US Visa Wait Times for Indians Stretch Up to 12 Months
What Happened
Indians applying for US visitor visas (B1/B2) face wait times of up to 12 months, according to official US State Department data. In contrast, work visas (H, L, O, P) have shorter timelines, averaging 5–5.5 months. The delays vary by city: New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata all report extended queues, with visitor slots being the most affected. The US Embassy has acknowledged the backlog and continues to expand staffing and interview waivers to ease pressure.
Key Takeaways
The prolonged wait times highlight persistent demand for US visas among Indians, with visitor categories most strained. While work visa processing is faster, delays remain a challenge for travelers and businesses.