As you may be aware, the US Embassy makes every effort to reduce visa wait times in India and wait times for US visa applicants from India have recently been reduced by approximately 50%. However, the wait for visa appointments for B1 and B2 visas, which are for temporary business and tourism in the United States, respectively, continues to be lengthy.
Mumbai currently has the longest wait time (386 days), followed by Kolkata (392 days), Chennai (316 days), Hyderabad (332 days), and New Delhi (346 days).
U.S. Embassy | Visitor Visa | Student/Exchange Visitor Visas |
New Delhi | 346 Calendar Days | 01 Calendar Days |
Mumbai | 386 Calendar Days | 02 Calendar Days |
Chennai | 316 Calendar Days | 01 Calendar Days |
Hyderabad | 332 Calendar Days | 16 Calendar Days |
Kolkata | 392 Calendar Days | 02 Calendar Days |
Must Read: US Visa Wait Times Will Be Reduced By Next Summer: US Embassy
Applying for US Visas Outside of India
Thankfully, Indian nationals have another option for applying for B1/B2 visas. They can apply at international destinations as well. The wait times at these international locations are much shorter than the wait times in India.
Short Wait Times in Select Countries
In Kuwait, the wait time for a US visa is only two days, while Tokyo, Japan, and Seoul, Korea, both have a wait time of only two days as well. In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the wait time is nine days, and in Jakarta, Indonesia, it is 14 days. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia has a wait time of 18 days, and Hong Kong, Hanoi in Vietnam, and Frankfurt, Germany all have a wait time of 30 days or less.
Moderate Wait Times in Asian Destinations
If you’re looking for a slightly longer wait time, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Manama, Bahrain all have a wait time of 35 days or less. While Bangkok, Thailand, and Chiang Mai, Thailand have a wait time of 45 and 50 days respectively.
Longer Wait Times in European and Other International Cities
Helsinki, Finland has a wait time of 64 days, and Singapore has a wait time of 75 days.
On the other hand European countries like London, UK, and Paris, France have wait times of 85 and 141 days respectively. Similarly, Manila, Philippines, and Melbourne, Australia have wait times of 154 and 162 days respectively.
However, there are some international destinations with incredibly long wait times. Abu Dhabi has a wait time of 527 days, and Kathmandu, Nepal has a wait time of 575 days. The longest wait time is in Dubai, which has a wait time of 606 days.
Current US Visa Wait Times Around the World
Location | Wait Time |
---|---|
Kuwait | 2 days |
Tokyo, Japan | 2 days |
Seoul, Korea | 4 days |
Phnom Penh, Cambodia | 9 days |
Jakarta, Indonesia | 14 days |
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 18 days |
Hanoi, Vietnam | 29 days |
Baku, Azerbaijan | 30 days |
Hong Kong | 30 days |
Frankfurt, Germany | 30 days |
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | 31 days |
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 34 days |
Colombo, Sri Lanka | 35 days |
Manama, Bahrain | 35 days |
Doha, Qatar | 38 days |
Bangkok, Thailand | 45 days |
Chiang Mai, Thailand | 50 days |
Helsinki, Finland | 64 days |
Singapore | 75 days |
London, UK | 85 days |
Paris, France | 141 days |
Manila, Philippines | 154 days |
Melbourne, Australia | 162 days |
Abu Dhabi | 527 days |
Kathmandu, Nepal | 575 days |
Dubai | 606 days |
Note: It’s important to note that the current wait times for US visas around the world are subject to change based on workload and staffing. It’s worth noting that Indians who apply for a US visa from another country may be questioned about their reasons for doing so. Be prepared to answer questions about the wait time in your city. Stay up-to-date on the latest information and regulations when it comes to obtaining a US visa.
Bottomline
In conclusion, Indian nationals seeking a visa to the United States have several options. While wait times in India remain lengthy, there are international destinations with significantly shorter wait times. To ensure the most efficient and timely process, it is critical to consider all options before applying for a US visa.
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