SynopsisIndian citizens seeking US visitor visas face significant appointment delays, with wait times stretching up to ten months in cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad. Kolkata currently offers the shortest queues, averaging four months. While student and work visas generally have much shorter waiting periods, applicants are advised to check the official scheduling system for potential earlier slots and explore interview waiver eligibility.AgenciesIndian nationals planning a trip to the United States continue to face varying visa interview wait times depending on where they apply. According to the latest data by the US Department of State, there is a gap of up to six months between the shortest and longest queues for B1/B2 visitor visa appointments across India's five US consulates. While Kolkata currently has the shortest wait, applicants in Mumbai and Hyderabad face the longest delays.Which Indian city has the shortest US visa queue?Among the five cities, Kolkata offers the quickest route for visitor visa applicants. The consulate reports an average wait of four months, with the next available appointment also estimated at four months. Chennai follows with an average wait of 5.5 months. However, the State Department has not published the next available appointment for visitor visas at the consulate. Applicants in New Delhi currently face an average wait of 7.5 months, while the next available appointment is estimated at 8.5 months.ALSO READ: US visa applicants left in limbo after Kolkata consulate interview disruption creates chaos Hyderabad reports an average wait of 9.5 months, matching its estimated next available appointment. Mumbai has the longest queue among Indian cities. The average wait stands at 9.5 months, while new applicants may have to wait about 10 months for the next available interview slot. Indian cityB1/B2 (Visitor) – Average waitB1/B2 (Visitor) – Next available appointmentF, M, J (Student/Exchange)H, L, O, P, Q (Work/Petition-based)C, D, C1/D (Crew & Transit)New Delhi7.5 months8.5 months2 months2 months1.5 monthsMumbai9.5 months10 months1.5 months1.5 months1 monthHyderabad9.5 months9.5 months1.5 months3.5 monthsLess than 0.5 monthChennai5.5 monthsNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableKolkata4 months4 months1.5 months1.5 monthsNot AvailableStudent and work visas see shorter waits The latest figures indicate that applicants for student visas continue to face much shorter waiting periods than visitor visa applicants. Appointments for F, M and J visas are available in about 1.5 months in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata, while New Delhi reports a two-month wait.ALSO READ: US fixed-term student visas may hit Indian enrolmentsFor employment-based H, L, O, P and Q visas, appointment availability ranges from 1.5 months in Mumbai and Kolkata to two months in New Delhi and 3.5 months in Hyderabad. Chennai has not published appointment data for this visa category. What applicants should know The US Department of State says the "average wait time" reflects how long applicants waited between paying the visa fee and attending their interview during the previous month. The "next available appointment" estimates when a newly scheduled applicant can expect an interview. The department also states that embassies and consulates regularly release additional appointment slots. Applicants who have already booked an interview can check the scheduling system for earlier dates if new slots become available. Eligible applicants may also qualify for interview waivers, which are not reflected in the published wait-time data. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)...moreElevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea.Subscribe Now