Key Takeaways
• Visa interview waits reach up to 850 days, impacting access for 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics visitors.
• U.S. may lose $19 billion in tourism spending over two years if visa processing delays persist.
• Department of State is digitizing processes and hiring more staff; new CEAC system aims to reduce backlogs.
Visa Processing Delays Threaten International Tourism as United States Prepares for Global Events
Visa processing delays in the United States 🇺🇸 are becoming a serious problem, casting a shadow on the country’s ability to welcome visitors from around the world just as it gets ready to host several important global events. Many experts and officials are worried that these delays may result in big losses for the U.S. economy, with the travel and tourism industry hit the hardest.
The challenges around visa processing are especially concerning because the United States 🇺🇸 will be the center of attention for many international guests in the next few years. The country is set to hold large-scale global events, such as the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Summer Olympics in 2028. These events are expected to bring millions of people, billions in spending, and valuable opportunities for cities and businesses. But long wait times for visa appointments threaten to chase away would-be visitors and slow down the flow of people, money, and ideas.
Visa Processing Backlogs: The Current Situation
People seeking to visit the United States 🇺🇸 are finding it harder than ever to secure a visa interview and get approval in time for their trips. In some areas, the wait to get a visa appointment now stretches as long as 700 days. In other places, the situation is even worse, with wait times reported to go beyond 850 days. For someone hoping to attend a global event in the United States 🇺🇸, this could mean starting the visa process nearly two years in advance—a timeline that is simply not practical for most travelers.
As of May 2025, the National Visa Center (NVC) is still working on visa cases received from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) more than a month prior (April 15, 2025). Depending on the type of visa and how busy the U.S. embassy or consulate is, visa processing can take anywhere from 3 to 12 months—this does not even include the extra wait time just to get an appointment for an in-person interview.
The Department of State is aware of the backlog and, as of April 25, 2025, has started using a new system for estimating wait times to help visa applicants see when they might be able to get an interview. However, even with these changes, many people are waiting much longer than they did before the pandemic.
How Visa Delays Are Hurting International Tourism
These long visa processing times are not just numbers—they have real effects on the U.S. economy. The travel and tourism industry, which depends on a steady stream of visitors from other countries, is facing tough times because of these delays. Many experts warn that the country is at risk of losing out on the kinds of earnings that only large international tourism can bring.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, the wait for a visa is now “the single biggest deterrent to visiting the U.S.” This means that the delays are the number one reason foreign travelers might look elsewhere for their vacations or business trips. An Oxford Economics report backs this up, showing that unless the situation gets better, the United States 🇺🇸 could lose nearly $19 billion in tourism spending over just the next two years. That’s money that could have gone to hotels, restaurants, shops, airports, and local attractions.
The delays do not only hit tourists. They also cause problems for people who want to come to the U.S. for work, for business events, or to study. When business travelers can’t get their visas in time, American companies often miss out on important meetings or deals. When students can’t get their paperwork in order before the school year starts, universities across the nation suffer.
These missing visitors also mean fewer cultural exchanges and missed chances to build friendships between countries. The ripple effects of slow visa processing reach far beyond just money.
Why Global Events Make This Problem Urgent
The timing of these visa problems could hardly be worse. The United States 🇺🇸 is about to play host to some of the most-watched and highest-profile global sporting events in the world over the next decade.
FIFA World Cup 2026
One of the most anticipated events is the FIFA World Cup, to be held across multiple U.S. cities in 2026. In Philadelphia, officials expect the event to create more than 6,000 local jobs, bring in over $51 million in extra tax revenue, and pay workers about $314 million in wages. City leaders hope the total impact of all related events in 2026 will cross the $1 billion mark, with thousands of visitors filling hotels, restaurants, and sightseeing tours.
But these potential gains are only possible if international fans, teams, officials, and media can actually get into the country. Even the best-planned event will fall short if people cannot get a visa in time to attend.
Other Major Global Events
Philadelphia is not the only city looking to profit from upcoming global events. Over the next ten years, the United States 🇺🇸 will also welcome:
- The Summer Olympics in 2028, which will attract athletes and sports fans from all over the world.
- The Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031.
- The Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2033.
- The Winter Olympics in 2034.
Each of these events could draw hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of visitors. International tourism linked to these occasions usually sparks big investments in local businesses, tourism infrastructure, and job creation. Long delays in visa processing put all these benefits at risk.
Real Losses: What Is at Stake for U.S. Cities and the Economy?
When people cannot visit for important global events, the whole U.S. economy loses out. Cities may miss their chance to shine on the world stage if empty hotels and less crowded streets replace the usual excitement of international tourism.
It is not only direct spending from travelers that suffers. Big global events often draw sponsors, media outlets, and business opportunities that keep paying off for years. For example, the boost in visibility from hosting the World Cup or Olympics can lead to more investment, more tourism, and more jobs long after the last game or event is over.
If visa processing is not improved, the U.S. will not only lose money now but may also lose its reputation as a welcoming country for global events and visitors.
