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How to check the status of your visa application

Find out how to check the status of your visa application online. And to avoid delays, learn how to update your address if you move while waiting for your visa to be approved.

Check the status of your immigrant or nonimmigrant visa application online using the U.S. Department of State's Visa Status Check portal. You will need to enter your case number when you use the portal.

If you move after submitting a visa application, notify the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as soon as possible. Learn more about updating your address through your USCIS account and using the Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) self-service tool.

LAST UPDATED: January 4, 2024

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Select your form, form category, and the office that is processing your case

Refer to your receipt notice to find your form, category, and office. For more information about case processing times and reading your receipt notice, visit the More Information About Case Processing Times page.

In general, USCIS will first process Form I-526 petitions for investors for whom a visa is available or soon to be available. Processing times for Form I-526 are typically based on an analysis of the completed cases for the prior month.

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Visas for Fiancé(e)s of U.S. Citizens

If you are a U.S. citizen who wants to bring your foreign fiancé(e) to the United States in order to get married, you will need to file a Form I-129F, Petition For Alien Fiancé(e) . This is the first step to obtaining a K-1 nonimmigrant visa for your fiancé(e). The K-1 nonimmigrant visa is also known as a fiancé(e) visa.

In order to obtain a K-1 fiancé(e) visa, you and your fiancé(e) must intend to marry each other within 90 days of your fiancé(e) entering the U.S as a K-1 nonimmigrant. Your marriage must be valid, meaning both you and your fiancé(e) have a bona fide intent to establish a life together and the marriage is not for the sole purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit.

If your fiancé(e) marries you within 90 days of being admitted to the United States as a K-1 nonimmigrant, he or she may apply for lawful permanent resident status in the United States (a Green Card).

If you have already married, plan to marry outside the United States, or your fiancé(e) is already residing legally in the United States, your spouse or fiancé(e) is not eligible for a fiancé(e) visa. Go to the Bringing Spouses to Live in the United States as Permanent Residents page for more information about how to help your foreign spouse apply for a Green Card.

You may be eligible to bring your fiancé(e) to the United States on a fiancé(e) visa if you meet the following requirements:

• You are a U.S. citizen;
• You and your fiancé(e) intend to marry one another within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s admission to the United States on a K-1 nonimmigrant visa;
• You and your fiancé(e) are both legally free to marry (this means you both are legally able to marry in the United States and any previous marriages have been legally terminated by divorce, death, or annulment); and
• Violate strict and long-established customs of your fiancé(e)’s foreign culture or social practice; or
• Result in extreme hardship to you, the U.S. citizen petitioner.

The process for bringing your fiancé(e) to the United States involves USCIS, the U.S. Department of State (DOS), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). At each stage in the process, background and security checks may be conducted on both you and your fiancé(e). This may include checks in various databases for national security, criminal history, and other information about you and your fiancé(e). These checks are conducted using fingerprints, names, or other biographic or biometric information.

Step 1: Petition for Fiancé(e) – USCIS

• You file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) according to the form instructions. This form asks USCIS to recognize the relationship between you and your fiancé(e).
• We review your Form I-129F and the documents you submitted. We may mail you a request for evidence if we need additional documentation or information.
• If you establish your eligibility, we approve your Form I-129F and recognize the claimed fiancé(e) relationship. Otherwise, we deny your Form I-129F and notify you of the reasons for denial.
• We send the approved Form I-129F to the DOS National Visa Center (NVC).

For additional information about filing the petition, see the Form I-129F and form instructions.

Step 2: Visa Application – DOS

• The NVC forwards the approved Form I-129F to the U.S. Embassy or consulate where your fiancé(e) will apply for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa. This is generally the U.S. Embassy or consulate where your fiancé(e) lives.
• The U.S. Embassy or consulate notifies you when the visa interview for your fiancé(e) is scheduled.
• Your fiancé(e) applies for the K-1 nonimmigrant visa and brings the required forms and documents to the visa interview.
• If the consular officer grants the K-1 nonimmigrant visa, it is valid for up to 6 months for a single entry.
• If the consular officer does not find the relationship to be bona fide, DOS will not issue a K-1 nonimmigrant visa and instead will return the Form I-129F to USCIS. Generally, if DOS returns a Form I-129F to us after it has expired, we will allow it to remain expired. However, you may choose to file a new Form I‑129F.

