Key Takeaways
• Indian US visa waits reach up to 14 months in Chennai by June 2025 due to high post-pandemic demand.
• New 2025 rule allows only one free reschedule; missing interview blocks rebooking for 120 days.
• FIFA World Cup 2026 demand worsens backlog, affecting fans, students, H-1B workers, families, and tourists.
Indian Travelers Face Record US Visa Wait Times Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
Indian citizens hoping to visit the United States 🇺🇸 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are facing some of the longest US visa appointment wait times ever recorded. As of June 2025, applicants in cities like Chennai are being told they may have to wait up to 14 months just to get a visa interview slot. Even in Kolkata, which currently has the shortest wait in India, the delay is still about six months. These long waits are causing concern for fans, students, workers, and families who need to travel to the United States 🇺🇸 for the World Cup or other important reasons.
Why Are US Visa Wait Times So High in India?
The main reasons for these delays are a mix of high demand after the COVID-19 pandemic and not enough staff at US consulates in India. Many people put off travel during the pandemic, so now there is a rush to get US visas. At the same time, US consulates are still catching up after years of limited operations and staff shortages.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the current wait times for a US visa interview in major Indian cities are:
- Chennai: Up to 14 months
- Hyderabad: Around 7 months (as of May 2025)
- Kolkata: About 6 months
For comparison, applicants in Islamabad and Istanbul are seeing much shorter waits, between 2.5 and 6 months. This shows just how serious the backlog is in India.
New Rescheduling Rules Make It Harder for Applicants
In 2025, the US government introduced new rules to manage visa appointments. Now, applicants can only reschedule their visa interview once for free. If you miss your scheduled interview and do not cancel ahead of time, you will be blocked from booking a new appointment for 120 days (about four months). These rules are meant to stop people from not showing up for their interviews, but they have also made things harder for those who need to change their plans.
Key points about the new rescheduling policy:
- Only one free reschedule is allowed per applicant.
- Missing an interview without canceling in advance results in a 120-day suspension from booking a new appointment.
- These changes have increased pressure on applicants, especially those already facing long waits.
How the Delays Affect Different Groups
The long wait times and strict rescheduling rules are affecting many people in India, including:
1. FIFA World Cup 2026 Fans
Many Indian fans want to travel to the United States 🇺🇸 for the FIFA World Cup 2026. With wait times up to 14 months, it is almost impossible for new applicants to get a visa in time if they have not already started the process. This could mean that many fans will miss out on attending the event in person.
2. Students
Indian students who have been accepted to US universities are struggling to get their visas in time for the start of their courses. Delays can lead to missed semesters or even losing their place at the university.
3. H-1B Workers and STEM Professionals
Indian professionals who have job offers in the United States 🇺🇸, especially those in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, are facing problems starting their jobs on time. Companies in the United States 🇺🇸 are also affected, as they depend on these workers.
4. Families
Family members hoping to reunite in the United States 🇺🇸 may have to wait over a year, causing emotional stress and uncertainty.
5. Business Travelers and Tourists
Business people and tourists are also caught in the backlog, making it hard to plan trips for work or leisure.
What Are the Steps for Getting a US Visa in India in 2025?
If you are planning to apply for a US visa from India, here is a step-by-step guide based on the current process:
1. Check Current Wait Times
Before you do anything, visit the U.S. Department of State’s official visa wait time page to see how long you might have to wait in your city.
2. Schedule Your Appointment
Book the earliest available visa interview slot online. Remember, slots fill up quickly, so act as soon as possible.
3. Prepare Your Documents
Make sure you have all the required documents ready. Missing paperwork can cause even more delays. Common documents include your passport, completed visa application form (such as Form DS-160), appointment confirmation, and supporting documents like invitation letters or proof of funds.
4. Attend Your Interview
Go to your interview on time. If you miss it and do not cancel in advance, you will be blocked from booking a new appointment for 120 days.
5. Rescheduling
You are allowed only one free reschedule. If you need to change your appointment again, you may not be able to do so without losing your spot.
6. Wait for Visa Processing
After your interview, you may have to wait even longer for your visa to be issued, depending on your case.
Why Is the FIFA World Cup 2026 Making Things Worse?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is a major event that will take place in the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, and Mexico. Many people from India want to travel to the United States 🇺🇸 to watch the matches or take part in related activities. This has led to even higher demand for US visas, making the backlog worse.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the surge in applications for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is putting extra pressure on an already stretched system. Fans who have not yet started their visa application process may find it nearly impossible to get a visa in time for the event.
What Are the Main Challenges for Indian Applicants?
