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Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
US B1/B2 visa wait time exceeds 1 year for Indians: Report
Despite the US fully resuming visa operations, demand for tourist and business (B1/B2) visas continues to far exceed available appointment slots, creating major backlogs across US consulates in India. According to an Aviation News report, wait times have hit critical levels, stretching from 7.5 to 13.5 months in Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. Chennai has the longest delay, at 13.5 months, causing many to miss urgent events. These prolonged delays are disrupting travel for family functions, weddings, business events, and even emergencies. Priority appointments remain limited, offering little relief even in urgent cases. The report quoted a homemaker trying to travel to New York for a wedding, who said the earliest available slot was only in March next year, well after the event. The situation is similar in Delhi and Mumbai, where wait times have exceeded nine months, making timely access to B1/B2 visa appointments increasingly difficult for applicants nationwide. Business travellers are among the worst hit. With no clear or predictable appointment system, applicants are left checking the portal repeatedly without success, making travel planning extremely difficult. While general applicants face year-long waits, limited priority slots are mainly allocated to emergency cases and student visa categories. Faheem Sheikh, Chairman of the Travel Agents Federation of India (AP and Telangana), told Aviation News that most summer priority appointments are being given to F1 student visa applicants preparing for the upcoming academic year in the US. The US on Monday announced visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials of Indian travel agencies accused of knowingly facilitating illegal immigration to the United States. The State Department stated that Mission India's Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service work daily across the embassy and consulates to identify and target those involved in illegal immigration, human smuggling, and trafficking. It added that these visa restrictions are being imposed to disrupt networks that facilitate illegal immigration and that the US will continue taking similar actions to cut off such operations. The Department emphasised that US immigration policy aims both to warn foreign nationals about the dangers of illegal immigration and to hold accountable those who violate the law, including facilitators of illegal entry. This visa restriction policy is global and applies even to individuals eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. When asked for details about the travel agencies or individuals affected, a US embassy official in New Delhi declined to provide specific information.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Time of India
US Visa Appointment Delays Leave City Residents in Limbo
Hyderabad: Planning a trip to the United States for leisure or work? Be prepared to wait—possibly for over a year. Applicants across Indian metros are facing unprecedented delays in securing appointment slots for B1/B2 (business and tourist) visas, with wait times stretching from several months to more than 13 months in some cities. In Hyderabad, the earliest available appointment is 7.5 months away. Delhi and Mumbai fare worse, with average wait times of 9 and 9.5 months respectively. Chennai tops the list with a staggering delay of 13.5 months—crossing the one-year mark. "I was hoping to travel to the US for my nephew's wedding in August but the earliest date I'm getting is next March," said a homemaker. "It's heartbreaking. We've planned the trip for months, and now everything's up in the air. " For business travellers, the delay is proving to be more than just inconvenient—it's becoming a financial hurdle. "I had multiple conferences lined up this year, but I have already had to cancel two," said an entrepreneur from the city. "What's frustrating is the complete lack of clarity. You keep checking the website, but it's like a game of chance." While students and emergency travelers are given limited priority slots, the general applicants looking to visit family, attend events, or explore travel opportunities are left stranded. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3 Reasons to Plug This Into Your Home Today elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo The prolonged wait times are also affecting those with urgent personal reasons to travel. "My daughter is giving birth in October, and I was hoping to be there for her," said 65-year-old, from Sindhi Colony. "But the next date is in February. I don't understand why it's taking so long." With summer travel plans already on hold for many, there is growing frustration among applicants who say they feel stuck with no clear solution in sight. "This is usually the time students are given priority. Until appointment timelines improve, we can only wait, and keep refreshing the portals," said Faheem Sheikh, chairman, Travel Agents Federation of India (AP and Telangana).
