Archive · 18 Dec 2025
US Visa Processes Highlighted: Approval and Delays
Two people from India recently shared their experiences with US visas.
One person, a 24-year-old professional, got his tourist visa approved quickly after a short interview.
He paid a fee to get an earlier appointment and said the key to success is being clear and calm.
Another person, a student, had their visa put on hold after a normal interview.
They were told to make their social media accounts public for further review.
This has made other students worried about the visa process.
Also, the waiting times for visa appointments are much shorter in Chennai compared to other big cities in India.
A 24-year-old Indian professional's B1/B2 visa was approved after a short interview, emphasizing clarity and calm communication.
An F-1 visa applicant's visa was put on hold for social media screening despite a routine interview, causing uncertainty among students.
Waiting periods for US visa appointments vary significantly across Indian cities, with Chennai having the shortest waits.
The US has tightened screening procedures, affecting appointment availability and processing times.
The Indian government is engaging with US authorities to improve mobility frameworks for travelers and professionals.
- Who
- A 24-year-old salaried professional from India and an F-1 visa applicant
- What
- Shared their US visa experiences, one approval and one refusal pending social media screening
- When
- Earlier this week and December 3, 2025
- Where
- US Consulate and Embassy in India
- Why
- To provide insights into the visa process and highlight the differences in experiences
- Applicant Age (B1/B2)
- 24 years old
- Applicant Status (B1/B2)
- Salaried professional
- Visa Type (B1/B2)
- B1/B2
- Appointment Cost (B1/B2)
- Rs 7,000
- Interview Duration (B1/B2)
- 3-4 minutes
- Waiting Time (B1/B2)
- 45 minutes
- Purpose of Travel (B1/B2)
- Tourism and business conference
- Visa Type (F-1)
- F-1
- Interview Outcome (F-1)
- Refused (221g) pending social media screening
- Program Enrolled (F-1)
- STEM
- Waiting Period (Chennai, B1/B2)
- 3 months
- Waiting Period (Chennai, F/M/J)
- 2 months
- Waiting Period (Chennai, H/L/O/P/Q)
- 1 month
- Waiting Period (Delhi, B1/B2)
- 10 months
- Waiting Period (Kolkata, B1/B2)
- 5 months
- Waiting Period (Mumbai, B1/B2)
- 9.5 months
- Waiting Period (Hyderabad, B1/B2)
- 5 months
Sources
US tourist visa: Applicant’s B1/B2 visa approved, says ‘they dont care about…’
US student visa: Applicant’s F-1 visa put on hold, says ‘interview was normal, then came…’
US visa appointment times lowest in Chennai; highest in Delhi, Mumbai