For additional information about applying for a visa, see the DOS Nonimmigrant Visa for a Fiancé(e) page.

Step 3: Inspection at a Port of Entry – CBP

If DOS issues a K-1 nonimmigrant visa, your fiancé(e) travels to the United States and seeks admission at a port of entry while the K-1 nonimmigrant visa is valid. As with any visa, a K-1 nonimmigrant visa does not guarantee admission to the United States. A CBP officer at the port of entry will make the ultimate decision about whether to admit your fiancé(e).

Step 4: Marriage

If your fiancé(e) is admitted as a K-1 nonimmigrant, you and your fiancé(e) have 90 days to marry each other.

Step 5: Adjustment of Status – USCIS

• If you marry within 90 days, your fiancé(e)—now your spouse—may apply for a Green Card by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status .
• We review Form I-485 and the documents your spouse submitted. We may mail a request for evidence to your spouse if we need additional documentation or information.
• You and your spouse will usually be required to appear for an interview.
• If you were married for less than two years at the time the Form I-485 is approved, USCIS will grant your spouse conditional permanent resident status and issue a Green Card valid for 2 years. Your spouse will need to remove the conditions on his or her residence by filing Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence in the 90 days before his or her Green Card expires. 

For additional information about applying for a Green Card, see the Form I-485 and instructions and the Green Card for Fiancé(e) of U.S. Citizen page.

For additional information about removing the conditions on your spouse’s conditional permanent residence, see the Form I-751 page and the Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence Based on Marriage page.

Each case is different and the length of the process varies. USCIS processes fiancé(e) petitions in the order we receive them. For more information about current processing times for the Form I-129F, see the Check Processing Times  page.

If your fiancé(e) has a child who is under 21 and unmarried, the child may be eligible to come to the United States on a K-2 nonimmigrant visa. You must include the names of your fiancé(e)’s children on the Form I-129F if you wish to bring them to the United States. The children must continue to be unmarried and under 21 in order to be admitted to the United States as K-2 nonimmigrants. They may travel with your fiancé(e) or later, but they cannot travel to the U.S. before your fiancé(e).

If you and your fiancé(e) married within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s admission into the U.S., your fiancé(e)’s children who were admitted as K-2 nonimmigrants may also apply for a Green Card by filing Form I-485 with USCIS. However, K-2 nonimmigrant children must remain unmarried in order to be eligible for a Green Card. K-2 nonimmigrant children should apply for a Green Card at the same time or after your fiancé(e).

After being admitted to the U.S. on a K-1 nonimmigrant visa, your fiancé(e) may immediately apply for evidence of work authorization by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization . In this case, your fiancé(e)’s work authorization is valid for only 90 days after his or her entry into the U.S.

Your fiancé(e) may also apply for work authorization at the same time he or she applies for a Green Card. In this case, your fiancé(e) can file Form I-765 together with the Form I-485 . In this case, your fiancé(e)’s work authorization is valid for one year and may be extended in one-year increments.

K-1 and K-2 nonimmigrant status automatically expires after 90 days and cannot be extended. Generally, your fiancé(e) and his or her children must leave the United States at the end of the 90 days if you do not marry. If they do not depart, they will be in violation of U.S. immigration law. This may result in removal (deportation) and could affect their future eligibility for U.S. immigration benefits.

However, if you marry your fiancé(e) after the 90 day period, you may file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative . Go to the Bringing Spouses to Live in the United States as Permanent Residents page for more information about how to help your foreign spouse get a Green Card. Generally, your fiancé(e) may not apply for a Green Card on any other basis besides marriage to you.

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What is a U.S. Visa?

A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to travel to the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa. Visas are placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.

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U.S Visa Processing Times – How Long Does it Take?

How long does it typically take to process a U.S. visa?

U.S. visa processing times vary widely depending on your specific visa. Some visas are processed in minutes. Other visas are processed in months.

Generally, a temporary, non-immigrant visa will be processed much more quickly than a permanent, immigrant visa. If you’re visiting the United States for business or pleasure temporarily, then your visa should be processed within a few days. Immigrant visas, meanwhile, can take a few weeks.

