US Visa Wait Times Plummet for Indians: Latest Updates on F-1, B-1/B-2 Interview Appointments

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A silver lining has emerged for Indian applicants in the midst of the US visa row. Wait periods for key categories have significantly decreased in several cities across India, including New Delhi, Chennai, and others. According to the US State Department, New Delhi has seen a remarkable drop in wait times for F, M, and J visas, reducing from two months to just half a month. In contrast, Shanghai has witnessed a substantial increase in wait times for H, L, O, P, and Q visas, now standing at three months, up from under half a month. Chennai's average wait times for B-1/B-2 interviews, previously at five months, are now listed as 'N/A'. Moreover, the next available appointments for interview-required visas have decreased from five months to three months compared to the October report. The latest updates on wait times across various cities are as follows: - New Delhi: F, M, J - 0.5 months; B-1/B-2 - 3.5 months - Chennai: F, M, J - 2.5 months; H, L, O, P, Q - N/A - Kolkata: B-1/B-2 - 4.5 months; F, M, J - 2.5 months - Mumbai: B-1/B-2 - 9.5 months; F, M, J - 3 months - Hyderabad: B-1/B-2 - 4 months; F, M, J - 2.5 months Cities experiencing the longest average wait times for B-1/B-2 interview-required visas include Toronto (16.5 months), San Jose (13 months), Lagos (12.5 months), Merida (11.5 months), and Ottawa (11 months). To check visa wait time availability, the State Department estimates time in months using 30-day intervals and half months using 15-day increments. New appointments are regularly added, offering applicants a chance to secure an interview sooner than planned. Additionally, the appointment scheduling system allows individuals to reschedule their interview to an earlier available slot, potentially reducing their waiting time.