US Visitor Visa: Processing Delays

Lengthy visa processing times are stopping millions of travellers from travelling to the United States.

The delays vary hugely between countries. Getting the green light to enter the US can take anywhere from three days to three years, depending on the applicant's local embassy or consulate.

The US visitor visa is for travellers who want to enter the US for business, tourism or both, and is valid for up to 90 days. They’re also known as B-1 and B-2 visas.

Application Backlogs

The application process starts with an interview at the US embassy or consulate local to the applicant. This is where the delays are coming in. In some countries, applicants are having to wait up to three years for an interview appointment.

In some countries, wait times are more than 400 days for first-time applicants. But the delays vary hugely between countries.

Getting the permission to enter the US can take anywhere from three days to three years, depending on the applicant's local embassy or consulate.

India is facing some of the longest delays. In Mumbai and other major Indian cities, the average wait time is 825 days for an interview appointment.

Chile, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria and Panama all face upwards of 700-day wait times.

What You Need To Know About US Visitor Visa

The US visitor visa is for travellers who want to enter the US for business, tourism or both, and is valid for up to 90 days. They’re also known as B-1 and B-2 visas.

The visitor visa is available to travellers from most countries. But there are some exceptions. The US offers visa-waiver to 40 countries including the UK. Citizens of these countries has to apply for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) acts as a sort of fast-track program that allows applicants to stay in the country for up to three months without a visa

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IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

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