Keep reading to discover more information about how long it takes to get a U.S. visa .

How Long Does It Take to Get a United States Visa?

The average United States visa application will be processed within 3 to 5 weeks .

Within 3 to 5 weeks of completing your application and embassy interview, you should hear back on whether your application has been approved or denied. At this point, your passport will be mailed to your address, which can take 2 to 3 additional workdays.

If your application is refused, then your application may enter a period of limbo. It can take about 60 days from the date of the embassy interview for your visa application to be processed. In some cases, your visa might be rejected after 6 months. This is particularly common if your application is refused under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) .

If your visa application required you to apply for a waiver of ineligibility, then your visa application will likely take longer. You may have to wait for 6 to 8 months from the date of your embassy interview to get a reply.

How Long Does It Take to Get an ESTA?

If you are a citizen of one of 38 countries on the Visa Waiver Program list , then you should be eligible to apply to enter the U.S. through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

ESTA applications can be completed online in minutes . Typically, you’ll receive a response to your ESTA application within an hour (sometimes, even within a few minutes).

The vast majority of ESTA applications are processed within 24 hours.

Processing Times for Different U.S. Visa Types

Processing times vary for different visas. Generally, more complicated visas – like visas for establishing permanent residence in the U.S. – will take longer to process than short-term visitor visas.

The B-1 visa for temporary business-related visits to the United States is one of the most popular non-immigrant visas. There’s no specific timeline for a B-1 visa application. It can take anywhere from 2 weeks to several months to process your visa. It depends largely on the workload of your local U.S. embassy.

The B-2 visa for temporary tourist travel in the United States can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to process. Processing times vary from country to country. Like other visas, it depends largely on the workload of the U.S. embassy.

The E-1 visa typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks to process. Once the processing time is complete, you will be told whether the visa has been processed or your application has been denied.

E-2 visas typically take 4 to 6 weeks to process (for companies) and approximately 2 weeks (for employees). Processing times vary depending on the workload of your local U.S. embassy. If you haven’t heard about your application outside of this period, then it doesn’t necessarily mean your visa was denied.

E-3 visas take around 6 to 8 weeks to process.

The F-1 visa is one of the fastest visas to process. The F-1 visa is often processed immediately before your embassy interview. The interview is the last step of the application process. By the end of the interview, the consular officer should tell you whether or not your application was approved. The officer will congratulate you or hand you a letter explaining why you were denied. Some F-1 visa applications will take several days to process, in which case your approval will come several days after the interview.

The F-2 visa, like the F-1 visa, is one of the faster visas. Some applicants get a response immediately after their consular interview. However, typical F-2 visa applications are processed within a few days to a few weeks. F-2 visa applications rely on the status of the F-1 visa holder (including their financial status and security concerns), which is why they typically take longer to process.

The J-1 visa for education and cultural exchange opportunities in the United States can take 1 to 4 months to process. The U.S. Department of State has a special division called the Waiver Review Division that will check your application before making a recommendation. That recommendation is sent to the USCIS, at which point the final decision is made on your application.

A Q-1 visa takes anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months to process, depending on your country of origin, background, security concerns, and other circumstances. At the conclusion of the application process, you will be contacted to determine whether or not you’re eligible.

The M-1 visa is one of the fastest visas available to gain entry to the United States. Like certain other visas on this list, the M-1 visa embassy interview tends to be the last part of the application process. By the time you reach the interview for your M-1 student visa, your application may have already been processed. By the conclusion of the interview, you will have heard whether your visa has been approved or rejected. However, even if you are approved at the end of your embassy interview, it may take up to 4 weeks to process your application.

H-1 and H-1B Visa

The H-1 and H-1B visas can take a long time to process. The wait time depends entirely on your local embassy or consulate. Some H-1B visas take 4 to 7 months to process. However, the U.S. government allows employers to pay a “premium processing” fee, in which case visa application times can be reduced to just 15 calendar days.

The H-1B1 visa, unlike the H-1 and H-1B visas, is not available for premium processing. Generally, this visa takes more time to process than the H-1B visa. Expect to wait about 4 to 6 months for the visa to be completely processed.

