Securing a US B1/B2 visa appointment 2025 has become increasingly challenging for Indian applicants, with wait times ranging from 3 months in Hyderabad to over 14 months in Chennai. Meet Priya, a Mumbai-based software engineer who planned a business conference in San Francisco but faced an 8-month appointment backlog. Like thousands of Indians navigating the complex US visa system, understanding current wait times, booking procedures, and expedited options can mean the difference between making your travel plans or missing critical opportunities.
This comprehensive guide covers everything Indian applicants need to know about the US B1 B2 visa interview wait times 2025, step-by-step scheduling instructions, and expert strategies to expedite your application process.
In this guide, you'll discover:
- Latest US visa appointment India 2025 wait times by city
- Complete B1/B2 visa interview booking process step-by-step
- US visa slots availability 2025 and how to find appointments faster
- DS-160 application form guide and required documents
- US visa reschedule or expedite process options
- Interview waiver eligibility and preparation tips
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Why US B1/B2 Visa Appointment Wait Times Matter in 2025
The US Embassy and Consulates in India processed thousands of visa applications monthly in 2025, yet demand continues to exceed capacity. Current US visitor visa appointment dates 2025 show significant variation across five major cities, making location selection crucial for your travel timeline.
Recent policy changes in March 2024 centralized all B1/B2 interview waiver appointments in New Delhi, affecting processing patterns across India. Understanding these changes helps applicants make informed decisions about where and when to apply.
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Quick Verdict: Best Strategy for Your US Visa Appointment
If you need urgent travel → Check Hyderabad or Kolkata consulates for shortest wait times (3-6 months)
If you previously held US visa → Apply for interview waiver in New Delhi (processing 2-3 weeks)
If you're flexible with travel dates → Book earliest available slot and monitor for cancellations daily
If applying from abroad → Consider nearby countries like UAE or Singapore with 1-month wait times
Current US Embassy Visa Appointment Wait Time Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad
| City | B1/B2 Wait Time (2025) | Next Available | Consulate Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai | 14 months | Feb 2026+ | Chennai Consular |
| Mumbai | 9.5 months | July 2026 | Mumbai Consular |
| Delhi | 8 months | June 2026 | New Delhi Consular |
| Hyderabad | 7 months | May 2026 | Hyderabad Consular |
| Kolkata | 6 months | April 2026 | Kolkata Consular |
Data sourced from US Department of State and updated October 2025.
The US Embassy visa appointment wait time Delhi Mumbai Chennai Hyderabad varies significantly, with Chennai showing the longest delays and Kolkata offering relatively faster processing. These timelines represent average wait times from fee payment to interview date, not next available appointments.
How to Book a US Visa Appointment Online: Complete Process
Step 1: Complete DS-160 Form
The B1/B2 visa DS-160 application form guide begins at the Consular Electronic Application Center (ceac.state.gov). Fill out all sections accurately, including personal information, travel history, and purpose of visit.
Save your application frequently using the Application ID. Review carefully before submitting, as errors require starting over. Print the confirmation page with barcode for your appointment.
Step 2: Register on US Travel Docs Portal
Visit ustraveldocs.com/in and create a new user profile. Enter your DS-160 confirmation number, passport details, and contact information.
Link all family members traveling together through the "Manage Dependents" section. For groups of 10+ travelers, review special group appointment guidance.
Step 3: Pay Visa Application Fee
The MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee is approximately INR 15,000-17,000 for B1/B2 visas. Payment options include online via debit/credit card, NEFT/IMPS bank transfer, or cash at designated Axis Bank or Citibank branches.
Once payment processes (typically 24-48 hours), your profile updates allowing appointment booking.
Step 4: Schedule Biometrics (OFC) Appointment
Your first US visa slots availability 2025 check involves booking the Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) appointment for fingerprints and photographs. Select from five locations: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata.
OFC appointments are typically available within 1-2 weeks. This 15-20 minute biometric collection must occur before your consular interview.
Step 5: Schedule Consular Interview
After selecting your OFC date, book the interview appointment at your chosen US Embassy or Consulate. The system displays available dates based on current US visitor visa appointment dates 2025 for your selected location.
Interview dates must follow your OFC appointment by at least 24 hours. Consider checking availability across all five cities to find earliest slots.
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US Visa Reschedule or Expedite Process Options
Rescheduling Your Appointment
You can reschedule appointments through your ustraveldocs.com profile, but policies changed significantly in 2025. Frequent rescheduling may affect future eligibility, so avoid unnecessary changes.
