The wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview at the U.S. embassy / consulates in India was negligible until a few months ago. Applicants were able to obtain an interview date within 2 to 5 business days for most categories of visas at almost any post in India. However, recently, the wait times have increased to several weeks, with some applicants having to wait for months in certain categories.

We understand from a recent update on www.ustraveldocs.com/in, the official U.S. Visa information site for the U.S. Missions in India, that this delay is on account of an 80 percent increase in the demand for visas over the past 5 years combined with a shortage of support staff. The U.S. missions are in discussion with the Indian government to increase their staff force in India until the summer demand is met. Consequentially, the missions in India are unable to accommodate urgent appointments unless there is an emergency situation.

We urge U.S. nonimmigrant visa applicants to plan ahead and apply early for their visas. This update can be found here.