The H-2A visa is designed for seasonal workers, which is why it’s processed differently than the other H visas above. Generally, it’s recommended that U.S. employers file the USCIS petition at least 60 days before they need the foreign worker. Priority is given to H-2A visa applications because the U.S. government recognizes that agricultural work is seasonal.

An H-3 visa application should take about 4 to 6 weeks, although most experts recommend starting the application at least 6 months before your training program begins. We’ve heard reports of some H-3 visa applications taking as long as three months, particularly in countries with overloaded U.S. embassies and high volumes of applications.

The H-4 visa is for the spouse or children of an H visa holder. The processing time for your H-4 visa will depend largely on the H visa holder. Generally, if you’re applying together, the H-4 visa will be processed in the same length of time as the other H visa. If applying separately, however, then processing times vary widely depending on the local U.S. embassy’s workload and application backlog.

The H-4 EAD visa is a special visa for certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B non-immigrants. This visa is processed on a case-by-case visa and depends largely on the original H-1B visa holder – say, your spouse or parent. Typically, the H-4 EAD takes 3 months to process. Unlike certain other H visas, there is no premium processing option available, so all H-4 EAD applications take roughly the same amount of time.

The L-1A visa for intracompany transfers typically takes about 3 to 4 months to process. Companies that are issuing blanket petition for multiple employees tend to have their applications processed more quickly than companies making individual petitions. As with certain other employer-sponsored visas, employers have the option to pay extra fees for premium processing. If you pay the extra fee, then you should get a response within 1 to 3 weeks.

The L-1B visa has similar processing times to the L-1A visa. Expect to wait for 3 to 4 months for the USCIS and local U.S. consulate to approve or deny your application.

The L-2 visa takes anywhere from 15 to 30 days to be processed. As with other dependent visas, it depends on the status of the L-1A visa holder. If the L-1A visa application is completed quickly without issue, then the L-2 visa should be completely similarly quickly.

The R-1 visa has one of the longest visa approval times in the United States. Religious workers seeking to work in the United States may need to wait 8 to 9 months for their visa application to be completed. Employers stateside have the option to pay an extra fee for premium processing. With premium processing, your visa should also be approved or denied within 2 weeks, although the final application can take 2 to 3 months to process.

The P-1 visa is for individual athletes or entertainers seeking to work in the United States temporarily. A typical P-1 visa takes 3 to 6 months to process. Like other employment-based visas, you can pay a fee of $1,225 for premium processing, in which case your visa will be approved or denied within 15 days.

The I visa has one of the shortest visa application processing times. Typically, the visa for members of the foreign media, press, and radio will be processed within 10 days of your application.

O-1 and O-1A Visa

The O-1 and O-1A visa application typically takes 2 to 3 months. This visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, education, or athletics. A premium processing fee of $1,225 can be paid to get a response within 15 days.

The O-1B visa is for those who demonstrated extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry. Like with the O-1 visa, you can pay an extra fee for premium processing. An ordinary O-1B visa takes about 2 to 3 months to be processed, although premium fees can reduce this to as little as 15 days.

The O-2 visa is for the support personnel of those with extraordinary abilities. A typical O-2 visa takes 2 to 3 months to process (similar to the O-1 visa), although premium processing fees can reduce application times to as little as 15 days.

The visa is for the dependents of those on other O visas, including unmarried children and a spouse. A typical O-3 visa application is completed within 2 to 3 months, similar to other O visas.

U.S. Transit Visa

A U.S. transit visa is processed much differently than other U.S. non-immigrant visas. Typically, transit visas are processed much more quickly. You should receive a response on your transit visa application within 5 working days.

The T visa is one of the most unique visas offered by the United States, and little information is available about processing times for U.S. T visas. The T visa is designed specifically for victims of human trafficking and their immediate family members. As with other emergency visas, the T visa should be processed in a relatively short period.

The U visa has a relatively long processing time. The U visa for victims of criminal activity can take 12 to 14 months to be processed and approved. This visa is unique and rare and relies on a thorough investigation of extenuating circumstances, which is why application processing times are longer than other visas.

