World · India Bureau
US Visa Interview Wait Times Stretch to Nearly a Year for Indians
Indian applicants face historically long delays in securing US visa interviews, with average waiting periods now exceeding 11 months. The extended timelines have raised concerns about the visa processing backlog affecting thousands of prospective travellers and workers.
LSN India ·
Obtaining a US visa interview has become an increasingly protracted process for Indian nationals, with historical data showing average wait times of 346 days from application to interview appointment. This extended timeline underscores the significant backlog facing the US consular system in India, one of the world's largest sources of visa applicants.
The 346-day average represents the period required to secure an interview slot, rather than the total time from application through final visa decision. Once applicants do secure interview dates, additional waiting periods may apply before receiving a final determination on their applications.
Indian citizens seeking US visas for employment, education, or travel purposes have long experienced substantial processing delays. The current wait times reflect both increased application volumes and resource constraints within US diplomatic missions across India.
The backlog has implications for Indian professionals seeking work authorisation, students planning to study abroad, and tourists planning travel. Many applicants report uncertainty about their timelines, complicating personal and professional planning.