In 2025, Indian applicants across various U.S. visa categories—including business, leisure, and student visas—are encountering significant challenges. Appointment wait times have extended beyond a year in several regions, with Chennai experiencing delays exceeding 400 days, the longest among Indian consulates. In contrast, cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi have seen improvements, with wait times ranging between 140 to 156 days.

U.S. Tightens Visa Rescheduling Rules for 2025 Amid Rising Backlogs and Scrutiny

To address these delays, the U.S. Embassy implemented new policies effective January 1, 2025. Applicants are now permitted to reschedule their visa appointments only once without incurring additional fees. Missing an appointment or attempting a second reschedule necessitates booking a new appointment and repaying the application fee. Additionally, from May 2025, applicants who fail to appear for their scheduled interviews face a 120-day restriction before they can book a new appointment.

These stringent measures aim to reduce appointment backlogs and deter misuse of the scheduling system. However, they have also led to increased scrutiny during interviews, with visa officers posing more detailed questions regarding applicants’ travel intentions and financial backgrounds. Consequently, some applicants are seeking appointments in neighbouring countries like Singapore and Thailand, where wait times are shorter.

U.S. Cracks Down on Visa Fraud and Urges Applicants to Prepare for Stricter Scrutiny

Furthermore, the U.S. State Department has intensified its crackdown on fraudulent activities. In March, approximately 2,000 visa appointments made by bots were cancelled. In May, visa restrictions were imposed on certain Indian travel agencies accused of facilitating illegal immigration, reflecting the U.S. government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its visa processes.

These developments underscore the importance for applicants to plan meticulously, ensure compliance with updated regulations, and be prepared for more rigorous interview procedures. Staying informed and proactive is crucial to navigating the evolving landscape of U.S. visa applications in India.

Summary:

In 2025, U.S. visa applicants from India face over year-long wait times, stricter rescheduling rules, and tougher interviews. New policies penalize no-shows and limit rescheduling. Amid fraud crackdowns, including bot-made appointments and agency restrictions, many seek faster processing in countries like Singapore. Applicants must now prepare carefully and follow updated regulations.