Monitor the portal daily for cancellation slots that open unexpectedly. Third-party services like checkvisaslots.com provide real-time availability notifications.
Emergency Appointments
Expedite requests are granted for urgent situations: medical emergencies, funeral attendance, urgent business travel, or student program deadlines. Submit expedite requests through ustraveldocs.com with supporting documentation.
Approval depends on demonstrated urgency and slot availability. Emergency appointments don't guarantee visa approval, only faster interview dates.
US B1/B2 Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility 2025
Interview waivers apply to applicants meeting specific criteria:
- Previous US visa holders within 48 months of expiration
- Applying for same visa category as previous approval
- Previous visa wasn't revoked or cancelled
- No arrests or criminal convictions since last visa
All B1/B2 interview waiver applications now process through New Delhi since March 2024. Processing typically takes 2-3 weeks from document submission at Visa Application Center (VAC).
Required Documents for US Visa Appointment
Essential Documents for All Applicants
Valid passport with 6+ months validity beyond travel dates and two blank pages. DS-160 confirmation page with barcode printed clearly. Appointment confirmation letters for both OFC and interview. Visa fee payment receipt showing MRV payment.
Two passport-size photographs meeting US specifications (5cm x 5cm, white background).
Additional Supporting Documents
For B1/B2 visas: Travel itinerary, hotel bookings, return flight reservations, proof of funds (bank statements for 6 months), employment letter, income tax returns, property documents.
For business travel: Invitation letter from US company, details of business relationship, conference registration, trade show invitation.
For tourism: Tour package bookings, previous international travel history, family ties in India demonstrating return intent.
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JM Visa Services' flight booking support
Pros and Cons of US B1/B2 Visa Appointment Process
Pros
- Multiple consulate options across five major Indian cities
- Interview waiver available for repeat applicants
- Online application system allows 24/7 access
- Emergency appointment options for urgent travel
- 10-year visa validity for approved applicants
- Family members can link applications for joint interviews
Cons
- Extremely long wait times ranging 6-14 months
- Non-refundable visa fee even if denied (INR 15,000-17,000)
- Limited rescheduling flexibility without penalties
- Complex documentation requirements
- Interview attendance mandatory for first-time applicants
- Unpredictable slot availability and frequent changes
Tips to Find US Visa Slots Availability 2025 Faster
Check all five consulate locations rather than limiting to one city. Mumbai and Hyderabad currently show better availability than Chennai or Delhi.
Monitor appointment portals daily during early morning hours (6-8 AM IST) when cancellations often appear. Set up automated slot checking through services like visaslots.info or checkvisaslots.com.
Consider applying from nearby countries if travel urgency justifies additional costs. UAE, Singapore, and Southeast Asian embassies show 1-month or less wait times for Indian passport holders.
Be flexible with interview dates. Accepting less convenient times increases chances of finding earlier slots.
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JM Visa Services' international visa solutions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incomplete DS-160 forms cause automatic rejections at OFC. Review all sections thoroughly before submission.
Incorrect fee payment methods delay profile activation. Use designated payment channels only.
Booking interview before OFC appointment violates sequencing requirements. Always schedule biometrics first.
Missing original documents at interview results in administrative processing delays. Carry all supporting documentation in original form.
Inconsistent information between DS-160, supporting documents, and interview answers raises red flags. Maintain truthful, consistent details throughout.
Conclusion
Navigating the US B1/B2 visa appointment 2025 process requires strategic planning, patience, and understanding of current wait times across Indian consulates. With Chennai showing 14-month delays and Kolkata offering 6-month timelines, location selection significantly impacts your travel planning.
The B1/B2 visa interview booking process involves five clear steps: DS-160 completion, portal registration, fee payment, OFC scheduling, and consular interview booking. Understanding how to book a US visa appointment online through ustraveldocs.com streamlines the experience.
US visa slots availability 2025 remains competitive, requiring daily monitoring and flexibility across locations. Interview waiver options provide faster processing for qualifying repeat applicants through centralized New Delhi processing.
Whether you're traveling for business, tourism, or family visits, starting your application 8-12 months before planned travel accommodates current US B1 B2 visa interview wait times 2025. The pros include multiple consulate options and 10-year validity, while cons involve long wait times and non-refundable fees regardless of approval outcomes.
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