Business travellers face 11.5-month wait for US visa in Mumbai
Indian applicants for US B-1/B-2 visitor visas face wait times of about 11.5 months for interview appointments in Mumbai, a slight improvement from earlier in the year but still among the longest such waits reported.
Business travellers applying for US B-1/B-2 visas in Mumbai currently face a wait of about 11.5 months.
The category also covers tourism travel to the United States.
The wait time has improved slightly compared to earlier in the year.
Indian industry groups have previously flagged the impact of long visa waits on business travel.
Wait times can fluctuate based on staffing levels and application volumes.
Wait times for US visa appointments have varied significantly across different Indian consulates and embassies in recent years.
The US operates multiple visa-processing posts across India, including in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad.
Applicants are generally advised to check official US State Department wait-time estimates before applying.
Visa interview wait times can fluctuate based on staffing levels, application volumes and broader diplomatic considerations.
The US has periodically added interview slots or adjusted staffing to address visa backlogs at high-demand posts.
Business travellers and tourists are both affected by extended wait times for B-1/B-2 appointments.
India is one of the largest sources of visa applicants to the United States globally.
Visa wait times are separate from visa approval rates, which depend on individual application review.
Some applicants opt for interview waiver programmes when eligible, which can reduce processing time in certain cases.
Extended wait times have previously drawn attention from Indian industry groups citing the impact on business travel.
The US visa application process typically involves an online form, fee payment, and an in-person interview at a consulate or embassy.
Wait-time estimates published by the US State Department are updated periodically and can change based on real-time demand.
Some categories of travellers, including certain repeat visa holders, may qualify for expedited or waived-interview processing under specific conditions.
Peak travel seasons, such as summer and the winter holidays, often see a surge in visa applications, which can affect wait times.
US-India consular engagement (representative image), Wikimedia Commons, public domain
Reporting for Hindustan Hunt on news and stories from across India.
