US Visitor Visa Wait Times Drop Significantly for Indian Travelers in 2025 — Except in Chennai

Indian citizens looking to visit the United States for business or leisure finally have a reason to smile. After years of frustrating delays, B1/B2 visitor visa appointment wait times at US consulates across India have seen a significant drop — offering renewed hope to thousands of travelers.

✅ Current B1/B2 Visa Wait Times in India (April 2025)

• Hyderabad: 140 days

• Mumbai: 151 days

• New Delhi: 156 days

• Chennai: 407 days ❗

While cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi now have manageable wait periods (around 5 months), Chennai remains the outlier with a staggering 407-day delay — the highest in the country.

This marks a major improvement compared to the height of the visa backlog in 2022 and early 2023, when wait times soared beyond 800 days in many locations.

🔍 What’s Behind the Reduced Visa Wait Times?

The US Embassy and its consulates in India have taken concrete steps to address the backlog:

• Increased staffing in visa sections

• Extended processing hours and working shifts

• More interview slots released each week

These changes have allowed the system to catch up with the overwhelming post-pandemic travel demand and ease the burden on applicants.

❓ Why Is Chennai Still Lagging Behind?

Chennai’s prolonged wait time is due to:

• Extremely high application volume

• Slower processing pace compared to other cities

As a result, many applicants are choosing to travel to other Indian cities — like Hyderabad or Mumbai — to schedule their interviews more quickly.

✈️ Faster US Visa Appointments in Other Countries

For urgent travel needs, Indian applicants may consider applying for a US visa from nearby countries where wait times are often significantly shorter.

⚠️ Note: These wait times are subject to change. Always verify through the US State Department’s official visa wait time tool.

While applying abroad requires extra travel and cost, it’s often worth it for time-sensitive business or family trips.

💡 Tips to Speed Up Your US Visa Application

• Apply early: Especially important if applying in Chennai

• Be flexible: Choose other consulates or international options

• Monitor regularly: Keep checking the portal for cancellations

• Be prepared: Submit accurate documents to avoid processing delays

📋 US Visitor Visa Checklist

Before attending your visa interview, make sure you carry:

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity beyond your travel dates)

• Printed DS-160 confirmation page

• Visa fee payment receipt

• Supporting documents (employment proof, bank statements, invitation letters, etc.)

• Biometrics appointment confirmation (if applicable)

Pro Tip: Avoid carrying electronics, large bags, lighters, or matchboxes to your visa appointment.

📈 A Record-Breaking Year for US Visas in India

In a testament to growing demand, the US issued over 1 million visas in India last year — a new record. B1/B2 visitor visas made up a significant portion of this figure.

The US Embassy continues to encourage early applications, flexibility in choosing consulate locations, and careful preparation to ensure smooth processing.

🛫 Final Thoughts

The US visa situation for Indian citizens is clearly improving — with faster processing times across most cities. While Chennai continues to face longer delays, alternate options within India and abroad are helping travelers find quicker paths.

If you’re planning a US visit in 2025, now is a good time to act — stay flexible, stay informed, and prepare well.