The U.S. Department of State has officially released its mid-year 2025 Global Visa Wait Times, offering a detailed look into how long applicants must wait for different visa types at U.S. consulates around the world. The updated figures reveal a mixed landscape: while some cities boast near-immediate processing, others are plagued by severe backlogs, with visitor visa wait times stretching beyond 400 days in certain regions.
This data is crucial for students, tourists, workers, and exchange visitors planning to apply for U.S. visas. Below is a structured overview of key highlights from the latest update:
US VISA Categories for which Wait Time Released
- F, M, J Visas – Students and Exchange Visitors
- H, L, O, P, Q Visas – Petition-Based Temporary Workers
- C, D, C1/D Visas – Crew and Transit
- B1/B2 Visas – Visitors for Business or Tourism
Longest US Visa Wait Times by Category (Select Highlights)
Visitor Visa (B1/B2) – Top 5 Longest Waits
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- Bogota, Colombia: 507 days
- Chennai, India: 407 days
- Halifax, Canada: 479 days
- Merida, Mexico: 339 days
- Mexico City, Mexico: 350 days
Student/Exchange Visitor Visa (F/M/J) – Top Delays
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- Lagos, Nigeria: 222 days
- Dhaka, Bangladesh: 258 days
- Rangoon, Myanmar: 316 days
- Abuja, Nigeria: 188 days
- Kathmandu, Nepal: 146 days
Work Visa (H/L/O/P/Q) – Worst Delays
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- Lagos, Nigeria: 333 days
- Brazzaville, Congo: 296 days
- Quebec, Canada: 150 days
- Abuja, Nigeria: 103 days
- Islamabad, Pakistan: 39 days (moderate but notable).
Fastest Processing Posts (All Categories)
Several U.S. embassies and consulates continue to process visas within just a few days:
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- Brasilia, Brazil: 1 day (all categories)
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: 1 day (all categories)
- Tel Aviv, Israel: 1 day (all categories)
- Belgrade, Serbia: 1 day for all except work visas
- Johannesburg, South Africa: 2 days (all categories)
Closed or Non-Processing Posts
Some posts are currently closed or not accepting visa appointments:
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- Adana (Turkey), Caracas (Venezuela), Kabul (Afghanistan), Tripoli (Libya), Vladivostok (Russia) – Closed
- Bangui, Barcelona, Canberra, Fukuoka, Maputo, Montreal – Non-Visa Processing or Emergency Appointments Only
Why This Matters?
With visa interview backlogs still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic disruptions and staffing shortages, applicants are advised to plan well in advance. For those in countries with long delays, options include:
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- Scheduling interviews in nearby cities or countries (if permitted)
- Requesting expedited appointments for urgent travel
- Monitoring U.S. Embassy websites for updates or added capacity.
Final Note
This report underscores the varying pace of U.S. consular services worldwide. Travelers, students, and workers are urged to consult their local embassy websites for real-time updates and appointment availability. The delays may impact study abroad plans, professional assignments, and family visits—highlighting the need for careful preparation in 2025.
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