US Visitor Visa Wait Time has increased across major Indian cities, making advance planning essential for people preparing for holidays, business trips or family visits to the United States.
According to the latest figures reported on October 15, 2026, applicants in Hyderabad may have to wait up to 12 months for an interview appointment.
The estimated waiting periods vary by city, with Mumbai and Delhi also reporting lengthy queues.
Travellers should check the latest appointment availability before finalising their travel plans, as visa interview schedules can change when new slots become available.
US Visitor Visa Wait Time in Five Indian Cities
The US Department of State’s visa appointment estimates, updated on September 17, show significant differences in waiting periods across India’s major US consular locations.
The reported waiting times for interview-required B1/B2 visitor visas are:
| City | Estimated interview wait |
|---|---|
| Hyderabad | 12 months |
| Mumbai | 11.5 months |
| New Delhi | 10 months |
| Chennai | 7.5 months |
| Kolkata | 6.5 months |
Hyderabad has the longest estimated wait among these five locations, followed by Mumbai and New Delhi.
Chennai and Kolkata have comparatively shorter waiting periods, although applicants may still need to plan several months ahead.
These figures are estimates rather than guaranteed appointment dates. Availability may change as the consulates release additional interview slots or existing appointments are rescheduled.
What Does the US Visitor Visa Cover?
The B1/B2 visa category covers temporary business and visitor travel to the United States.
The B1 category generally relates to eligible business activities, while B2 covers tourism, holidays, visits to friends and relatives, and certain medical visits.
For Indian travellers planning a family holiday, attending an event, visiting relatives or travelling for eligible business purposes, the interview appointment is an important part of the application timeline.
Applicants should account for the waiting period before making firm travel arrangements.
Booking flights and accommodation well in advance of receiving a visa decision can involve financial risks, particularly when plans depend on a specific travel date.
Do Visa Interview Waiting Times Stay the Same?
No. The published US Visitor Visa Wait Time figures are updated periodically by the US Department of State.
Appointment availability can change when new slots are released, so the estimates may differ from the waiting period a particular applicant experiences.
The published estimates cover the time required to obtain an interview appointment after paying the visa application fee.
They do not include any additional administrative processing that may be required after the interview or the time needed for passport delivery.
Applicants who have already booked an interview should continue checking the official appointment system for updates.
Those who have not yet applied should review the latest estimates before deciding when to begin the process.
 How Travellers Can Plan Ahead
People planning trips to the United States should begin checking visa requirements and appointment availability as early as possible.
The appropriate timing will depend on the purpose of travel, the city selected for the interview and the latest available appointments.
Travellers should use the official US Department of State visa wait-time information rather than relying only on older reports.
They should also remember that an earlier interview appointment does not guarantee visa approval.
With estimated waits ranging from 6.5 months in Kolkata to 12 months in Hyderabad, advance planning is especially important for trips tied to school holidays, festivals, weddings or fixed business schedules.
Keeping travel dates flexible may help applicants manage uncertainty while they wait for an appointment.
