Lengthy waits for visa appointment times in India continue

In July our newsletter included a warning about lengthy wait times for visas in India in several visa categories, including H-1B and L-1. The delays for visa appointments in India continue with the current wait times listed on the DOS website as:

- 105 days in Chennai (up from 82 days in July)
- 120 days in Kolkata (up from 96 days in July)
- 93 days in Mumbai (up from 67 days in July); and,
- 112 days in New Delhi (up from 90 days in July).

Only one Indian consulate has addressed these substantial backlogs for appointments.  Wait times are down to 2 days in Hyderabad (it was 118 days in July). To check the most recent postings for visa wait times, please visit the U.S. Department of State's website. Always remember to plan your visa stamping well in advance of any international travel, and whenever possible take advantage of the interview waiver system available at some consulates abroad for renewing your visa.