Understanding the Surge in US Visa Wait Times in India (2025)

The demand for US nonimmigrant visas has soared in 2025, putting severe pressure on US embassies and consulates across India. For travel agents, airline partners, and corporate planners, these delays aren’t just inconvenient—they affect scheduling, budgeting, and client Here’s a polished paragraph version of your city-wise visa wait times update:

Latest data shows wide variation in US visa wait times across India, depending on the city and visa category. In Chennai, B1/B2 tourist and business visas remain the slowest, with waits stretching 8½ to 9 months, though student and petition-based visas are processed faster at about two months. Hyderabad is currently the quickest option for visitor visas at 3 to 3½ months, with students waiting around two months and petition-based applicants about three months. Mumbai falls in the mid-range, averaging 3 to 4.5 months for B1/B2 and shorter delays of one to 2.5 months for petition-based cases. In New Delhi, visitor visas take 4–5 months, while student and petition-based approvals are closer to one to two months. Kolkata applicants face 5–6 months for B1/B2, though student visas remain steady at about two months. Notably, Crew and Transit (C/D) visas are generally processed much faster, with far shorter delays than other categories.

Recent Policy Shifts: What Travel Professionals Must Know

• Applicants must now apply in their country of nationality or legal residence. As of 6 September 2025, the U.S. Department of State requires that nonimmigrant visa (NIV) interview appointments be scheduled in the applicant’s country of residence or nationality.

• Interview waiver rules have tightened. From 2 September 2025, many applicants—including those under 14 or over 79—are no longer eligible for waivers; exceptions are quite limited (e.g. renewals under specific conditions).

• “Third-country visa stamping” (applying in a country other than one’s own or legal residence) is no longer allowed in general. This puts an end to a workaround many used when wait times were lower in certain consulates abroad.
  
  

These changes mean clients can no longer “shop” for faster consulates abroad. That adds urgency and value to your advisory services in planning ahead.

Latest data shows wide variation in US visa wait times across India, depending on the city and visa category. In Chennai, B1/B2 tourist and business visas remain the slowest, with waits stretching 8½ to 9 months, though student and petition-based visas are processed faster at about two months. Hyderabad is currently the quickest option for visitor visas at 3 to 3½ months, with students waiting around two months and petition-based applicants about three months. Mumbai falls in the mid-range, averaging 3 to 4.5 months for B1/B2 and shorter delays of one to 2.5 months for petition-based cases. In New Delhi, visitor visas take 4–5 months, while student and petition-based approvals are closer to one to two months. Kolkata applicants face 5–6 months for B1/B2, though student visas remain steady at about two months. Notably, Crew and Transit (C/D) visas are generally processed much faster, with far shorter delays than other categories.

mplications for B2B Travel Agents, Corporate Travel Planners & Airlines

• Long-lead planning is non-optional. For clients needing B1/B2 visas (business or leisure), begin the process at least 6-9 months ahead of the intended travel date, especially if applying via Chennai or other high-demand locations.

• Adjust client expectations and communication. Clients who expect fast turnaround times (e.g. last-minute business trips) must understand the backlog and possibly re-scope timing or destination (if business location allows flexibility).

• Monitor release of new slots. Consulates often release appointment slots on a rolling basis. Actively checking the scheduling portals, rescheduling when earlier slots open up, can save significant time.

• Verify eligibility for waivers or renewals early. In some cases where visa is being renewed under tight criteria, or other special categories, clients may still benefit. But with tightened rules, do not assume eligibility.

• Optimize consulate choice (if feasible). While most policy changes now restrict where you can apply, some clients may still live or have legal residence nearer to less busy consulates—use this advantage if possible.

Sample Timeline: Advising a Client Applying for B1/B2 from India

• T minus 9 months: Collect all documents; complete DS-160; plan which consulate is best.

• T minus 8 months: Submit DS-160, schedule interview as soon as consulate allows.

• T minus 7-6 months: Begin preparing supporting letters, business purpose justification. Consider whether any petition-based visa might apply.

• T minus 5 months: If appointment given, check for earlier slot opens; if none, client should be getting close to needing travel reservations and visa timing certainty.

• T minus 4 months and forward: Be ready for delays; build buffer in travel bookings, flights, hotels.
  
  

What’s Changed Lately

• Policy as of 6 September 2025: New requirement that interviews happen in country of residence/nationality.

• Tightened interview waiver rules as of 2 September 2025: More applicants required to attend in-person interviews.

• Treatment of third-country applications: Reduced acceptance / greater difficulty for those seeking interviews outside their home or legal residence.
  
  

Tips & Best Practices for Your Travel Business

• Build visa-processing delays into cost quotes to clients.

• Offer “visa health check” packages: ensure everything is in order early to avoid refusals or administrative delays.

• Keep updated on embassy/consulate announcements — wait times and rules are shifting.

• Stay in touch with colleagues in the visa / consular field — sometimes informal intel (on slot releases, backlog reductions) helps.

• Use digital tools / reminders to check for earlier interview slots for clients.
  
  

Conclusion & Takeaways

For the B2B travel and aviation sector, the current landscape of US visa wait times in India calls for strategic foresight. Chennai remains the largest pain point for B1/B2 visas, while Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi offer less waiting but still require advance planning. The recent policy changes—requiring interviews in one’s country of residence or nationality, and stricter waiver rules—mean that shortcuts are fewer.

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