Is Premium Processing Worth It?

Premium processing is available on many employer-sponsored visas above, including H-1B visas and R-1 visas . Premium processing requires an extra fee in exchange for substantially speeding up the application process.

In most cases, premium processing reduces the application time by 50% to 75%. If your ordinary visa application is going to take 3 months, for example, then premium processing can reduce the application time to as little as 4 weeks.

Premium processing fees generally cost between $1200 to $1300, depending on your visa. Some premium processing fees actually guarantee a response within a certain period of time: if you don’t hear a response within 15 days after paying the premium processing fee, for example, then the fee will be reimbursed.

When Do I Get My Passport Back?

Your passport will remain at the U.S. embassy or consulate after your interview. Once your application has been approved or denied, your passport will be returned to you.

All U.S. embassies and consulates use a courier service to deliver your passport. You will receive an email with the package tracking number. You can track your passport from the time it leaves the U.S. embassy to the time it arrives at your doorstep.

You cannot collect your passport in person from the U.S. embassy or consulate. You must wait for it to arrive by courier.

Faster Processing Times Are Available in Certain Emergency Situations

The U.S. embassy or consulate may speed up your application process in certain emergencies. You may be able to schedule an interview more quickly than usual if you’re in an emergency situation.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country if you have an emergency.

Ultimately, U.S. visa application processing times vary widely between visas. Some visas will be processed in under a week. Other visas take several months to a year. Give yourself plenty of room before your visit to the U.S. to account for visa application processing times and unexpected delays.

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All applicants are processed as efficiently as possible and all U.S. Embassies and Consulates strive to keep the wait time for appointments as short as possible. That said, the earlier you book your appointment, the more likely you are to be able to get the interview date and time you want.

Nonimmigrant visa applicants are encouraged to apply at least three (3) months in advance of the intended date of travel. So remember, apply early!

Although visa processing time is typically three working days, processing time for specific cases may vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements.

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• US Visa Processing Time: How long does it take to obtain a US visa?
• North America Visas

After the embassy interview, ​​you must wait a while to be informed of the result of the visa application. The processing time for different visas varies. On the other hand, it is complicated to estimate US visa processing time accurately. In general, the approximate time for immigrant visas is a few weeks to a few months, and for immigrant visas in some cases, applicants have to wait for years. The conditions of the applicants must also be considered. For example, one person may obtain a US visitor visa within a few weeks, while another may have to wait several months to get it.

US Visa Processing time for all types of visas

Depending on the type of visa, the approximate processing time is:

Student Visas

• F-1 visa: The processing time for this visa is shorter than other visas. Usually, the interview is the last step in the application process. At the end of the embassy interview, it is determined whether the visa is granted to the individual or not. The consular officer will either congratulate you or, if your request is denied, explain to you the reasons that led to the decision. However, in some conditions, you may have to wait a few days to get a definite result.
• F-2 visa: Applicants for this visa will be notified of the result of their application at the end of the interview. But in most cases, people wait for a few days to two weeks to get the final result. The consulate needs time to review the documents and reasons provided. In the case of this visa, the financial situation of the original visa holder, F-1, is essential. It must be determined whether the F-1 visa holder can financially support his/her dependents in the United States.
• M-1 visa: Document processing time is almost short for M-1 visa applicants. Processing is done before the interview. At the end of the interview, the individual is congratulated or explained the reasons if the application is rejected. The average processing time for this permission is at least four weeks.

