US Student Visa Processing Times

US Student Visa Processing Times: Are you planning to apply for a student visa in USA and want to know the visa processing time? Check out the article and learn about the US student visa processing times. Since there are three different types of student visas, the processing times are usually common for all. 

To study in USA, international applicants would need a non-immigrant visa. The student visa in USA are of three types, each serving a specific purpose. These visas usually have common processing timelines. You can check out the article to understand about the US visa processing times and plan for your applications accordingly. 

Types of Student Visas in USA

There are three types of student visas in the USA, each with a different duration of study. The details of the types of student visas in USA are as follows:

F-1 Visa in USA: 

The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) is a visa for a full-time student going for a degree program in a US university. This visa allows students to enter the United States as full-time students at accredited colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, elementary schools, or other academic institutions or also for language training programs. Applicants need to get an enrolment in a course of study that results in a degree, diploma, or certificate. Also, the chosen school for studying in the USA must be authorised by the government to accept international students.

Also check out:

Learn more about F1 Visa:

Documents required for F 1 Visa	Reasons for Rejection of US Student Visa
F1 Visa Interview Experience	F1 Student Visa Timelines

J-1 Visa in USA: 

The J1 visa is applicable for those applicants who are going for an exchange program, an internship, or getting hands-on training in the US for a shorter period. This is a non-immigrant visa that allows international applicants to come to the US to participate in study and work-related activities.

M-1 Visa in USA: 

The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other non-academic programs, other than language training programs.

Student Visa Processing Times USA

For those planning to apply for any of the student visas in USA, can check out the visa processing times in the following table for reference: 

Nonimmigrant Visa Type (J) Interview Details	Appointment Wait Time
New Delhi
Interview Required Students/Exchange Visitors (F, M, J)	169 Calendar Days
Mumbai
Interview Required Students/Exchange Visitors (F, M, J)	258 Calendar Days
Kolkata
Interview Required Students/Exchange Visitors (F, M, J)	43 Calendar Days
Hyderabad
Interview Required Students/Exchange Visitors (F, M, J)	247 Calendar Days
Chennai
Interview Required Students/Exchange Visitors (F, M, J)	297 Calendar Days
Interview Waiver Students/Exchange Visitors (F, M, J)	8 Calendar Days

* Calendar days refer to all the days of the week, including those days when the embassies are closed (such as weekends and holidays).

Please note: The number of days can vary based on the location of the application. Thus, these dates are recently updated ones, it will still be better if students check and then apply for their visas. 

When to Apply for Visa Applications in USA?

Keeping the timeframe in check, applicants must apply for their student visa applications based on the processing times. Applicants must first check their visa type, location of application and the number of days the application will be processed and only then plan to apply for their visas. The processing times may or may not vary, in all cases, applicants must check the official website and ensure they have sufficient time in hand to apply for the visa applications. Ideally, applicants should apply for their visas as soon as they get their offer letter from the US university or institution they have applied for.

Check:

• What is 221(g) under US Visa Refusals?  
• Top Reasons for 214(b) Visa Denial

US Embassies in India Address

US Embassies in India are located in four Indian cities namely - New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. The addresses for the US embassies located in the Indian cities are as follows:

US Embassy in New Delhi

Address: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri

New Delhi – 110021

Tel No: 011-91-11-2419-8000

U.S. Consulate General in Chennai

Address: Gemini Circle

Chennai 600 006

Tel No: 044-2857-4000

U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad

Address: Survey No. 115/1, Financial District, Nanakramguda

Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032

Tel No: 040 6932 8000

U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata

Address: 38A, J.L.Nehru Road

Kolkata 700 071, West Bengal, India

Tel No: 91-33-3984-6300

Thus, students applying for student visas in USA must check visa wait times so that the applications get scrutinised promptly. Applicants can get in touch with our team of counsellors for admission-related assistance by signing up for free Shiksha Abroad Counselling, or you can write in queries in the comments below.