November 12th, 2024 at 05:41 am

Skyrocketing US Visa Delays: B1/B2 Applicants Now Wait Over 16 Months for Approval

Wait times for U.S. visas have increased throughout India; applicants from Kolkata may now have to wait up to 499 days. Even while certain wait periods have been shortened recently, big-city applicants still face lengthy wait times.

For applicants submitting their applications through Indian consulates, the wait times for US visas have grown significantly. Travelers who intend to visit the United States for business or pleasure should be prepared for lengthy wait times, particularly if they apply in Kolkata, where the current wait time is an astounding 499 days.

Notably, wait periods for visas in Kolkata have increased to almost 500 days from just 24 days a few months earlier.

Attempts to Reduce Wait Times for Visas

Significant progress has been made in the last year as a result of the U.S.’s intensive efforts to reduce the protracted visa wait periods. In 2023, a record 1.4 million Indian nationals received visas, a significant milestone. In the last year, wait times for appointments for visiting visas have also decreased by 75%.

But even with these improvements, the problem of protracted processing periods persists, with some Indian consulates experiencing fresh hold-ups.

Wait Times for B1/B2 Visas in India Right Now

Wait periods for B1/B2 visas, which are necessary for both business and leisure travel, differ significantly throughout U.S. consulates in India. The breakdown as of right now is as follows:

Reduced Wait Times for Visitor Visas with Interview Waiver

Those who qualify for an Interview Waiver Visitor visa have far reduced wait times. While the wait time in Kolkata is 13 days, applicants in New Delhi can anticipate only a 14-day wait. For applicants who qualify under certain conditions, such as certain renewals, these shortened times provide some relief.

New Consulates to Address the Backlog of Visas

The opening of two new consulate offices in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad has been announced by the U.S. Embassy in India. The United States also hopes to decrease the backlog of visas by deploying more personnel in Hyderabad, which is expected to result in a one-third increase in the number of U.S. visas granted to Indian citizens.

Wait Times for Nationals of Third Countries

Long wait times are being experienced even by applicants who are not from India. In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, applicants who are Third-Country Nationals must wait 332 and 289 days, respectively. Applicants who apply for a U.S. visa outside of their country of residence are granted a Third-Country National visa. It is frequently a calculated decision for people looking for possibly shorter wait times.

Understanding the B1/B2 Visa

Non-U.S. citizens may enter the country on a B1/B2 visa for tourism, family visits, medical care, or social activities (B2) or for business (B1). The B1/B2 visa, which is issued simultaneously, allows visitors to combine business and pleasure while in the United States. Particularly for Indian candidates with close travel connections to the United States, this visa type continues to be one of the most popular.

Conclusion

Even while the United States has made progress in cutting down on general wait periods for visas, some consulates continue to have protracted delays. These lengthy wait times highlight the value of early planning and, if appropriate, looking into solutions like the Interview Waiver program for Indian travelers, particularly those visiting Kolkata.