Key Takeaways
• US visa appointment waits in India reach 14 months by June 2025, longest ever for B1/B2 visas.
• New 2025 rules limit rescheduling to once and impose 120-day bans for missed appointments.
• Increased demand and staff shortages cause major delays, affecting families, students, business travelers.
US Visa Appointment Delays Hit Record Highs for Indian Travelers in 2025
Indian travelers hoping to visit the United States 🇺🇸 in 2025 are facing the longest US visa appointment delays ever recorded. Wait times for the popular B1/B2 visitor and business visas now stretch up to 14 months in some Indian cities. New rules from the US Department of State have made the process even tougher, with stricter interview requirements and fewer chances to reschedule appointments. These changes are causing major disruptions for families, students, business professionals, and green card holders across India.
Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what Indian travelers can do to cope with these challenges.
Record-High Wait Times Across Indian Cities
As of June 2025, the wait for a US visa appointment in India is at an all-time high. Here’s how long applicants are waiting for a B1/B2 visa interview in major cities:
- Chennai: 14 months (the longest in India)
- Mumbai: 9.5 months
- New Delhi: 8 months
- Hyderabad: 7 months
- Kolkata: 6 months
These numbers mean that if you apply for a visitor or business visa today in Chennai, you may not get an interview slot until August 2026. Even in Kolkata, the shortest wait among major cities, you’ll still be waiting half a year just for an appointment.
Why Are US Visa Appointment Delays So Severe?
Several factors have combined to create this situation:
- Surging Demand: The number of Indians applying for US travel visas has jumped by over 60% in the last five years. More people want to visit family, attend business meetings, or study in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Stricter Rules: Since February 2025, the US Department of State has made it harder to skip the interview. Fewer people qualify for interview waivers, so more applicants must attend in-person interviews.
- Limited Rescheduling: Applicants can now only reschedule their appointment once. If you miss your slot, you face a 120-day (four-month) ban before you can reapply.
- Staff Shortages: US consulates in India are struggling with fewer staff and overwhelming demand, making it hard to clear the backlog.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these combined pressures have pushed wait times to record levels, with no quick fix in sight.
New Rules and Stricter Scrutiny
The US Department of State introduced several new rules in February 2025 to manage the growing demand and security concerns:
- Only one reschedule allowed: Previously, applicants could reschedule twice. Now, you get just one chance to change your appointment date.
- 120-day ban for missed appointments: If you miss your scheduled interview or interview-waiver appointment, you must wait 120 days before you can book again.
- Fewer interview waivers: More people must attend in-person interviews, even if they have traveled to the United States 🇺🇸 before.
- More detailed interviews: Consular officers are asking more questions and checking documents more closely.
These changes mean applicants need to be extra careful when booking and preparing for their appointments. Missing a slot or showing up unprepared can set you back by months.
Impact on Indian Travelers
Family Visits and Life Events
Many Indians apply for US visas to visit family, attend weddings, or be present for important life events like childbirth or funerals. With wait times now stretching over a year in some cities, families are missing out on these moments. Some applicants report frustration and sadness over not being able to see loved ones or attend once-in-a-lifetime events.
Business and Professional Travel
Indian business professionals are also feeling the pain. Long US visa appointment delays mean missing out on international conferences, meetings, and business deals. Companies are struggling to plan travel for their employees, and some are even losing business opportunities because of the uncertainty.
Students and Emergency Cases
While F-1 student visa applicants get some priority, even they face delays and stress. Emergency cases, such as urgent medical needs or family emergencies, can request expedited appointments, but these are limited and not always granted. Faheem Sheikh from the Travel Agents Federation of India notes that most priority slots go to students, leaving other urgent cases with little relief.
Green Card Holders and H-1B Workers
Green card holders and H-1B visa workers are also facing new challenges. Some report increased scrutiny at US ports of entry, including longer questioning and, in rare cases, pressure to give up their green cards. Elderly Indians and those who spend long periods in India are especially at risk. Immigration attorneys now advise against non-essential travel for these groups and recommend making backup plans in case of delays.
The Numbers Behind the Crisis
- B1/B2 visa wait times: Up to 14 months in Chennai, 9.5 months in Mumbai, 8 months in New Delhi, 7 months in Hyderabad, and 6 months in Kolkata.
- Green card backlogs: For Indian applicants, the EB-2 category is stuck at January 1, 2013; EB-3 at April 15, 2013; and EB-1 at February 15, 2022. Some have been waiting over a decade for their green cards.
- Administrative processing: The US Department of State aims to finish these cases within 30 days, but many take much longer.
How the New Rules Affect the Process
Booking and Rescheduling Appointments
- Book the earliest available slot: Even if the date is far in the future, secure your place in line.
- Monitor for cancellations: Check the scheduling portal often. Sometimes, earlier slots open up if someone else cancels.
- Rescheduling: You can only reschedule once. Choose your new date carefully.
- Missed appointments: If you miss your appointment, you must wait 120 days before you can try again.
Interview Preparation
- Bring all required documents: With fewer waivers and more detailed interviews, make sure you have every document ready.
- Be honest and clear: Consular officers are asking more questions and looking for complete, truthful answers.
