India
US B1/B2 visa wait time exceeds 1 year for Indians: Report
Despite the US fully resuming visa operations, demand for tourist and business (B1/B2) visas continues to exceed available appointment slots, creating major backlogs across US consulates in India. Wait times in Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai range from 7.5 to 13.5 months, with Chennai facing the longest delay at 13.5 months. These prolonged delays are disrupting.
Travel for family functions, weddings, business events, and emergencies. Priority appointments remain limited, offering little relief even in urgent cases. Business professionals are among the worst hit. With no clear or predictable appointment system, applicants are left checking the portal repeatedly without success, making travel planning extremely difficult.
The US has announced visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials of Indian travel agencies accused of knowingly facilitating illegal immigration to the United States. Mission India’s Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service work daily across the embassy and consulates to identify and target those involved in illegal immigration, human.
Indian applicants seeking U.S. B1/B2 visas are encountering unprecedented delays, with wait times now extending beyond a year in several major cities. This situation is significantly impacting travel plans for business, tourism, and personal emergencies.
Extended Wait Times Across Major Cities
- Chennai: 13.5 months
- Delhi: 9 months
- Mumbai: 9.5 months
- Hyderabad: 7.5 months
These prolonged delays are causing applicants to miss critical events such as weddings, business conferences, and family gatherings. For instance, a homemaker planning to attend her nephew’s wedding in August found the earliest available appointment was in March of the following year, rendering her unable to attend.
Impact on Travelers
The extended wait times are affecting various categories of travelers.
- Business Travelers: Professionals are facing challenges in attending international conferences and meetings, leading to potential financial losses and missed opportunities.
- Tourists: Individuals planning leisure trips are forced to postpone or cancel their plans due to the unavailability of timely visa appointments.
- Family Emergencies: Applicants aiming to visit the U.S. for urgent family matters, such as childbirth or medical emergencies, are unable to secure appointments in time.
While students and emergency travelers are given limited priority slots, general applicants looking to visit family, attend events, or explore travel opportunities.
Underlying Causes
Despite the U.S. fully resuming visa operations, the demand for tourist and business (B1/B2) visas continues to far exceed available appointment The U.S. Department of State acknowledges these delays and advises applicants to plan their travel well in advance. They also suggest that applicants regularly check the appointment scheduling system for any earlier slots that may become available due to cancellations.
Recommendations for Applicants
- Early Planning: Initiate the visa application process as early as possible to accommodate potential delays.
- Regular Monitoring: Frequently check the appointment scheduling system for any earlier slots that may open up.
- Consider Interview Waivers: Applicants renewing their visas or meeting specific criteria may be eligible for interview waivers, potentially expediting the process.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of updates from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates regarding visa processing times and appointment availability.
The prolonged wait times for U.S. B1/B2 visas are causing significant disruptions for Indian travelers. Applicants are advised to plan ahead, explore all available options, and remain patient as they navigate the visa application process
Indian applicants for U.S. B1/B2 visas are facing unprecedented delays, with wait times now exceeding one year in major cities. Chennai reports the longest delay at 13.5 months, followed by Delhi and Mumbai at approximately 9 to 9.5 months, and Hyderabad at 7.5 months. These prolonged wait times are disrupting travel plans for family events, business engagements.
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