Visitor Visas

• B-1 visa: The processing time of this visa is not very clear, and it considerably depends on the embassy’s workload. In general, applicants for this visa must wait a few weeks to two months to receive a response from the consulate.
• B-2 visa: The processing time for this visa also varies from country to country. Applicants for this visa will also have to wait a few weeks to two months.
• ESTA: Applicants who want to travel to the United States through a Visa Waiver Program need ESTA. This authorization is issued within 72 hours.
• H-1B visa: The processing time for the H1B visa is usually three to six months. However, since different embassies have different conditions and workload, we recommend that you contact your embassy for more details or contact the US State Department and USCIS.
• H-1B1 visa: Seasonal fluctuations play a role in determining the processing time of this visa. It is estimated that it will take four to six months to process the documents and issue the visa, but this is uncertain. In this case, it is rational to contact the embassy where you applied.
• H-2A visa: The issuance of this visa usually takes a long time in some cases, and it is not possible to determine the exact processing time. Employers are advised to submit their application at least 60 days but no more than 120 days before the need to hire a foreign worker. Since agricultural work is seasonal, the US government prioritizes visa applicants’ applications to expedite the processing process.
• H-3 visa: Applicants for this visa must ensure that their intended institution in the United States files a petition on behalf of them at least six months before the training course starts. They will then be able to go through the rest of the application process. It usually needs four to six weeks to receive a final response from the consulate regarding the application’s approval or rejection.
• H-4 visa: The visa status of H-4 applicants depends on the status of holders of other H visas. If you apply for a visa at the same time as your spouse, your visa application will be processed and issued simultaneously. However, if you submit your visa application separately, you will receive a visa response depending on the embassy’s workload. Therefore, it can be said that the processing time of the H-4 visa is variable.
• L-1 visa: The processing time for an L-1 visa is usually between three and four months. However, it should be noted that blanket petitions are processed faster than the individual ones. On the other hand, employers can get the result of their application within 1 to 3 weeks by paying more, which is called premium processing.
• L-2 visa: The processing time for this visa is 15 days to a month, which may increase depending on the workload of the embassy.
• R-1 visa: To be approved for an R-1 visa, the employer must first submit a petition to USCIS. It takes six months for USCIS to respond because they need to visit and approve the premises of the organization. If the organization has already approved, the visa application will be processed within two weeks by paying a premium processing fee of about $ 1,225. If you do not pay this fee, it will take two to three months for the visa to be processed after the USCIS approves your petition.
• P-1 visa: Applicants for this visa typically have to wait between 3 and 6 months. If you want your visa application processed faster, you can pay for premium processing. It costs about $ 1225. If you pay this fee, the result of your visa will be determined within 15 days. If you are not notified within 15 days, the money will be refunded to you.
• I visa: This visa is issued to those who work in the field of media, and the processing time of this visa is about ten working days.
• O visa: The processing time for this visa is about 2 to 3 months. If you want to inform you of the result of your visa application in a shorter time, you will have to pay an additional $ 1,225 as a premium processing fee. That way, you’ll be notified of your visa within 15 weeks.
• E-1 visa: On average, applicants for an E-1 visa will have to wait for 2 to 4 weeks to inform of the outcome of their visa application.
• E-2 visa: The time required to process this visa is usually between 2 and 6 weeks. This period largely depends on the workload of the embassy. If you do not gain a response within the six weeks, this does not mean that your visa application has been rejected.
• E-3 visa: Visa processing time for Australian citizens who intend to work in the United States is usually two months.

Visas for victims of trafficking and crime

• T visa: The processing time for this visa varies and depends on the circumstances of each applicant. The USCIS has not defined a specific time limit for this visa. Depending on the evidence submitted by the applicants, their case will be assessed, so it is not possible to determine the processing time for this visa.
• U visa: The processing time for this visa is relatively long (between 12 and 18 months). However, depending on the evidence the applicant provides to the USCIS, the processing time may be shorter.

Exchange Visas

• J-1 visa: First, the Waiver Review Division will review your file and provide recommendations. They will then send these recommendations to USCIS to make the final decision on your visa application. This process usually takes one to four months.
• Q-1 visa: It takes 15 days to 3 months for a Q-1 visa application to be processed. After processing, the applicants are contacted to be notified of the result of their application’s rejection or approval.

Transit visa

• C visa: Since the length of stay under the transit visa is short, the processing time is also short. It usually takes five working days to issue a transit visa application.

Getting back a passport and issuing a visa

During the visa processing process, your passport will remain at the embassy. The applicant personally cannot go for the delivery of the passport, but the courier service delivers the passport. Keep in mind that if you have an emergency, the State Department can speed up the interview and visa processing process. In these cases, it is enough to inform the embassy of your country that you are in an emergency.