- Check eligibility for expedited appointments: If you have an emergency, see if you qualify for a faster appointment. Each consulate has its own rules for what counts as an emergency.
Applying at Other Consulates
If you have legal status in another country, you might be able to apply at a US consulate there. This can sometimes mean shorter wait times, but not all consulates accept third-country applicants. Check the rules before making plans.
For official information on US visa appointments and wait times, visit the US Department of State’s official wait times page.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Applicants
Many Indian travelers are frustrated by the lack of clear communication and the inability to attend important events. Some feel the system is unpredictable and unfair, especially when they miss out on family milestones or business opportunities.
US Consular Officials
Officials at US consulates in India say the main problem is overwhelming demand and not enough staff. They are working to process as many applications as possible, but the numbers keep growing faster than they can handle.
Indian Diaspora Groups
Organizations like the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) are pushing for changes. They want the US government to:
- Expand the criteria for emergency visa appointments
- Allow H-1B workers to get their visas stamped while still in the United States 🇺🇸, instead of having to travel abroad
These groups argue that such reforms would help reduce the burden on consulates and make life easier for Indian travelers.
Historical Context: How Did We Get Here?
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, US visa appointment wait times in India were usually just a few weeks to a few months. When the pandemic hit, US consulates closed or operated with limited staff, causing delays to skyrocket. In 2022 and 2023, some applicants waited 300 to 900 days for an appointment.
By 2024 and 2025, demand for US visas had bounced back even higher than before, but consulates still struggled to keep up. The new rules in 2025, meant to manage security and demand, have made the process even more challenging for Indian travelers.
Economic and Social Impact
Tourism and Education
Long US visa appointment delays may push Indian tourists and students to choose other countries with faster visa processes. This could mean fewer Indian visitors and students in the United States 🇺🇸, affecting tourism and universities.
Business and Investment
Businesses in both India and the United States 🇺🇸 are feeling the impact. Delays make it harder to send employees for meetings, training, or conferences. Some companies may look to other countries for partnerships or expansion if US travel remains uncertain.
Family and Community
Families are missing out on reunions, weddings, and other important events. The emotional toll is high, especially for those who have waited years to see loved ones.
What Can Indian Travelers Do?
If you need a US visa in 2025, here are some practical steps:
- Apply as early as possible: Don’t wait until the last minute. Book your appointment as soon as you know you need a visa.
- Check for cancellations: Visit the appointment portal often. Sometimes, earlier slots become available.
- Prepare all documents: Make sure your paperwork is complete and up to date. Double-check requirements for your visa type.
- Know the rules: Remember, you can only reschedule once. Missing your appointment means a 120-day wait.
- Consider other consulates: If you have legal status in another country, check if you can apply there.
- Ask about expedited appointments: If you have a true emergency, see if you qualify for a faster slot.
- Stay informed: Follow updates from the US Embassy & Consulates in India for the latest information.
Expert Advice
Immigration attorneys recommend:
- Avoid non-essential travel if you are a green card holder, H-1B worker, or F-1 student, due to risks of delays and extra checks at US borders.
- Have backup plans for work and family commitments in case your travel is delayed.
- Green card holders: If eligible, consider applying for US citizenship to avoid future travel problems.
Travel agencies urge clients to:
- Apply well in advance and keep checking for open slots.
- Be flexible with travel plans, as the system is unpredictable.
Calls for Reform and the Road Ahead
Groups like FIIDS continue to push for:
- Expanded emergency visa criteria: So more urgent cases can get faster appointments.
- In-country visa stamping: Allowing H-1B workers to renew visas without leaving the United States 🇺🇸.
So far, the US government has not announced major changes, but advocacy continues.
Future Outlook
Unfortunately, there is no immediate relief in sight. Unless the US Department of State hires more staff or makes big changes to the system, long wait times are expected to continue through 2025. Green card backlogs for Indian applicants are also likely to remain stuck, with little movement in priority dates.
Key Takeaways for Indian Travelers
- US visa appointment delays are at record highs, with waits up to 14 months in some cities.
- New rules mean stricter interviews, only one reschedule, and a 120-day ban for missed appointments.
- Plan far in advance, prepare all documents, and check for slot openings regularly.
- Stay updated through official channels and consider advocacy groups for support.
- No quick fix is expected, so patience and careful planning are essential.
For the most current information on US visa appointments and policies, always refer to the US Department of State’s official wait times page.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Indian travelers face a tough road ahead, but by staying informed and prepared, they can improve their chances of a successful US visa application.
Learn Today
B1/B2 visa → A US nonimmigrant visa for business (B1) and tourism or family visits (B2).
Interview waiver → A provision that exempts some applicants from in-person visa interviews under certain conditions.
Rescheduling → Changing a visa appointment date; now limited to only one allowed reschedule per applicant.
Green card → A US Permanent Resident Card allowing non-citizens to live and work permanently in the US.
Administrative processing → Additional visa application review by US officials that can extend processing times significantly.
This Article in a Nutshell
Indian travelers face record US visa delays in 2025 with wait times up to 14 months. New rules limit rescheduling and increase scrutiny, disrupting families, students, and business professionals across India. Careful preparation and early booking are vital to navigate stringent appointment policies and avoid long setbacks.
— By VisaVerge.com
