US Embassy Speeds Up Tourist Visa Appointments in Chennai, Delhi Applicants Wait Longer. Apply Now!

Highlights: Indian travelers see shorter US visa waits in Chennai and longer in Delhi

• The latest US Department of State data shows mixed trends for Indian applicants, with Chennai’s visa processing improving while New Delhi faces record-long delays.
• Chennai has made the biggest progress, cutting wait times from 8.5 months in August to just 2.5 months in September.
• New Delhi now has the longest next available appointment at 12 months, while Mumbai and Kolkata see moderate delays of 4.5 and 5.5 months respectively.
• Hyderabad continues to remain steady, maintaining an average wait time of around 3 months.
• A new US policy ending third-country visa applications means Indians must now apply locally, a move expected to increase wait times in the coming months.

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Chennai sees fastest US visa approvals as Delhi hits 12-month wait

The latest data from the US Department of State (as of September 2025) shows notable shifts in US visa appointment wait times across India’s key consular cities. While Chennai has seen a dramatic improvement, cutting waits from 8.5 months to just 2.5 months, New Delhi now faces the longest queues, with the next available appointment stretching up to 12 months. Hyderabad remains steady, and Mumbai and Kolkata continue to show moderate delays. Experts expect these trends to continue into October 2025, as demand for US B1/B2 visas stays high.

 

City	Average Wait (Aug 2025)	Average Wait (Sep 2025)	Next Available (Aug 2025)	Next Available (Sep 2025)
Chennai	8.5 months	2.5 months	5 months	3 months
Hyderabad	3 months	3 months	5 months	3.5 months
Kolkata	6 months	5.5 months	6 months	5.5 months
Mumbai	3 months	4.5 months	5.5 months	5 months
New Delhi	4.5 months	3.5 months	5.5 months	12 months

 

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Rising demand and new visa rules extend wait times at Indian consulates

The variation in US visa wait times across India reflects both rising demand and changing embassy priorities. Chennai’s dramatic improvement suggests that additional staff or faster processing systems have helped clear earlier backlogs. In contrast, New Delhi’s long queues point to overwhelming demand and limited appointment capacity.

A major factor affecting recent trends is the new US policy restricting third-country visa applications. Until recently, many Indians booked appointments in neighboring countries such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Singapore, where interview slots were available within weeks. With this option now discontinued, applicants must apply only in their country of nationality or residence, putting additional pressure on local consulates.

Existing third-country appointments made before the rule change are likely to be honored, but all new B1/B2 visa applications must be scheduled in India. Experts believe this move could lead to longer wait times in key centres like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata over the coming months.

Applicants are encouraged to plan travel well ahead and monitor appointment portals regularly for earlier slots. Those renewing visas may still qualify for interview waivers, offering a faster and easier alternative to traditional interviews.

 

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FAQs

1. Why are US tourist visa wait times in India so long in 2025?

US tourist visa (B1/B2) wait times remain high due to strong post-pandemic travel demand, limited staffing at consular posts, and the high volume of applications from India. According to the U.S. Department of State, consular teams continue to process record numbers of visas, but capacity varies by post. While Chennai has cleared part of its backlog, major hubs such as Delhi and Mumbai continue to face pressure from the large number of first-time and renewal applicants.

 

2. Which Indian city currently has the shortest US visa wait time?

As per the latest U.S. Department of State data updated in September 2025, Chennai records the shortest B1/B2 visa wait time. The average wait dropped from about 8.5 months in August 2025 to 2.5 months in September, reflecting better resource allocation and faster processing. Applicants in Chennai can expect shorter interview scheduling times compared with other major centers such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

 

3. Why is New Delhi showing the longest US visa delays?

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi currently has the longest appointment queue, with the next available interview extending up to 12 months. This is mainly due to exceptionally high demand for visitor visas, limited interview capacity, and the concentration of business and diplomatic travel in the capital region. The ending of third-country visa appointments has also redirected more applicants back to Indian consulates, increasing local workload.

 

4. What is the “third-country visa application” rule and how has it changed?

Previously, Indian travelers could schedule US visa interviews in third countries such as the UAE, Singapore, or Qatar if appointments were available sooner. Under updated Department of State guidance issued in 2025, applicants must now apply in their country of nationality or legal residence. The policy was introduced to standardize processing and reduce misuse of regional slots. Appointments booked abroad before this change will generally be honored, but new applications must be lodged in India.
 

5. Can Indian applicants still reschedule their US visa appointments?

Yes. Applicants can reschedule interviews through the official U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services portal. Rescheduling allows moving an existing appointment to an earlier slot if available. Applicants should check the portal regularly, as new slots are released periodically. The number of reschedule attempts may be limited, so changes should be made carefully to avoid system restrictions.
 

6. Are interview waivers available for B1/B2 visa renewals in India?

Yes. The Interview Waiver Program, also known as the Drop Box facility, remains available for certain B1/B2 renewals. If the previous visa expired within the past 48 months, the applicant may qualify to submit documents without attending an in-person interview. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India confirm that eligibility is determined by the online questionnaire during appointment scheduling. Processing times for waiver cases vary by location but are typically shorter than regular interviews.
 

7. How often does the US Department of State update visa wait time data?

Official wait time statistics are updated monthly by the U.S. Department of State. These averages reflect the previous month’s processing trends at each U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Times may fluctuate depending on demand, staffing levels, and seasonal peaks. Because the figures are estimates rather than guarantees, applicants should check the portal frequently for the latest data before planning travel.
 

8.What steps can applicants take to reduce visa wait time in India?

While queues cannot be bypassed, applicants can shorten delays through early preparation. Complete the DS-160 form accurately, pay the visa fee promptly, and schedule the interview as soon as slots open. Monitor the portal for cancellations or newly released appointments. Eligible travelers should also check if they qualify for the interview waiver option. Preparing documents in advance and applying well before travel dates remain the best ways to minimize waiting.
 

9. Will the recent US policy changes affect students or work visa applicants too?

Yes. The restriction on third-country applications applies broadly to non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2, F-1 (students), and H/L (work) categories. Most Indian students and professionals already applied from India, but those who sought quicker slots abroad must now schedule locally. The U.S. Embassy has stated that it continues to prioritize student and employment-based visa processing to meet seasonal and labor-market needs, though appointment pressure remains high.
 

10. What should travelers keep in mind when applying for a US visa from India?

Applicants should begin the process several months before planned travel. Each applicant must complete the DS-160, pay the visa fee, and book an interview through the official portal. Keep the passport, prior visa details, photographs, and financial proof ready. Check the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for category-specific requirements and any updates to interview waiver eligibility. Applying early, reviewing instructions carefully, and maintaining accurate documentation help ensure a smooth and timely visa experience.