The US Department of State has introduced two new online tools to assist visa applicants in tracking interview wait times: the Immigrant Visa (IV) Scheduling Status Tool and the Global Visa Wait Times Tool. Both tools have been launched with the aim of improving transparency through the US visa application process, offering real-time data on interview scheduling to help manage applicant expectations and allow applicants to make more informed decisions.
However, it’s important to note that these tools are intended as guides and do not guarantee specific interview dates. Applicants will still need to monitor official channels for specific updates affecting their application.
Immigrant Visa (IV) Scheduling Status Tool
The tool provides applicants with an estimate of when their immigrant visa interviews might be scheduled. It displays the date when the National Visa Center (NVC) is currently scheduling interviews at specific U.S. embassies or consulates, based on when cases became “documentarily complete”—meaning all necessary fees have been paid and required documents submitted. This tool is particularly useful for individuals applying under family-sponsored or employment-based preference categories. However, it does not cover cases such as Diversity Visas, Afghan Special Immigrant Visas, I-601A provisional waivers, or adoption-related visas.
You can access the live tool here >>
Global Visa Wait Times Tool
Aimed at nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those seeking tourist, business, student, or work visas, the Global Visa Wait Times Tool tool offers a monthly snapshot of the next available interview dates across various US embassies and consulates. Applicants can filter information by visa category and location to better plan their application timelines. While the tool provides general guidance, actual wait times may vary due to factors like local demand, staffing levels, and specific case complexities.
You can access the live tool here >>
Implications for Visa Applicants
While the State Department’s new visa tools are a welcome step toward transparency, applicants should approach the data with a realistic understanding of what it actually means for their individual case.
First, the tools provide a broad indication of visa scheduling trends, not personalized timelines. Even if your case has been marked “documentarily complete” by the National Visa Center, you may still face significant delays before being scheduled for an interview, depending on the location and category of your application. In reality, interview availability varies dramatically between consulates, with high-demand locations such as Mumbai, Manila, or Islamabad often facing longer backlogs than lower-volume posts.
Applicants should not interpret the information in the scheduling tool as a guarantee of an interview in a specific month. This is because the information reflects the oldest cases currently being scheduled, not all cases at that location. Since data is updated monthly rather than in real time, there can be a lag between what the tool shows and your actual case status.
The immigrant visa scheduling tool is most useful for those applying under family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories. It does not offer updates for Diversity Visa applicants, individuals seeking adoption-related visas or applicants with pending waivers. Anyone in those categories will need to rely on direct communication from the consulate or NVC for updates.
There is no option within the tools to influence or expedite a case. Urgent travel requests will still need to be submitted through regular consular channels and remain subject to local post discretion and capacity.
It is also important to note that the tools do not provide any insight into what happens after the interview is scheduled or completed. Many applicants face further delays during administrative processing, which is not visible through either tool. As such, even once an interview date is secured, additional waiting periods may apply before a visa is issued.
The most practical use of these tools is for broad planning purposes. Applicants can use the information to understand current trends and make informed, cautious decisions. However, no travel arrangements or life changes should be made based solely on these estimates. Only official notifications from the Department of State or the embassy should be relied on for final steps.
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Author
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.
