Understanding the U.S. visa appointment wait times is very important for a smooth application process.
Many immigrants who are hoping to travel to the U.S. can enjoy faster appointment wait times in other countries if the process is longer in the country they are applying from.
Recent data from the U.S. Department of State revealed the variations in wait times for nonimmigrant visa interviews across different countries, with some locations offering appointments within days and others stretching to months or even years.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the U.S. Department of State periodically updates its Global Visa Wait Times tool monthly, providing data on average wait times for B1/B2 (business/tourism) visa interviews and the next available appointment slots.
Wait times vary due to factors like embassy staffing, local demand, and visa category.
This article breaks down the latest updates on U.S. visa appointment wait times by country,
Nigeria (Abuja): Typical B1/B2 wait is around 9.5 months (next slot in 7 months). F/M/J and other work or crew categories usually last 2-3 months.
Ghana (Accra): B1/B2 visas take about 7 months for both average and next available. Study visas are slightly quicker at 6 months.
Kenya (Nairobi): Business and tourist visa wait is short—often immediate. Employment and student categories also move quickly.
Morocco (Casablanca): About 6-6.5 months for a B1/B2 appointment, with F/M/J at just 1 month.
Uganda (Kampala): One of the longest waits in Africa, with B1/B2 averages at 10 months (next slot in 12 months).
Germany: Most embassies in Germany have waits of 1 month or less for all categories.
France (Paris): B1/B2 interviews take about 6 months on average.
Italy and Spain: Consulates in Rome, Milan, Madrid, and Florence typically offer a 1-2 month turnaround for first appointments.
UK (London): B1/B2 slots are about 2 months out; similar story for F/M/J waits.
Canada: Toronto and Calgary are among the slowest globally, 17.5 and 24 months for B1/B2 interviews, respectively. Ottawa and Vancouver run between 9 and 10 months.
Mexico: B1/B2 wait times range widely, with Tijuana at 18.5 months, while Mexico City averages 11 months.
Caribbean: Most posts have immediate or very short wait times (0-2 months) for almost all visa types, making them a possible alternative if travel allows.
Argentina (Buenos Aires): Current B1/B2 interviews can be snagged within 1 month.
Brazil: Sao Paulo’s wait has risen to 3 months, but some posts are faster.
Colombia (Bogota): Averages jump to 10.5 months, with Ecuador’s Quito even longer at 12.5 months.
Australia: Major cities like Melbourne and Sydney clock B1/B2 waits from 3.5 to 7 months, with Perth a bit faster.
New Zealand (Auckland): Shorter waits—about 2 months for business/tourist visas.
