U.S. Consular Posts in India are currently experiencing extraordinary wait times for nonimmigrant visa (NIV) interview appointments. In July 2016, the current wait times for all non-immigrant visa categories (other than Visitor and Student/ Exchange Visitors) are 112 days in Chennai, 116 days in Hyderabad, 104 days in Kolkata, 71 days in Mumbai, and 111 days in New Delhi. The wait times are expected to continue and possibly worsen throughout the summer months.
Indian clients in the U.S. should defer any unnecessary travel to India or, where travel is essential, be prepared for long delays in the scheduling of visa interviews. Business emergencies only take second priority when requesting an expedited appointment. Applicants who are renewing their visa may be able to avoid the lengthy processing times if they qualify for the Interview Waiver Program (IWP) (see the requirements of the IWP here: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-visarenew.asp). If Indian nationals will be traveling to other countries, they may also consider processing as third country Nationals (TCN) at consular posts outside of India.
