-times tool | Checked twice weekly |
| Next available appointment | Earliest interview date currently offered on the booking portal | Booking portal | Changes continuously |
| Post-interview processing | Time from interview to passport return via courier | Varies by case | 3–7 working days |
The table above shows average interview wait times as published by the U.S. State Department.
What Is the Wait Time for a B1/B2 Visa in India?
The average B1/B2 tourist and business visa wait time in India is currently 8.4 months (~252 days). Here is the current breakdown by consulate:
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kolkata
Mumbai
The B1/B2 is the most commonly applied-for US visa from India, covering both tourism and business travel. Wait times fluctuate based on seasonal demand and consular interview capacity.
Can You Get a US Visa in 10 Days in India?
Only in specific emergency cases. Standard visa interview wait times currently range from 1 month (~30 days) to 14 months (~420 days) across Indian consulates.
Emergency (expedited) appointments are available only for:
- Life-threatening medical emergencies requiring US treatment
- Imminent death or funeral of an immediate family member in the US
- Urgent business travel required within the next 10 business days with supporting documentation
For all other applicants, the fastest option is to book at the consulate with the shortest current wait time and calculate your safe booking date.
What Time Are US Visa Slots Released in India?
US visa appointment slots at Indian consulates do not follow a publicly announced release schedule. However, applicants have observed the following patterns:
- Early morning releases: New slots frequently appear between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM IST
- Cancellation slots: Openings from cancelled appointments appear throughout the day at unpredictable intervals
- Capacity additions: When consulates add interview capacity, new blocks of slots may appear during business hours
The most reliable approach is to check the booking portal multiple times a day, particularly during early morning hours IST.
Which Indian Consulate Has the Shortest US Visa Wait Time?
The shortest wait depends on your visa category. Here are the current fastest consulates by visa type, using only figures the State Department currently publishes:
Wait times are checked twice weekly against U.S. State Department data. Compare all consulates in the master table above.
US Visa Wait Times by Visa Category
B1/B2 — B-1/B-2 Tourist & Business Visa
The B1/B2 combined tourist and business visa is the most popular US visa category from India, covering leisure travel, family visits, and short-term business trips.
Current average across Indian consulates: 8.4 months (~252 days). Kolkata has the shortest wait at 4 months (~120 days); Mumbai the longest at 14 months (~420 days).
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kolkata
Mumbai
F-1 — F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 student visa is essential for Indian students admitted to US universities. Wait times peak between April and June as students prepare for fall enrollment.
Current average across Indian consulates: 2 months (~60 days). Hyderabad has the shortest wait at 1.5 months (~45 days); Delhi the longest at 2.5 months (~75 days).
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kolkata
Mumbai
H-1B — H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
The H-1B specialty occupation visa serves IT professionals, engineers, and other skilled workers. Demand is concentrated at consulates near major tech hubs.
Current average across Indian consulates: 2.4 months (~71 days). Kolkata has the shortest wait at 1 month (~30 days); Hyderabad the longest at 4.5 months (~135 days).
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kolkata
Mumbai
L-1 — L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
The L-1 intracompany transfer visa allows multinational companies to transfer employees to US offices. Processing times vary by consulate staffing.
Current average across Indian consulates: 2.4 months (~71 days). Kolkata has the shortest wait at 1 month (~30 days); Hyderabad the longest at 4.5 months (~135 days).
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kolkata
Mumbai
Why US Visa Wait Times in India Changed in 2026
- Seasonal application surges: F-1 applications peak from April through June as students prepare for fall semester enrollment, pushing wait times higher at all five consulates during this window.
- Consular staffing levels: The number of active consular officers at each post directly impacts interview capacity. Staffing rotations and new officer onboarding cause periodic fluctuations.
- Interview waiver eligibility: Changes to dropbox (interview waiver) eligibility shift demand between appointment pools. When more applicants qualify for waiver, interview queues shorten.
- Regional demand patterns: IT hiring cycles affect H-1B demand at consulates near major tech hubs, particularly Hyderabad and Chennai, while B1/B2 demand follows travel season patterns.
Learn more about how we track and verify these numbers in our methodology.
How to Book the Earliest US Visa Appointment From India
- 1
Complete the DS-160 form
Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application at ceac.state.gov. Save your confirmation page and barcode number.
- 2
Pay the MRV fee
Pay the Machine Readable Visa fee through the designated payment channels (NEFT, IMPS, or over-the-counter at authorized banks). Keep your receipt number.
- 3
Create a booking portal profile
Register on the US visa appointment booking portal. Link your DS-160 confirmation and payment receipt to your profile.
- 4
Compare wait times and select the fastest consulate
Use the master table on this page to compare current wait times across all five Indian consulates. You are not required to interview at the consulate in your home district.
- 5
Book your appointment and plan your timeline
Book the earliest available slot, then calculate your safe booking date to plan travel, accommodation, and university enrollment deadlines around your expected interview date.