- Hyderabad Slots Open Faster
- Tourist Visas See Relief
- Metro Delays Continue Elsewhere
Article Today, Hyderabad:
Indian travellers seeking United States visas are witnessing a gradual easing of interview wait times, offering relief after prolonged delays. According to the latest data released by the United States Department of State, several Indian cities have recorded a reduction in waiting periods. The improvement is particularly visible at the Hyderabad consulate.
Hyderabad Emerges Favourably
In Hyderabad, visa interview slots are becoming available in a comparatively shorter time. For B1 and B2 tourist visas, the average waiting period is currently around two and a half months. In addition, applicants are able to secure interview appointments within four months. This has brought significant relief to applicants from Telangana and neighbouring regions.
Chennai Shows Faster Turnaround
Meanwhile, the Chennai consulate has reported even shorter waiting periods. Tourist visa applicants there are facing an average wait of about one and a half months. Although specific future slot dates have not been disclosed, global waiting data indicates that processing in Chennai is moving at a faster pace than in many other centres.
Delays Persist in Major Metros
However, visa applicants in major metropolitan cities continue to face long delays. In Mumbai, while the stated average waiting period is about two and a half months, the next available interview slot often extends up to seven months. In New Delhi, the waiting period stretches even further, reaching close to eight months for tourist visas. As a result, applicants in these cities remain under pressure.
Positive Update for Students
In contrast, students planning to pursue higher education in the United States are receiving faster visa processing. For F, M and J category visas, interview slots in New Delhi are available within a month. Hyderabad and Kolkata report waiting periods of about two months, while Mumbai applicants wait close to three months. Authorities are prioritising student visas to ensure academic schedules are not disrupted.
Employment Visa Trends
For employment-related visas such as H and L categories, Mumbai currently offers the fastest appointments, with slots available within a month. Hyderabad follows with an average waiting time of around two and a half months. However, the situation in New Delhi remains uncertain, with reports indicating irregular scheduling of interview slots.
Policy Changes in Focus
These variations come against the backdrop of stricter visa policies introduced during the tenure of Donald Trump. While certain neighbouring countries faced temporary migration restrictions, efforts have been made to improve consular efficiency in India. Therefore, waiting times now vary widely depending on the city and visa category.
City and Category Divide
Overall, the latest figures underline a clear divide in visa processing across India. While Hyderabad and Chennai offer relatively quicker access, applicants in Mumbai and New Delhi continue to experience extended delays. Officials advise applicants to monitor consulate-specific updates, as waiting periods remain dynamic and subject to policy and operational changes.
