US tourist visa wait times: Chennai improves, Delhi faces longest delays for B1/B2 visas

Indian applicants for US B1/B2 business and tourist visas continue to face long waits for interview appointments, according to the latest Department of State data updated in September 2025. Average wait times range from 2.5 months in Chennai to 5.5 months in Mumbai and Kolkata, while New Delhi now has the longest next available appointment at 12 months.

Chennai has seen a sharp improvement, with average waits dropping from 8.5 months in August to 2.5 months in September. Hyderabad remains steady at 3 months, while Mumbai and Kolkata show slight changes. However, New Delhi applicants now face significantly longer delays compared with August figures, raising concerns for those planning urgent travel.

City	Average Wait (Aug 2025)	Average Wait (Sep 2025)	Next Available (Aug 2025)	Next Available (Sep 2025)
Chennai	8.5 months	2.5 months	5 months	3 months
Hyderabad	3 months	3 months	5 months	3.5 months
Kolkata	6 months	5.5 months	6 months	5.5 months
Mumbai	3 months	4.5 months	5.5 months	5 months
New Delhi	4.5 months	3.5 months	5.5 months	12 months

Average wait time indicates how long past applicants typically waited from the time they paid the visa fee to the date of their interview. This measure is based on historical data from the previous month. Since it is an average, some applicants may have experienced shorter or longer waits. It provides a general idea of processing speed but does not guarantee when an individual applicant will receive an appointment.

Next available appointment refers to the earliest interview date currently open for scheduling at a particular US embassy or consulate. This date can change frequently as new slots are released. Applicants who have already scheduled their interviews can check the system regularly and move their appointments to an earlier slot if one becomes available.

Applicants are encouraged to monitor appointment systems regularly, as embassies frequently release additional slots. Rescheduling to an earlier date can reduce waiting time without needing to travel abroad.

For those seeking faster interviews, nearby US posts in the Gulf and Southeast Asia previously offered quick options: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, and Singapore showed availability within a month or less. However, the US has ended the practice of applying for non-immigrant visas in "third countries". Most applicants must now apply in their country of nationality or legal residence, a move intended to stop "visa shopping."

Existing appointments made before this rule change are likely to be honored, but any new appointments must be scheduled in the applicant's home country. This policy is expected to increase wait times significantly for applicants who previously used third-country posts.

The Department of State continues to update wait time information monthly and advises applicants to check embassy websites for details on scheduling, rescheduling, and potential interview waivers.