Let’s sum up…

In this article, we tried to describe the approximate processing time for different visas. On the Visa Library website, you can learn about other US visas requirements, including the US photo specification and application fee, as well as an explanation about other US visas. In case you have some experience, please write it down in the comment section. Your comments let the readers choose better and avoid mistakes. Conveying your experiences in comments is a great help for applicants.

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• September 2, 2020

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Supplementary Information For Filing a Successful H_1B Petition

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US Visa Processing Times – How long does it take to get a US visa?

The US visa application process can be a long and daunting one, especially if you’re not sure what to expect.

If you’re planning on applying for a visa , it’s important to know how long you’ll likely have to wait for your appointment .

Depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, the wait time can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the average wait times for each type of US visa .

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In this article…

What does “Processing Time” for a US visa mean?

The processing time for a US visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

For example, a tourist visa may take several weeks to process, while a business visa may only take a few days.

The processing time also depends on how busy the US embassy or consulate is where you are applying. You can check the processing time for your specific visa on the US embassy website.

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How Many Days Does US Visa Take?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the type of visa you are applying for and your country of origin. Generally speaking, appointments for nonimmigrant visas (such as tourist or business visas) are typically available within a few weeks.

However, if you are applying for an immigrant visa (such as a green card ), the wait time can be much longer, sometimes taking several months.

Ultimately, the best way to find out how long you’ll have to wait for your US visa appointment is to contact the nearest US embassy or consulate.

How to Check the Wait Time for Your Visa Appointment

If you’re planning to visit the United States, you’ll need to get a visa. The wait time for a visa appointment can vary depending on your country of origin and the US embassy or consulate you’re applying at.

You can check the average wait time for visa appointments at your local US embassy or consulate’s website. To find out how long you’ll have to wait for your specific visa appointment, you can contact the US embassy or consulate directly.

The average wait time for a US visa appointment is typically around two to three weeks. However, this can vary depending on the time of year and the specific consulate or embassy.

What Are the Average Wait Times for a US Visa Appointment?

The average wait time for a US visa appointment can vary depending on the time of year and the US embassy or consulate you are applying at.

However, the State Department’s website provides estimated wait times for each embassy and consulate. For example, as of June 2019, the estimated wait time for a visa appointment at the US embassy in Delhi, India is 4-12 weeks.

The estimated wait time for a visa appointment at the US consulate in Mumbai, India is 2-3 weeks.

How to expedite the administrative process for a US visa

There are a few ways to expedite the administrative process for a US visa:

1. Check the visa requirements for your country of citizenship. If you meet the requirements, you may be able to apply for a visa without an interview.

2. Schedule an appointment for an interview as soon as possible. The earlier you schedule your interview, the sooner you will be able to obtain a visa.

3. Complete the visa application form and gather all required documents before your interview. This will help the consular officer make a decision on your case more quickly.

4. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and the purpose of your trip during the interview. The more information you can provide, the faster the process will be.

5. Follow up with the consular officer after the interview to check on the status of your application. If there are any delays, you can inquire about the status of your case and what you can do to speed up the process.

How to cancel or reschedule a US visa appointment

If you need to cancel or reschedule your US visa appointment, there are a few things you need to know. First, you’ll need to contact the US embassy or consulate where you made your appointment.

You’ll need to provide them with your name, date of birth, and appointment confirmation number. Once you’ve done that, they’ll be able to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

There may be a fee for rescheduling, so be sure to ask about that. If you need to cancel your appointment, you may be able to do so online. However, if you need to reschedule, you’ll likely need to do so over the phone or in person.

What to do if you miss your US visa appointment

If you miss your US visa appointment, the first thing you should do is find out how long you’ll have to wait for your next appointment. Depending on the embassy or consulate, you may be able to reschedule your appointment online or by phone.

If you can’t reschedule online or by phone, you’ll have to go to the embassy or consulate in person to reschedule. You may have to wait a few weeks or even a few months for your next appointment, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Applying for a U.S. visa can be a complex process and the processing time can vary greatly depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, your personal circumstances, and the workload of the consulate or embassy where you apply.

In the table below, you’ll find an overview of the estimated processing times for various types of U.S. visas. Please note that these are estimates and can change due to various factors.

Keep in mind that these are general estimates and actual processing times may vary. In some cases, you may be able to expedite your visa application process by paying an additional fee.

