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:
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New Delhi: ~1 month
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Hyderabad: ~2 months
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Kolkata: ~2 months
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Mumbai: ~3 months
Visitor visas still facing long waits
For B1/B2 (visitor) visas, wait times remain high in several locations:
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New Delhi: Up to ~8 months
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Mumbai: ~7 months
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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