The current processing time for Indians seeking work visas varies from 60 to 280 days. On the other hand, the wait time for Indians applying for travel visas is much longer, stretching to one and a half years. This shows that the demand for work visas is higher compared to travel visas and the processing time for work visas is relatively faster. However, both types of visas have a significant wait time and applicants should plan accordingly.

The US embassy and its associated consulates in India are aiming to process a record number of visas for Indians this year, according to John Ballard, the Mumbai-based Consular Chief. This decision has been made due to the significant delays and backlogs the visa department has faced in all visa categories. Currently, the wait time for Indians applying for work visas ranges from 60 to 280 days, while the wait time for travelers is one and a half years. In light of these long wait times, the External Affairs Ministry of India has repeatedly discussed the issue with US authorities, advocating for an easier and quicker process for Indians to receive visas across all categories.

“Record” Number of Visas for Indians Expected by US Embassy in 2023, Says Mumbai Consular Chief
Mumbai-based US Consular Chief John Ballard has stated that the US embassy and its associate consulates in India plan to process a record number of visas for Indians in 2023. The statement comes in light of the delays and backlogs the visa department has experienced in almost every visa category.
Currently, the waiting time for Indians applying for work visas is between 60 to 280 days, while for travelers, it can be up to a year and a half. The External Affairs Ministry in India has raised the matter with US authorities on multiple occasions, calling for ease in visa issuance for Indians across all categories.

Ballard revealed that the embassy adjudicated over 125,000 student visas last year, a record number for Indians, and expects an even greater number of applications this year. He added that the embassy is close to reaching its pre-pandemic levels in visa processing, which is expected to surpass in 2023. The only category in which the embassy is looking to reduce the backlog is for first-time B1 and B2 tourist and business travel visas. In conclusion, Ballard stated, “Last year, we adjudicated over 800,000 total visa adjudications and we are almost up to our pre-pandemic levels, which we expect to surpass in 2023.”