Furthermore, note that the timeline for the processing of your visa begins once your application has been received by the U.S. Department of State, and not from the date you submit your application.

Therefore, it is recommended to apply for your visa well in advance of your intended travel date. The U.S. Department of State’s website provides up-to-date information about visa processing times at each individual embassy and consulate worldwide.

Lastly, remember that obtaining a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The final decision rests with the Customs and Border Protection officer at the point of entry.

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• 8 Things You Need to Know About Getting a US Visa

With the summer travel season around the corner, we are fielding many travel and visa application questions. Here are answers to your most frequently asked questions.

1. What happens when you apply for a US visa?

When you apply, you fill out an application online, pay the fee, and schedule an interview at a US embassy or consulate. On the day of your interview, you take all your relevant documentation with you and answer an officer’s questions.

2. What happens during the interview?

While the Department of State (DOS) calls this step an interview, it is not a sit-down with an officer. The officer is usually behind bullet-proof glass.

Consular officers at high-volume posts like Mexico City, New Delhi, São Paolo, Monterrey, and Guangzhou can be interviewing up to 120 visa applicants per day. Their interviews are quick. Even at less busy posts, your interview is likely to be short.

Given the short time, it is best to be prepared for the interview. You don’t want to be flipping through your documents to find answers to the officer’s questions.

Being prepared includes having a brief elevator pitch explaining your reasons and qualifications for the visa. It also includes anticipating the officer’s questions and having your answers ready.

3. How long will it take to get my visa?

The time to get your visa depends on where you apply for the visa and whether your visa is approved at your interview or marked for administrative processing (discussed further below).

Visa processing delays lengthened first during the Trump administration and then in a big way during the Covid-19 pandemic. The backlog of visa applications persists in many places. This means the wait for an interview for visas at some locations can stretch to 8, 9, even 12 months or more.

Where one applies for the visa matters. You can get a preliminary idea of the wait by putting the embassy or consulate location into the Visa Appointment Wait Time calculator on this page (please scroll down to see it) and then looking at the time estimated for your visa type.

4. Can I apply for a visa at any US embassy or consulate?

Theoretically you can. But you want to choose wisely.

Some consular posts, including some locations in Brazil, India, and China, have been known to have high fraudulent activity, sending many applications for administrative processing. Your application could be unnecessarily delayed in certain locations.

Consulates and embassies can also shut down processing due to political considerations. For example, the war in Ukraine prompted some countries in Eastern Europe to stop processing visas for Russian citizens for a while. Political situations make access to some countries a moving target for some foreign nationals.

It is best to verify the consular post and access to the desired country by checking with an immigration attorney before applying.

5. Can I get my visa from Mexico or Canada?

While the ease of traveling to Mexico and Canada may tempt you, going there isn’t usually a fast solution to get your visa and can get expensive. Waits can still be long.

At Monterrey (Mexico), for example, while an H visa applicant would wait only 7 calendar days for an interview, a travel visa applicant (B1/B2) would wait 672 days – that’s almost 2 years!

Once you are there, the consulate or embassy will take your passport while it processes your visa. That means you are stuck in that country until you get your passport back.

Processing can take as much as 8 weeks or longer. Unless you know someone there and have a place to stay, that will be a very high hotel bill!

6. Where is the best place to get my visa?

The best place for foreign nationals to get their visa stamp is in their home country. I realize it is not always possible to travel there for that purpose.

7. What is administrative processing?

Administrative processing is the DOS’s term for a visa application that needs review beyond the consular interview.

It does not mean your visa is denied. It means the officer wants to investigate further before adjudicating your visa application.

Reasons your application may prompt administrative processing include:

• Incomplete documentation
• Not answering the officer’s questions well, or leaving them with questions about the purpose of your trip, your financial stability, or your ties to your home country
• Security questions, such as whether the technology a foreign national works with has military implications
• Prior visa denial
• Criminal history

8. How can I avoid an administrative processing delay?

There is no ironclad way to avoid administrative processing. But you can minimize the likelihood of a delay by choosing your visa application site wisely, gathering all the relevant documentation, and preparing as much as possible for your interview.

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DISCLAIMER: Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations.

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