Planning a trip to the United States? The wait time for a US visa interview is one of the most critical factors in your travel planning. Here's the latest data on interview appointment availability at major US embassies and consulates.
Current Wait Times by Embassy
As of March 2026, B1/B2 tourist visa interview wait times vary significantly across embassies. New Delhi currently shows a 45-day wait, down from 90+ days last year. Mumbai has a 30-day wait, while Hyderabad and Chennai are at 20 and 25 days respectively. Kolkata offers the shortest wait at approximately 15 days.
Why Wait Times Fluctuate
Several factors affect visa interview wait times: seasonal demand surges during summer travel and fall university enrollment periods, staffing levels at each consulate, and the rollover of unused appointment slots. The State Department has also been increasing staffing at high-demand posts.
Tips for Getting Earlier Appointments
Check the appointment portal multiple times daily — cancellations create openings. Be flexible with your embassy location; smaller consulates often have shorter waits. Morning slots (8 AM) tend to become available as people reschedule. Consider checking appointments at consulates in other countries if you have travel flexibility.
H1B and Student Visa Wait Times
H1B (work visa) applicants currently face a 15-20 day wait at most Indian embassies, thanks to dedicated slots for petition-based visas. F1 student visa applicants should note that summer is peak season — applying by February/March for fall enrollment is strongly recommended.
Emergency and Expedited Appointments
The US Embassy offers emergency appointments for urgent travel (medical emergencies, death in family, urgent business). Humanitarian emergencies, government/official travel, and medical emergencies qualify. Submit a request through the embassy's appointment website with supporting documentation.
What to Prepare While You Wait
Use the wait time productively: ensure your DS-160 form is completed error-free, gather all financial documents (at least 6 months of bank statements), prepare your employment/business proof, and practice answering common interview questions concisely.
MyDocStatus Team
Our editorial team researches and verifies information from official government sources to bring you accurate, up-to-date guides on document services worldwide.