US Visa Wait Times Soar: Applicants Face 499-Day Delay for B1/B2 Visa

The wait times for US visa applications have reached substantial levels for those applying through consulates across India. Travellers planning to visit the U.S. for leisure or business should prepare for extended waiting periods, especially if applying in Kolkata, where the current wait time stands at a staggering 499 days.

Notably, visa wait times in Kolkata were just 24 days a few months ago but have now surged to nearly 500 days.

Efforts to Address Visa Wait Times

In the past year, the U.S. has worked extensively to curb the lengthy visa wait times, leading to notable improvements. A record 1.4 million visas were issued to Indian nationals in 2023, marking a milestone.

Additionally, wait times for visitor visa appointments have reduced by 75% in the past year. However, despite these strides, the issue of lengthy processing times remains, with certain consulates in India facing renewed delays.

Current B1/B2 Visa Wait Times in India

The wait times for B1/B2 visas—essential for business and tourist travel—vary widely across U.S. consulates in India. Here is the current breakdown:

Shorter Wait Times for Interview Waiver Visitor Visas

The wait times for those eligible for an Interview Waiver Visitor visa are significantly shorter. Applicants in New Delhi can expect just a 14-day wait, while in Kolkata, the wait is 13 days. These reduced times offer some relief for applicants who qualify under specific conditions, including certain renewals.

New Consulates to Tackle Visa Backlog

The U.S. Embassy in India has announced plans to open two new consulate offices in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. Additionally, with more staff deployed in Hyderabad, the United States aims to reduce the visa backlog, leading to a projected one-third increase in U.S. visas issued to Indian nationals.

Wait Times for Third-Country Nationals

Even applicants outside India are experiencing lengthy waits. Those applying as Third-Country Nationals in the UAE face delays of 332 days in Abu Dhabi and 289 days in Dubai.

A Third-Country National visa is issued to applicants who apply for a U.S. visa outside their home country. It is often a strategic choice for those seeking potentially shorter waits.

Understanding the B1/B2 Visa

The B1/B2 visa allows non-U.S. citizens to visit the United States for business (B1) or tourism, family visits, medical treatment, or participation in social events (B2).

Issued jointly, the B1/B2 visa enables travellers to blend business and leisure during their U.S. visit. This visa type remains one of the most sought-after categories, especially for Indian applicants with strong travel ties to the U.S.

Conclusion

While the U.S. has made strides in reducing overall visa wait times, certain consulates still experience prolonged delays. For Indian travellers, especially those in Kolkata, these extended wait times emphasize the importance of early planning and exploring options, such as the Interview Waiver program, where applicable.