US Visa Interviews: Indian Students Can Get Faster Slots in These Cities (Jan 2026 Update)

by Hadiya_Nabi

US visa joy for Indian students1536×1024 434 KB

Indian students planning to study in the US may not need to wait months for a visa interview if they choose the right city. According to the latest US Department of State data (updated January 14, 2026), visa interview wait times vary widely across Indian consulates.

Faster student visa options (F, M, J categories)

Some cities are currently offering quicker interview availability for students:

New Delhi: ~1 month

Hyderabad: ~2 months

Kolkata: ~2 months

Mumbai: ~3 months

Visitor visas still facing long waits

For B1/B2 (visitor) visas, wait times remain high in several locations:

New Delhi: Up to ~8 months

Mumbai: ~7 months

Hyderabad & Kolkata: ~2.5–4 months

Employment-based visas (H, L, O, P, Q) also show city-wise variation, with Hyderabad offering relatively faster slots.

The US State Department updates these wait times monthly and notes that new interview slots open frequently, allowing applicants to reschedule for earlier dates.

Tip: Always monitor the official visa appointment portal, as timelines can change quickly.

Confused about visa timelines or interview locations? Ask seniors and experts on GD Connect and get real-time guidance from students who’ve been there.

Source: Economic Times