Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States as a temporary visitor, please review the information provided below. Then select the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply for specific wait time information, which includes:
- The typical wait time to receive an interview appointment to apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.(For emergency appointment requests: After checking the wait time where you will apply, if an expedited interview appointment is needed earlier due to an emergent situation, visit the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section website where you will find specific instructions about making the request.)
- The typical wait time for your visa to be processed refers to the time it typically takes for your visa to be ready for pick-up or delivery by courier after the Consular Officer has made the decision to issue the visa.
- These estimates do not include time required for administrative processing, which may affect a small number of applications. If necessary, this additional processing is usually resolved within 60 days of application, though some cases may take longer. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Visit our Administrative Processing webpage to learn more.
In addition, it is important to thoroughly review all information on the specific Embassy or Consulate Visa Section website for local procedures and instructions, such as how to make an interview appointment. Embassy and Consulate websites will also explain any additional procedures for students, exchange visitors and those persons who need an earlier visa interview appointment.