Know what is the US Tourist Visa Waiting Time in India

If you are planning to visit the United States as a tourist, you might be wondering how long it will take to get a US Visa (B1/B2) from India. The answer is not very encouraging, as the current wait times for US Visa appointments are extremely long.

According to the US State Department website, the average wait time for a US Visa appointment in India as of now is around 500 days or more, which means that if you apply now, you might get an interview date in January/February 2025. This is the longest wait time among all countries in the world, and it is likely to increase further as the demand for US Visas remains high.

The situation is slightly better for students and exchange visitors (F, M, J) who want to pursue their education or training in the US. The average wait time for these US Visa categories is about 300 days, which is still very long compared to the pre-pandemic levels. However, some students and exchange visitors may qualify for an interview waiver, which can reduce the processing time significantly.

If you have an urgent or unforeseen need to travel to the US, such as a medical emergency, a funeral, or a school start date, you may request an expedited appointment through the online appointment system. However, expedited appointments are very limited and not guaranteed, so you should not make any travel plans until you receive your Visa. You should also provide proof of your urgent situation and explain why you cannot postpone your travel.

As you can see, getting a US Tourist/ Visitor Visa from India is not an easy task these days. You need to plan well in advance and be prepared for long delays and uncertainties. You should also check the official website of the US Embassy or Consulate where you will apply for the latest information and updates on Visa services and wait times or can hire a US Visa Consultant to do the work for you.