Indian students planning to study in the United States have a major reason to celebrate this admission season. In a surprising move, the US has significantly reduced visa wait times across multiple categories, easing one of the biggest stress points for students and travellers.
According to the latest data on the US Department of State’s Global Visa Wait Times portal, the waiting period for F-1 (student), M-1 (vocational), and J-1 (exchange visitor) visas at the US Embassy in New Delhi has dropped from two months to just 15 days — a dramatic improvement just ahead of the new academic intake.
Why This Matters
India is one of the world’s largest contributors of international students to the US. With universities set to reopen after the Christmas break, the sharply reduced wait time now allows students to:
●Meet strict university reporting deadlines
●Book last-minute travel plans
●Avoid semester delays due to documentation issues
This update comes as the US sees record-high demand for education and business travel from India.
B-1/B-2 Visa Wait Times Also Reduced
There’s good news for business travellers and tourists as well.
The wait time for B-1/B-2 (business/tourist) visa appointments in New Delhi has gone down from 6.5 months to 3.5 months, according to The Times of India.
Important:
The reduced waiting period only applies to appointment scheduling, not the visa processing time after the interview.
●Across India, however, waiting periods still vary:
●Mumbai: Earliest available appointment in 9.5 months
●Hyderabad: Around 5 months
●Kolkata: Student visa wait times remain stable
This indicates the US Embassy is prioritising student and employment categories over tourist visas.
What Led to This Reduction?
The Trump administration has recently initiated measures to streamline US visa operations, improve staffing, and address the massive backlog that built up over recent years.
The move is expected to benefit:
●Students
●Exchange program participants
●Professionals travelling for business
●Families preparing for the 2025 academic cycle
With admission deadlines approaching, the new wait times are a big relief for thousands of Indian families.
A Boost for Indian Students and US–India Relations
The US remains the most preferred global study destination for Indian students. This reduction in wait times signals stronger educational ties and smoother travel experiences ahead.
With F, M, and J visas now available in just 15 days, students can prepare for their dream universities without the last-minute panic that has affected applicants in recent years.
