US B1/B2 Visa Wait Times in India: Appointments Take Up to 12 Months

Planning a trip to the United States from India now requires more than finding an affordable flight. US B1/B2 visa wait times in India have stretched to several months at major consulates with Hyderabad currently showing a next available appointment at around 12 months.

The wait is especially important for travellers applying for a U.S. visitor visa for tourism, family visits, or short-term business travel. Student and exchange visitor categories have considerably shorter appointment waits at the same Indian consulates.

If you’re planning a U.S. trip, check your visa appointment availability before locking in non-refundable travel arrangements.

US B1/B2 Visa Appointment Wait Times in India

The latest U.S. Department of State data shows a wide gap between Indian cities. Hyderabad currently has the longest listed B1/B2 wait among the five major Indian locations, while Kolkata has the shortest next available appointment.

These figures represent appointment availability rather than the time required to approve or issue a visa. The State Department updates its wait-time information monthly, and new appointment slots are released regularly.

Which Indian City Has the Shortest US Visa Wait Time?

Kolkata has the shortest B1/B2 wait among US visa locations in India, with the next available slot at around 6.5 months. Chennai follows at about 7.5 months, New Delhi at around 10 months, Mumbai at 11.5 months, and Hyderabad has the longest wait at 12 months.

However, these waiting times can change, so applicants should check the official scheduling portal for updated availability. Earlier appointment dates can also become available when new slots are released.

Why Are B1 and B2 Visas Important for U.S. Travel?

The B1/B2 visa covers two common reasons Indian travelers visit the United States.

• B1 Visa is intended for temporary business activities such as attending meetings, conferences or certain professional events.
• B2 Visa covers tourism and certain personal visits, including vacations and visiting family or friends.

Many applicants receive a combined B1/B2 visa for business as well as tourism. That means US tourist visa wait times in India and US B1/B2 visa wait times in India often refer to the same appointment availability.

US Student Visa Wait Times Are Much Shorter

The wait for student and exchange visitor visas is currently much shorter than the B1/B2 visitor visa wait. The F, M, and J categories cover academic students, vocational students, and exchange visitors.

The State Department currently has the following next available appointments for F, M, and J visas at major US consular locations in India:

The difference is significant. Someone applying for a student or exchange visitor visa could see an appointment period measured in weeks or a few months, while a B1/B2 applicant in some cities currently faces a much longer queue.

Can You Get an Earlier Date for Your US Visa Appointment?

An earlier U.S. visa appointment can become available after you schedule your original interview. The U.S. Department of State says embassies and consulates release additional appointment slots regularly. If you already have an appointment, check the official US visa scheduling system for an earlier date. When a suitable slot opens, you can reschedule your US visa appointment if the system allows the change.

There is no guarantee that an earlier appointment will become available. A slot can also disappear quickly after it is released.

Therefore, book the first available appointment and then check the scheduling system for an earlier date. Do not make non refundable travel plans based on an appointment you have not secured.

Who Qualifies for a U.S. Visa Interview Waiver?

Some applicants renewing a US visa still qualify for an interview waiver. However, the rules are more limited than they were before. Certain applicants renewing a full-validity B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa within 12 months of its expiration can qualify if they meet all the requirements.

Applicants have to apply in their country of nationality or usual residence. They also need to have no disqualifying prior visa refusal and no apparent or potential ineligibility. Furthermore, meeting the requirements does not guarantee an interview waiver. A consular officer can still ask the applicant to attend an in-person interview. So, if you’re checking US visa interview waiver eligibility, review the current requirements before assuming you qualify for the waiver or dropbox process.

Can You Apply for a U.S. Visa in Another Country to Get a Faster Slot?

Applicants should not assume that applying outside India will provide a shortcut to a faster U.S. visa appointment.

In July 2026, the U.S. Department of State updated its rules for nonimmigrant visa applicants. The rules say applicants should schedule their interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence. If you apply based on residence, you have to show that you actually live there.

For Indian applicants, this makes checking the appointment options available in India particularly important.

What Does a Long B1/B2 Visa Wait Mean for Travelers?

A long US visa appointment wait time in India affects more than the visa application itself. It also means you need to plan your trip further in advance.

Wait times differ between Indian visa locations. Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi currently have longer B1/B2 waits, while Kolkata and Chennai show shorter waits. Even the shorter waits are measured in months, not weeks.

The wait also depends on the visa category. B1/B2 applicants currently face a very different appointment timeline from students and exchange visitors applying under the F, M, and J categories.

For travelers planning to travel from India to USA, check the visa appointment availability before finalizing your flight dates. First-time B1/B2 applicants should be careful about booking non refundable tickets before securing their visa appointment.