Planning to get a visa to the USA? Find out where to apply for a visa to the USA faster in 2025. Updated waiting times by country, expert advice on reducing delays, and help from a professional immigration lawyer

Heading towards the US in 2025? Find out where you can schedule your visa appointment faster—see global wait times and expert tips to speed up your booking process.

USCIS has implemented new mandatory fees for asylum, work authorization, and TPS starting July 22, 2025. We've already covered how much it now costs to file an application, who it affects, and what happens if you don't pay on time.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during the trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

Global Overview of US Visa Appointment Wait Times

As of late July 2025, the U.S. Department of State has started publishing updated monthly statistics for nonimmigrant visa appointment wait times worldwide, including:

- Next Available Appointment: The earliest date you can schedule an interview.

- Average B1/B2 Wait Time: How long applicants waited between fee payment and interview last month. These estimates span weekdays, weekends, and holidays and are regularly updated—though they’re not guarantees. 

Regional Breakdown: Estimated Wait Times by Country (Mid-2025 Snapshot)

Africa

- Abuja (Nigeria): B1/B2 average wait – 9.5 months; next available slot — 7 months. Other categories (e.g., work, student): 2–3 months. 

- Accra (Ghana): Around 7 months for both average and next appointment; study visas slightly quicker (≈ 6 months).

- Casablanca (Morocco): B1/B2 – approximately 6–6.5 months; student/work visas around 1 month.

- Kampala (Uganda): One of the longest waits – average 9.5 months, next slot in 12 months.

Tip: Student (F/M/J) and work visas often have much shorter waits than tourist visas.

Asia

According to the latest data (July 29, 2025):

- Mumbai and Hyderabad (India): Average B1/B2 wait — 3 months.

- New Delhi: Around 4.5 months.

- Kolkata: Approximately 6 months.

- Chennai: Longest in India — about 8.5 months. (The Economic Times, The Economic Times)

Tip: Student or official-program visas may still be significantly quicker.

Europe

- Germany: Most posts under 1 month for all visa categories.

- France (Paris): B1/B2 — around 6 months.

- Italy & Spain (Rome, Milan, Madrid, Florence): Generally 1–2 months.

- UK (London): B1/B2 and F/M/J — about 2 months.

North America

Canada: Among the longest delays globally:

- Toronto: ~17.5 months

- Calgary: ~24 months

- Ottawa & Vancouver: ~9–10 months

Mexico:

- Tijuana: ~18.5 months

- Mexico City: ~11 months

Caribbean posts: Typically very short waits – 0–2 months across categories.

South America

- Buenos Aires (Argentina): B1/B2 around 1 month.

- São Paulo (Brazil): Increased to about 3 months.

- Bogotá (Colombia): Averaging 10.5 months.

- Quito (Ecuador): Even longer – approx. 12.5 months.

Oceania

- Australia (Melbourne, Sydney): B1/B2 wait ranges from 3.5 to 7 months.

- Auckland (New Zealand): Roughly 2 months for business/tourist visas.

Top Strategies to Secure a US Visa Appointment Faster in 2025

1. Book early – even if it’s far out

Scheduling any available slot puts you in the system—and can open doors to rescheduling or expedited options.

2. Use interview waivers (if eligible)

Effective September 2, 2025, broad interview waiver programs are ending; only limited categories (e.g., diplomats, certain B visa renewals) will still qualify. 

3. Monitor for cancellations daily

Slots open and disappear quickly. Check multiple times per day, especially during off-hours; but avoid over-refreshing to prevent temporary lockouts.

4. Be flexible with consular location

Applying at a different embassy/consulate with shorter waits can be legal and effective—an approach sometimes referred to as “consulate shopping.” 

5. Request expedited appointments if justified

Eligible reasons include medical emergencies, university deadlines, or ESTA denials. First book any available slot, then apply for an expedited review.

6. Follow embassy updates closely

 Embassies may release thousands of new slots ahead of peak periods. For example, India saw a wave of student visa slots in May 2025. 

7. Use tech wisely—but carefully

Automated tools like browser extensions or alert bots can help—but avoid shady agents and suspicious services.

8. Prepare your documents early

Make sure your DS-160, visa fee receipt, passport, and supporting materials are ready in advance—and that you're in the correct visa category.

Securing a US visa in 2025 remains challenging—but not impossible. With data now publicly available, you can make informed choices. Be strategic, flexible, and proactive—your refresh button just might be your best ally.

Need Professional Help with Your US Visa?

If navigating the US visa process feels overwhelming, our experienced immigration lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way. From preparing your DS-160 application and gathering supporting documents to booking faster appointments and handling expedited requests, we make sure your case is handled efficiently and correctly.

Reminder! Starting in August 2025, the US will introduce a visa bond pilot program that will require travelers from certain countries to pay up to $15,000 for B-1/B-2 visas. We've already covered who this affects, why it's happening, and how it could impact tourism and immigration. 

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