US B1/B2 visa interview wait times in India
As of 17 September 2026, the next available B1/B2 interview in India was about 6.5 months away in Kolkata and up to 12 months in Hyderabad, according to the US State Department.
| Consulate | Next available B1/B2 interview |
|---|---|
| Kolkata | 6.5 months |
| Chennai | 7.5 months |
| New Delhi | 10 months |
| Mumbai | 11.5 months |
| Hyderabad | 12 months |
Source: US Department of State, Global Visa Wait Times, table dated 17 September 2026. Waits change weekly. Check the official tool before booking.
What to do with a long wait
- Apply now. If you might travel within a year, book the earliest slot available and keep checking for legitimate earlier openings on the official portal.
- Pick the right post. You can choose any US consulate in India. A shorter queue elsewhere may be worth the travel.
- Check waiver eligibility. Some renewals can skip the interview. Answer the eligibility questions on the official portal.
- Prepare in the meantime. A long wait is time to build a stronger, more consistent file. See our US documents checklist and interview guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which US consulate in India has the shortest B1/B2 wait?
In the State Department table dated 17 September 2026, Kolkata had the shortest next-available B1/B2 interview wait among Indian posts, at about 6.5 months.
Can I apply at any US consulate in India?
Yes. You can choose any of the five US posts in India regardless of where you live in India.
Can I interview outside India to avoid the wait?
Since September 2025, applicants are generally expected to interview in their country of nationality or residence, so this is no longer a reliable option for most Indians.
Can someone get me an earlier slot for a fee?
Not legitimately. Agents who sell slots usually use bots, which break the scheduling system's terms and can get your profile blocked.