Visa Processing Time for US Visa

New changes in U.S. visa policy and procedures have increased the amount of time it can take to obtain a visa. Apply early!

If you want to visit the U.S., plan to submit your visa application well in advance of your departure date. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a current time estimate and recommendations.

Changes introduce shortly after September 11, 2001 caused long processing times, which diverse from country to country. Backlogs accumulated and delays became indefinite in some cases.

Advance travel planning and early visa application are important, since visa applications are subject to a greater degree of inspection than in the past. If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States, we know you’d like to estimate how long you will have to wait to get an interview appointment to apply for a visa. See our “Visa Wait Times for Interview Appointment” information below.

It is important to thoroughly review all information on the specific Embassy’s Consular Section website for local procedures and instructions, such as how to make an interview appointment. Consular Websites will also explain any additional procedures for students, exchange visitors and those persons who need an earlier visa interview appointment.

You’ll also want to know how long it will take for your nonimmigrant visa to be processed at the Consular Section, after a choice is made by a Consular Officer to issue the visa, and the visa is available for pick-up by you or the courier at the embassy. See the “Wait Times for a Nonimmigrant Visa to be processed” information, which does not include time required for special clearances and administrative processing. Some visa applications need additional special clearances or administrative processing, which need some additional time. Most special clearances are resolved within 30 days of application. Applicants are advised when they apply. When supplementary special clearances or administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.

Even with the visa processing enhancement that has been made and will continue to be made, it is inevitable that waits will sometimes occur. Processing times will vary.

If you want to visit the U.S., plan to submit your visa application well in advance of your departure date. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a current time estimate and advice.

Visa Processing Time