US B1/B2 visa wait time for Indians: Chennai sees relief, Delhi hits longest delays

Indian citizens hoping to secure B1/B2 visas for business or tourism travel to the United States are grappling with extended waiting periods for interview appointments, as revealed by the most recent data from the U.S. Department of State. Updated in September 2025, the figures paint a mixed picture across major Indian cities, with Chennai seeing relief amid widespread delays. According to the Department of State's latest (September) update, average wait times for interviews vary significantly by location. Chennai has now 2.5 months delay, which looks relatively manageable, Hyderabad to have 3 months, and Mumbai and Kolkata to have 5.5 months delay. Interestingly, Delhi has a wait time of 3.5 months, but sadly, the next available appointment stands at 12 months.

The B1/B2 visa category, which encompasses non-immigrant visas for temporary business activities and leisure travel, has long been a gateway for Indians to engage with the U.S. economy and culture.

In August 2025, Chennai applicants faced an average wait of 8.5 months, with the next available appointment at 5 months. By September, this had dramatically improved to an average of 2.5 months and a next available slot of just 3 months. Hyderabad showed stability, maintaining a 3-month average and improving its next available from 5 months to 3.5 months. Kolkata experienced a modest decline in average waits from 6 months to 5.5 months, with the next available aligning at 5.5 months. Mumbai saw a slight increase in average wait time, rising from 3 months in August to 4.5 months in September, though its next available improved marginally from 5.5 months to 5 months. However, for Delhi, the average wait decreased from 4.5 months to 3.5 months, but the next available appointment shot from 5.5 months to a full year. Those who are planning to apply for B1/B2 visas from these cities are advised to assess the wait time properly and plan their travel accordingly.



Recently, in September, the U.S. Department of State announced that from now on, applicants are required to apply for visas from their countries of residence, and not from third countries, such as those in the Gulf region (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha) or Southeast Asia (Singapore), where wait times were often under a month. Appointments booked prior to the rule change are expected to be honoured, offering a grace period for some.


Coming back to the latest update, applicants in southern cities like Chennai and Hyderabad appear to benefit from faster processing. In contrast, northern hubs like New Delhi, serving a denser population and a hub for government and corporate travel, bear the brunt of the backlog. As the U.S. Department of State continues to refine its processes, monthly updates to wait time information are posted on official embassy websites. Applicants are urged to consult these resources for the latest information on scheduling and rescheduling.


While appointment delays and lengthy wait times can't be avoided, Indian applicants for U.S. B1/B2 visa interviews can take proactive steps to improve their chances of securing an earlier appointment. Here are some of the ways one can check out:

• Monitor the appointment system frequently for new slots: U.S. embassies and consulates regularly release additional interview slots. In case of last minute cancellation or schedule adjustments by others may improve your chance.
  
  
• Apply early and pay the visa fee promptly: Being early is good, especially in the case of visa application and fee payment. The visa process starts once the fee is paid. This places you in the queue for scheduling an interview. By starting the process early, you increase your chances.
  
  
• Check eligibility for interview waivers: The U.S. Department of State offers interview waivers for certain low-risk B1/B2 applicants, such as those renewing a previous visa or meeting specific criteria (e.g., no prior visa denials, same visa category).