The issue is simply the backlog of visa files that accumulated in US consulates and embassies around the world during an extended processing closure during the pandemic.
If a visa application is approved during a visa interview, the average processing time is 5 working days.
Blame it on the COVID- induced travel restrictions, US visa services is witnessing a historic backlog in processing applications.
We've established that visa wait times grow because there is a statutory limit on the number of green cards the government may issue each year. But there's more. In addition to that, U.S. immigration law says no more than seven percent of all immigrant visas can be given to people of one country in a given year.
Routine B1/B2 Appointments
The U.S. Mission to India resumed processing of routine in-person B1/B2 visas appointments starting in September 2022. Appointments for 2022 and 2023 filled quickly but we continue to open appointments as capacity allows. Please note, these appointments are not placeholder appointments.
The U.S. Mission to India also resumed processing of routine in-person B1/B2 visas appointments starting in September 2022. Here is everything you need to know before planning your travel to the United States.
Visa appointments are now open for all categories!
Tourist or business travelers who are citizens of participating countries may be eligible to visit the United States without a visa. Visits must be 90 days or less, and travelers must meet all requirements. Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need visas for tourism and visits.
US explains why visa waiting time for New Delhi is 2 years, 2 days for Beijing. For student visas, the waiting time is 430 days for Delhi and Mumbai, while for applicants from Beijing and Islamabad, the wait time is 1 and 2 calender days.
These are currently around 2-4 weeks until the actual visa receipt after sending the documents to the U.S. consulate.
You can generally request expedited processing by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or by asking Emma after you have obtained a receipt notice. (You can access Emma by clicking on the Ask Emma icon on the top right of this page).
Applying for an Expedited Appointment
Pay the visa application fee. Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. If the Embassy approves your request then you will receive an email alerting you to schedule your expedited appointment online.
As of June 2022, the DHS-USCIS backlog had reached nearly 8.8 million cases—up from 5.7 million in 2019. As of June 2022, the DOJ-EOIR backlog was 1.8 million cases—up from 1 million in 2019. As of July 2022, the State Department immigrant visa interview backlog was 421,668—up from about 89,655 in 2019.
B2 Visa Processing Time and Length of Stay
B2 visas are valid for up to six months and may be renewed once for up to an additional six months. After submitting the DS-160 form, it generally takes USCIS between 60–90 days to process the B2 visa application.
Ineligible Applicant
Visa applicants can be complex, so it's important for applicants to have an experienced attorney on their side to help them with the application process. They may also deny an applicant if they don't qualify for the visa category they applied for, or if they have a criminal record.
B1 Visa FAQs
In general, B1 visa processing time takes around 3 months (90 days) for USCIS to process work permit applications but has been taking longer recently—often to 4.5–5 months (135–150 days) to process.
B1/ B2 Visa Appointments: They say that they are opening appointments whenever they can, but the demand is higher than what they can accommodate. They say that it is unlikely that they will release more slots in 2022 for first-time B1/B2 applicants. Small numbers may come if someone else cancels.
The US Embassy in India has accepted that it has been unable to accommodate travellers before their scheduled departure dates because of the rise in visa applicants. “Visa appointments are now open for all categories!
The visa processing time can vary between 3 to 5 days or even up to 2 weeks. Processing times for any U.S visa depends on the workload of the U.S Embassy from where you are applying. If there are more applications, it will take a longer time.
Is There a Maximum Number of Trips You Can Make on a B Visa? If you have a B1/B2 visa, you can visit the United States whenever you want to – as long as your passport is valid. The B visa is a multiple entry visa, which means you can use it to enter the United States more than once.
Check the following requirements to start the B1/B2 Visa process. Valid passport - Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after entering the United States. Digital photo - Follow the usual passport photo recommendations. Travel itinerary - Send a summary of your travel arrangements.
Interview Waiver for Business and Tourism (B1/B2) Some visa applicants may not need to appear for a visa interview if they qualify for the Interview Waiver. If qualified, applicants only need to drop the required documents at the RPX Document Drop-off Location any business day between 10am and 3pm.
Agents collect user credentials to book a visa slot. As soon as the visa slots are available, they book them and book for their other clients.