If you’re planning a trip to the U.S. for business or vacation and applying through the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata, expect to wait nearly 500 days. Currently, the processing time for B1/B2 visas at the Kolkata consulate is 499 days, making it the longest in India.
Over the past year, the U.S. has made efforts to reduce visa wait times. In 2023, a record 1.4 million visas were processed for Indian applicants, and visitor visa appointment wait times were reduced by 75%. Despite these improvements, long wait times remain a challenge.
Wait times for B1/B2 visas vary across U.S. consulates in India. Kolkata has the longest wait, followed by Chennai at 486 days. Mumbai’s wait time is 427 days, while Delhi and Hyderabad have slightly shorter waits at 432 and 435 days, respectively.
For applicants seeking Interview Waiver Visitor visas, wait times are much shorter. In Delhi, the wait is just 14 days, while in Kolkata, it’s slightly shorter at 13 days.
B1/B2 Visas
A B1 visa is for business purposes, while a B2 visa is for tourism, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, or attending social events without payment. These visas are often issued together as a B1/B2 visa, allowing travelers to engage in both business and leisure activities in the U.S.
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