Steps Being Taken to Solve Visa Processing Delays
Recognizing these problems, several government agencies are working to speed up the visa process and tackle the backlog. Here are some of the key steps happening now:
- The National Visa Center is moving closer to using only digital case management by 2025. Most visa paperwork and communication with applicants can now happen online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) portal, making things faster and easier for most people.
- The U.S. Department of State has increased its staff numbers at many embassies and consulates, trying to open up more interview slots, especially in high-demand places like India 🇮🇳, Mexico 🇲🇽, and the Philippines 🇵🇭. The aim is to help cut down the long lines and shortening wait times for interviews.
- A new U.S. Visa Services system launched in February 2025. While this has temporarily slowed some services, it’s intended to make long-term improvements to how visas are processed.
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USCIS has announced a short-term boost in the number of H-2B nonimmigrant visas for foreign workers in 2025. However, as of April 18, 2025, all 19,000 extra visas made available have already been claimed, showing how strong the demand remains.
While these changes are steps in the right direction, many experts say it will take time for them to show clear results. The real test will come when people try to visit the U.S. for huge global events—whether they are able to get a visa in time, or whether the delays force them to stay home.
Industry Voices: Why Addressing the Problem Matters
Tourism officials, city leaders, and industry groups have been very clear about the value of fixing visa processing. The chance to host the world for the World Cup or Olympics only comes around once in a lifetime for most cities.
In the words of one Philadelphia official, these events hold “incredible value in what they bring to the city and how they set it up for the future.” It’s not just about the money spent during the events, but about laying a foundation for more visitors, more business, and more worldwide connections for years to come.
The U.S. risks losing this once-in-a-generation chance to show itself as a top travel destination if the visa delays are not addressed fast.
The Broader Impact: Beyond Tourism
Visa processing delays don’t just hurt tourism or event planning. They also affect:
- Students hoping to study at American universities, who may not get their visas approved in time for their programs.
- Families who want to reunite for graduations, weddings, or special occasions.
- Businesses that need key staff or specialists from abroad for short-term projects or global meetings.
These missed opportunities add up. Family reunions are put on hold, companies delay growth, and students look to other countries 🇬🇧 🇨🇦 🇦🇺 for their studies. Over time, this could impact how the world sees the United States 🇺🇸.
Data Behind the Decisions
The numbers tell a clear story:
- Waits of 700 to 850 days for some travelers just to get a visa interview.
- $19 billion in lost travel spending predicted over two years if nothing changes.
- Philadelphia alone expecting over $1 billion in economic impact from the FIFA World Cup if visitors can actually arrive.
With global events approaching, there is no time to waste.
What Can Be Done Next?
To avoid missing out on the benefits of international tourism and successful global events, the U.S. will need to:
- Keep hiring more staff for embassies and consulates in high-demand countries.
- Continue improving the digital system for visa applications, making it easier for people to submit paperwork and get updates online.
- Explore faster processing or flexible interview requirements for visitors linked to big events.
- Boost communication with travelers, so people know exactly what to expect and when to apply.
Providing transparent, up-to-date information will help visitors plan ahead and reduce the shock of long wait times. For those planning travel to the United States 🇺🇸, checking the official Department of State resource on visa wait times can help set realistic expectations.
The Road Ahead
The months leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the following Olympics will be a major test for U.S. visa processing. Every delayed visa case is a missed chance to welcome a visitor who could bring money, ideas, and goodwill. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the country’s success as a global event host—and its future in international tourism—depend on strong, efficient visa processing that keeps doors open, not closed.
By focusing on improving the experience for visitors, students, and event-goers, the United States 🇺🇸 can hold onto its place as a top destination for people around the world. The clock is ticking: with billions on the line, quick action is needed to prevent small problems from turning into permanent losses.
In conclusion, the future of global events and international tourism in the United States 🇺🇸 rests on how fast and how well these visa processing challenges are solved. If delays can be reduced and trust restored, cities and businesses across the nation are set to gain. If not, the country risks watching opportunity pass by as the world moves on. Visitors—and the benefits they bring—are waiting. It is up to U.S. officials to answer that call in time.
Learn Today
Visa Appointment → A scheduled interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy that is a required step in obtaining a travel visa.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency handling immigration and visa-related processes and decisions.
NVC → National Visa Center, manages visa case processing between USCIS approval and interviews at embassies or consulates.
CEAC → Consular Electronic Application Center, the online portal where applicants manage forms and communication for U.S. visas.
H-2B Nonimmigrant Visa → A temporary visa allowing foreign workers entry to the U.S. for seasonal or non-agricultural employment.
This Article in a Nutshell
Visa processing delays threaten the U.S. as it prepares for massive global events. With waits up to 850 days and $19 billion in potential losses, industries and cities are under pressure. Changes are underway, but efficient reforms are urgently needed before opportunities and billions in international tourism revenue are lost.
— By VisaVerge.com
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