Indian citizens planning to travel to the United States are encountering substantial waiting periods for visa interviews, according to the latest data released by the US Department of State. As of October 21, 2026, Mumbai records the longest estimated waiting time among major Indian cities for certain visa categories.
Significant Delays for Tourist and Business Visas
Applicants seeking B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas in Mumbai face an estimated 12-month wait for their next available interview appointment. New Delhi applicants can expect an 11-month delay, while Hyderabad's waiting period stands at 10.5 months. Chennai and Kolkata also show considerable waits, with estimated delays of 7.5 and 8.5 months, respectively.
Shorter Waits for Students and Workers
In contrast to the lengthy waits for tourist and business visas, individuals applying for student (F, M) and exchange visitor (J) visas generally find much shorter appointment timelines. Hyderabad leads with an estimated one-month wait for these categories. Chennai and Kolkata report 3.5 and 2.5 months respectively, while Mumbai applicants for student visas can expect a four-month wait.
For employment-related visas (H, L, O, P, Q categories), wait times vary. Hyderabad has the longest estimated wait at 6.5 months, while Kolkata offers the shortest at just one month. New Delhi applicants face a 3.5-month wait, Chennai a 2.5-month wait, and Mumbai a 2-month wait for work visa appointments.
Understanding Visa Appointment Estimates
The US Department of State updates its Global Visa Wait Times page monthly, emphasizing that these figures are estimated and do not guarantee an appointment within the stated period. Embassies and consulates frequently release additional interview slots, which may allow applicants to secure earlier dates. It is advisable for applicants who have already scheduled an appointment to regularly check the official scheduling system for new availabilities.
It is also crucial for travelers to differentiate between the estimated wait time for an interview and the subsequent processing time required for the visa after the interview. The published figures pertain solely to appointment availability, not the duration until a passport with a visa is issued.