Fresh data published by the US Department of State on 14 January—and reported widely on 17 January—show that where an Indian applicant files can slash months off the queue for a non-immigrant visa. The Times of India analysis reveals that New Delhi has the longest waits for visitor (B-1/B-2) visas, with the next available appointment up to eight months away, while Hyderabad posts similar averages but slightly shorter backlogs for employment categories.
In stark contrast, Mumbai now offers the fastest slots for H-, L- and O-class work visas, with first appointments roughly one month ahead. Student visas (F/M/J) present a mixed picture: New Delhi and Hyderabad currently lead with one- to two-month timelines, whereas Mumbai hovers around three months. Chennai reports the shortest published average for visitor visas—about six weeks—but has not disclosed next-slot dates, leaving applicants to refresh the portal in hope of cancellations.
![Huge Gaps Persist in US Visa Interview Wait Times Across Indian Consulates]()
For Indian corporates moving staff to the United States, the disparities are forcing tactical choices. Intra-company transferees are increasingly routed through Mumbai even if they live elsewhere, and firms are budgeting for travel costs to whichever city promises the earliest interview. Consultants caution that appointment data update daily; monitoring tools and slot-sniping services are now common line items in mobility budgets.
Applicants who find the constantly shifting appointment landscape hard to navigate can off-load the logistics to a specialist. VisaHQ’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) provides real-time slot tracking, document vetting and end-to-end filing support for U.S. non-immigrant visas, helping both individuals and HR teams shave days off preparation while dodging costly resubmissions.
The US embassy says it is on track to beat last year’s record one-million visas issued to Indians, crediting extra consular officers and weekend shifts. But demand continues to outstrip capacity. Experts urge applicants to secure DS-160 receipts early, remain flexible on consulate location, and consider interview-waiver eligibility for renewals to avoid the worst queues.
In stark contrast, Mumbai now offers the fastest slots for H-, L- and O-class work visas, with first appointments roughly one month ahead. Student visas (F/M/J) present a mixed picture: New Delhi and Hyderabad currently lead with one- to two-month timelines, whereas Mumbai hovers around three months. Chennai reports the shortest published average for visitor visas—about six weeks—but has not disclosed next-slot dates, leaving applicants to refresh the portal in hope of cancellations.
For Indian corporates moving staff to the United States, the disparities are forcing tactical choices. Intra-company transferees are increasingly routed through Mumbai even if they live elsewhere, and firms are budgeting for travel costs to whichever city promises the earliest interview. Consultants caution that appointment data update daily; monitoring tools and slot-sniping services are now common line items in mobility budgets.
Applicants who find the constantly shifting appointment landscape hard to navigate can off-load the logistics to a specialist. VisaHQ’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) provides real-time slot tracking, document vetting and end-to-end filing support for U.S. non-immigrant visas, helping both individuals and HR teams shave days off preparation while dodging costly resubmissions.
The US embassy says it is on track to beat last year’s record one-million visas issued to Indians, crediting extra consular officers and weekend shifts. But demand continues to outstrip capacity. Experts urge applicants to secure DS-160 receipts early, remain flexible on consulate location, and consider interview-waiver eligibility for renewals to avoid the worst queues.
