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

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

What’s Changed Lately

Tips & Best Practices for Your Travel Business

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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