US visa interview wait times vary widely across India: Delhi longest, Mumbai fastest | Check city-wise details

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US visa interview wait times for Indian applicants vary by city and visa type. New Delhi has the longest delays for visitor visas, while Mumbai is fastest for work visas. Chennai offers the shortest average wait for visitor visas, but interview dates are unclear.

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Indian applicants planning to travel to the United States are facing sharply different visa interview wait times depending on the city and visa category they choose. The latest data released by the United States Department of State on January 14, 2026, shows that while some centres offer relatively quick access, others are burdened with long backlogs, especially for visitor visas.

The dataset reflects both the average waiting period and the estimated date of the next available interview appointment, giving a clearer picture of where delays are most severe.

New Delhi: longest waits for visitor visas

The national capital currently has the longest delays for B1 and B2 visitor visas. Although the average wait time is around two months, the next available interview slot can be as far as eight months away. Student visas in New Delhi move much faster. Interviews for F, M, and J categories are available in about one month, making the capital the quickest option for students. Employment-based visa availability has not been listed, suggesting irregular or limited scheduling.

Mumbai: fastest for work visas

Mumbai offers mixed outcomes. Visitor visa applicants face an average wait of roughly two and a half months, but the next interview slot is close to seven months away. Student visa wait times are about three months. Mumbai stands out for employment-based visas, including H, L, O, P and Q categories, with interview appointments available in around one month, the shortest among Indian cities.

Hyderabad: relatively steady timelines

Hyderabad continues to be one of the faster centres for visitor visas, with an average wait of about two and a half months and interview availability in roughly four months. Student visa appointments are available in around two months, while employment-based visa applicants can expect a wait of close to two and a half months.

Kolkata: similar to Hyderabad

Kolkata shows patterns similar to Hyderabad. Visitor visas have an average wait of around two and a half months, with the next interview slot in about four months. Student visas are processed faster, with appointments typically available within two months.

Chennai: shortest average wait but unclear slots

Chennai reports one of the shortest average wait times for visitor visas at approximately one and a half months. However, the date for the next available interview appointment has not been specified, making planning more uncertain for applicants.

Overall, the data highlights how strategic choice of city and visa category can significantly affect waiting times for Indian applicants seeking US visas.