US Visa Interviews: Wait Times Stretch to 10 Months, Govt Confirms

Indian applicants seeking US visas continue to face long delays, with waiting times for business and tourist categories extending to nearly a year in some consulates. According to official data, Delhi applicants face a 10-month wait, while Hyderabad and Kolkata report five-month delays, and Chennai around three months. Student visas, however, have shorter queues due to prioritization measures. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh noted that despite staffing surges and weekend shifts at US consulates, backlogs persist. The government has assured Parliament that it is actively engaging with US authorities to reduce waiting times, which remain far longer than the pre-pandemic norm of 15–20 days.  

Key highlights  
• Delhi applicants face 10-month wait for B1/B2 visa interviews  
• Hyderabad and Kolkata report five-month delays; Chennai around three months  
• Student visas prioritized, with shorter waiting periods  
• Staffing surges and weekend shifts at US consulates have not resolved backlog  
• Govt engaging with US authorities to expedite processing  

Impact  
The prolonged delays have disrupted travel plans for professionals and tourists, underscoring the need for stronger bilateral coordination to ease visa bottlenecks.  

Sources: Business Today, Business Standard, Hindustan Times