How long a US visa appointment takes in major Indian cities right now

US visa interview queues vary widely across Indian cities, with Mumbai facing the longest delays and Chennai the shortest, according to the latest official data.

• US B1/B2 visa wait times in India range from 1 to 9.5 months
• Mumbai has the longest wait, Chennai the shortest for interviews
• Early planning is advised due to fluctuating appointment slots

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If a United States holiday or business trip is on your 2026 bucket list, your biggest hurdle may not be flight prices or hotel bookings — it could be securing a visa interview slot. The latest data released by the United States Department of State on its Global Visa Wait Times portal shows that applicants in some Indian cities are waiting several months for a B1/B2 (visitor) visa interview.

For Indian travellers heading to the US for tourism, business meetings or to visit family, understanding these timelines is crucial before locking in travel dates.

What does “average wait time” actually mean?

Before diving into city-wise figures, it is important to understand how the data works. The “average wait time” reflects how long applicants waited — on average — between paying their visa fee and attending their interview during the previous reporting period.

It does not indicate the next available appointment slot.

Appointment availability can fluctuate based on cancellations, additional slots released by consulates, staffing levels, operational capacity and seasonal demand. In other words, the number represents a historical average, not a guaranteed timeline for new applicants.

Average US visa interview wait times in Indian cities

As per the latest update on the Global Visa Wait Times page by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, revised on 13 February 2026, here are the current average wait times for B1/B2 visa interview appointments in major Indian cities:

In New Delhi, applicants are currently facing an average wait time of 6.5 months for a B1/B2 visa interview, while the next available appointment is approximately 8 months away.

Mumbai, which continues to be the most backlogged US consular post in India, shows an average wait of 9.5 months, with the next available interview slot stretching to nearly 10 months.

Chennai stands out as the fastest option at present. The average wait time there is around 1.5 months, and applicants may find the next available appointment in about 1 month.

In Hyderabad, the average waiting period is 7.5 months, with the next interview slot opening in roughly 8 months.

Kolkata currently offers comparatively shorter timelines, with the next available visitor visa appointment listed at around 2.5 months.

Overall, Mumbai has the longest average wait time among the five major cities, while Chennai offers the shortest turnaround for visa interviews.

Why are wait times still high in some cities?

Visa interview backlogs surged during the pandemic when routine visa services were were suspended or scaled down. Although US consulates in India have significantly increased appointment capacity since then, demand remains elevated — particularly in high-volume cities such as Mumbai and Hyderabad.

Increased outbound travel from India, student mobility, business travel recovery and family visits have all contributed to sustained pressure on visa slots.

What this means for Indian travellers in 2026

If you are planning a US trip this year, these timelines should be factored into your travel planning strategy. Booking flights or accommodation before securing an interview appointment can be risky, especially in cities with longer waiting periods.

Travellers are advised to:

• Apply well in advance of their intended travel date.
• Regularly monitor the official visa appointment portal for new slots.
• Be flexible with preferred consulate locations if travel plans allow.

Since wait times can change based on operational adjustments and seasonal demand, always refer to the official Global Visa Wait Times page maintained by the United States Department of State for the most up-to-date information.

US visa wait times in India: Key takeaways for 2026 travellers

For Indian applicants, the average B1/B2 visa wait time can currently stretch up to 9.5 months in some cities. While Chennai and Kolkata offer comparatively shorter timelines, high-demand centres like Mumbai continue to see longer queues.

If a US trip is on your radar for 2026, early planning and regular tracking of appointment availability could make the difference between a smooth application process and last-minute stress.