US visitor visa wait hits one year in Hyderabad; student visas far faster across India

US consulate appointment waits in India are sharply split by category, per State Department September 2026 data. B1/B2 visitor visa waits are hitting the one-year mark in Hyderabad and nearly 12 months in Mumbai, with Kolkata offering relative relief. Student and exchange visas (F, M, J) are much faster: under half a month in Chennai, 1.5 months in Hyderabad, two months in Delhi and Kolkata, and 2.5 months in Mumbai. The State Department notes new slots are released regularly, so applicants with booked dates can often move earlier. Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/l67ms1ytkxbt/

• H1B