1. Planning Ahead Is Hard
With wait times of up to 14 months, it is very difficult for people to plan their trips. Many do not know if they will get their visa in time for important events like the FIFA World Cup 2026, university start dates, or job offers.
2. Strict Rescheduling Rules
The new rules mean that if something unexpected happens and you cannot make your interview, you may be blocked from rebooking for four months. This can ruin travel plans, especially for those with tight deadlines.
3. Limited Consular Capacity
US consulates in India are still not back to full strength after the pandemic. Without more staff or resources, the backlog is unlikely to clear up soon.
4. No Quick Fixes
There have been no official announcements about increasing staff or relaxing the rescheduling rules. Unless there are changes, the long waits are expected to continue into 2026.
What Can Applicants Do to Improve Their Chances?
1. Apply as Early as Possible
If you know you need a US visa for the FIFA World Cup 2026 or any other reason, start the process now. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting an appointment in time.
2. Check Other Consular Locations
Some experts suggest looking at US consulates in other countries with shorter wait times, like Islamabad or Istanbul. However, this is not always possible for everyone.
3. Use Expedited Visa Categories if Eligible
Certain types of visas, such as emergency or expedited appointments, may be available for urgent cases. Check the official US Embassy in India website for details.
4. Prepare All Documents Carefully
Make sure you have everything you need before your interview. Missing documents can lead to delays or even denial.
5. Stay Updated
Follow official sources like the U.S. Embassy in India for the latest updates on visa policies and appointment availability.
Expert Opinions on the Backlog
Immigration attorneys and industry experts say the current backlog is the result of years of pandemic-related disruptions and a sudden increase in demand. They warn that unless the US government increases consular staff or changes policies, the delays will likely continue through the FIFA World Cup 2026 and beyond.
Some experts also point out that the new rescheduling rules, while meant to stop people from wasting appointment slots, have made things more stressful for genuine applicants. Many people are afraid to book appointments because they worry about missing their one chance.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, US visa wait times in India were long but manageable. When the pandemic hit, US consulates closed or operated with very limited staff. This created a huge backlog of applications. As travel started to return to normal, more and more people applied for visas, but the consulates were not ready to handle the surge.
In 2025, the US government introduced new rules to try to manage the backlog, but these have had mixed results. The FIFA World Cup 2026 has only added to the pressure, as thousands of fans and travelers try to get visas at the same time.
What Might Happen Next?
As of June 2025, there have been no official announcements about increasing staff or changing the rescheduling rules in India. Many people are hoping for changes, especially with the FIFA World Cup 2026 coming up, but there is no guarantee.
Applicants are advised to:
- Apply as early as possible
- Monitor official channels for updates
- Be prepared for long waits
If the US government does not take action, the backlog could last well into 2026, affecting not just World Cup fans but also students, workers, and families.
Practical Tips for Indian Applicants
- Start your application process as soon as you know you need a US visa.
- Check the official wait times regularly to see if there are any changes.
- Gather all your documents early to avoid last-minute problems.
- Be aware of the rescheduling rules and plan carefully so you do not miss your interview.
- Consider alternative options if you are eligible, such as applying in another country or using an expedited process.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most up-to-date information on US visa wait times and policies, visit the U.S. Department of State’s official visa wait time page. You can also check the U.S. Embassy in India for news and updates.
If you need help with your application, many immigration law firms in India and the United States 🇺🇸 offer guidance and support.
Conclusion: Plan Early and Stay Informed
The long US visa wait times in India are a major challenge for anyone hoping to travel to the United States 🇺🇸, especially for big events like the FIFA World Cup 2026. With delays of up to 14 months in some cities, it is more important than ever to plan ahead, follow the rules, and stay informed about any changes.
While the situation is frustrating, knowing the process and preparing early can help you avoid disappointment. Keep checking official sources for updates, and do not wait until the last minute to start your application.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that unless there are major changes in staffing or policy, Indian applicants will need to be patient and proactive to secure their US visas in time for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and other important events.
Learn Today
US visa interview → A mandatory meeting at a US consulate where applicants answer questions to obtain a visa.
H-1B visa → A US visa allowing Indian professionals to work in specialty occupations like STEM fields.
Rescheduling policy → Official rules limiting how many times an applicant can change their US visa interview appointment.
FIFA World Cup 2026 → A major global soccer event hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, increasing visa demand.
Consular capacity → The available staffing and resources at US consulates to process visa applications efficiently.
This Article in a Nutshell
Indian travelers face unprecedented US visa delays ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026. Chennai wait times reach 14 months, complicating travel plans. New rules restrict rescheduling and penalize no-shows. Fans, students, and professionals struggle to secure timely appointments amid high demand and limited consular staffing.
— By VisaVerge.com
