Study in the U.S.
Student Visa & OPT Center
Everything Indian students need to navigate the F-1 visa, OPT work authorization, STEM extension, and the critical bridge to H-1B status.
STUDY IN THE U.S.
Student Visa & OPT Center
Everything Indian students need to navigate the F-1 visa, OPT work authorization, STEM extension, and the critical bridge to H-1B status.
F-1 VISA
Consulate Processing Times
Interview wait times and visa issuance at U.S. consulates in India — updated March 2026
| Consulate | Interview Wait | Visa Issuance | Trend | Appointments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mumbai U.S. Consulate General Mumbai High demand during April–June season | 14days | 3days | -5d | Medium |
New Delhi U.S. Embassy New Delhi Busiest location — book early | 22days | 4days | No change | Low |
Chennai U.S. Consulate General Chennai | 9days | 3days | -3d | High |
Hyderabad U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad Popular for Telangana & AP students | 11days | 3days | +1d | Medium |
Kolkata U.S. Consulate General Kolkata Fastest processing — consider traveling here | 7days | 2days | -2d | High |
Mumbai
U.S. Consulate General Mumbai
14
Interview Days
3
Issuance Days
-5d
Trend
High demand during April–June season
New Delhi
U.S. Embassy New Delhi
22
Interview Days
4
Issuance Days
Stable
Trend
Busiest location — book early
Chennai
U.S. Consulate General Chennai
9
Interview Days
3
Issuance Days
-3d
Trend
Hyderabad
U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad
11
Interview Days
3
Issuance Days
+1d
Trend
Popular for Telangana & AP students
Kolkata
U.S. Consulate General Kolkata
7
Interview Days
2
Issuance Days
-2d
Trend
Fastest processing — consider traveling here
Wait times are estimates based on U.S. State Department data and may vary. Always check the official wait times portal before scheduling.