US visa processing times vary widely depending on visa type, applicant volume, security checks and even political policies. This makes it hard to predict exactly when your application will be approved. While temporary nonimmigrant visas might take weeks or several months, some immigrant visas providing permanent status might take several years to be approved.

US visa processing times are also subject to change. Applicants are therefore recommended to take advice to determine the estimated processing times for their classification of visa at the time they are making their application.

As a guide, we have outlined general US visa processing times for different classifications of visa, including both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, as well as premium processing, how wait times can vary between different countries and what factors can contribute to any delays.

 

What do we mean by ‘US visa processing times’?

 

The term “US visa processing times” can be interpreted in different ways, and many applicants are unsure of what it actually includes. Processing times generally refer to the period from filing an application to receiving a decision. However, depending on the visa type, this may also include waiting times for interviews and any delays due to administrative processing.

For nonimmigrant visas such as the B1/B2 visitor visa, H-1B work visa, or F-1 student visa, processing time typically refers to the period from submitting the visa application (DS-160) to scheduling an interview at a US embassy or consulate. It also includes the time taken for post-interview processing, visa stamping, and passport return.

For immigrant visas, including family-sponsored and employment-based green cards, processing time is usually measured from the moment a petition is filed (such as Form I-130 or I-140) to its approval by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The process also includes document submission to the National Visa Center (NVC), interview scheduling at the US embassy or consulate, and any additional time needed for administrative processing before the visa is issued.

For those applying for Adjustment of Status (AOS) within the US, processing time covers the entire period from filing Form I-485 to receiving a decision. This may include waiting for biometrics appointments, attending an interview (if required), and final approval for a green card.

It is also important to note that US embassies and consulates report interview wait times separately from general visa processing times. This means that for some applicants, the biggest delay may not be in their application review but rather in securing an interview appointment.

US visa processing times for nonimmigrant visas

 

Nonimmigrant visas are for non-US nationals who wish to travel to the United States on a temporary basis. For those who are not eligible for visa-free travel, there are visas available for both business and pleasure. There are also a whole host of nonimmigrant visas available for various different purposes, including undertaking study or gainful employment.

Indicative US visa processing times include:

 

Form	Description	Est. Processing Time*
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	10.5 to 16 months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers	6.5 to 15 months
I-526	Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor	47.5 months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status	12 to 31.5 months
I-751	Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence	16 to 20.5 months

 

*Take advice on current processing times when making your application. 

 

US visitor visas

 

US visitor visas fall into two categories: the B-1 and B-2 visa. The B-1 visa is for those looking to come to the US in the short-term to undertake unpaid business-related activities, such as attending seminars and meetings, while the B-2 visa is for those looking to visit the US for the purposes of tourism, such as taking a holiday or visiting friends and family.

To apply for either a B-1 or B-2 visa, or even a combined B1/B2 visa, you will need to submit an online application and schedule a visa appointment at your local US Embassy or Consulate. You will be required to attend this appointment with a number of supporting documents. You will also be interviewed by a consular officer as to the purpose of your trip, what funds you have available to cover your expenses and your plans to return home.

The interview itself may last only a matter of minutes, although consular staff will first need to collect, data-enter and review your application. You will also be required to provide your biometric information and submit your documentation in support. In most cases, a visa decision will be made at the conclusion of your interview, where you will be told if your application has been approved or denied, although further processing may be required.

If your application for a US visitor visa is approved, the average processing time at the US Embassy in London is 3-5 working days. There will also be a 2-3 day wait for your passport, containing your visa, to be returned via courier. While the visa interview itself is relatively quick, the wait time for scheduling an appointment can vary significantly depending on demand. The current estimated interview appointment wait time for visitor visas in London is just 3 days, though this may change.

If you are under 14 or over 80, you may be eligible to submit your visa application by courier without attending an interview under the Interview Waiver Program. In these cases, visa processing takes approximately 10 working daysfrom the date the application is received by the embassy, with a further 2-3 working days for passport return.

It is important to apply well in advance of your intended travel date, as processing times may fluctuate. The US Department of State and the US Embassy in London regularly update visa wait times, so applicants should check official sources before making any travel plans.

 

Work visas

 

The application process for US work visas, whether for non-US nationals looking to come to the United States to work on a self-employed basis or those entering into sponsored employment, the application process is far more complex and protracted, adding to overall processing times.

Applicants and employers involved in planning a relocation to the US should make a particular effort to determine the required US work start date in line with business needs and plan early.

If you plan to enter the United States under the E-1 treaty trader visa or E-2 visa treaty investor visa categories, your business must first be registered with the E-Visa Unit. This process requires the electronic submission of various detailed documents.
The current review time for this registration is approximately 45 days.

Once the review is complete and no additional documentation is needed, you will be informed about available appointment dates.

For petition-based employment visas, such as the H-1B Specialty Occupation visa or the L-1 intracompany transfer visa visa, the process involves additional steps. Before you can submit your visa application and schedule a consular interview, your U.S. employer must file an employment-based petition on your behalf with USCIS.Only after USCIS approves this petition can you proceed to the interview stage.

The USCIS processing time for these petitions varies based on the specific visa category and the service center handling the case. For instance, the processing time for an H-1B visa can vary widely, depending on several factors, including the filing period and whether premium processing is utilized. Premium processing is available for certain petitions, including H-1B and some L-1 cases, which guarantees a decision within 15 calendar days for an additional fee.

After petition approval, you can schedule a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in your country. The current wait time for a visa interview appointment at the US Embassy in London varies by visa category. For example, as of now, the wait time for a visitor visa (B1/B2) interview is approximately 3 days, while other nonimmigrant visa categories may have different wait times. It’s important to note that these wait times can change, so it’s advisable to check the embassy’s official website for the most current information.

For L-1 visa applicants, if you are being transferred to the US to work for an affiliated office of your overseas employer, and the company has an approved blanket petition with USCIS, the individual petition process can be streamlined. However, if an individual petition is required, processing times can vary significantly, ranging from several weeks to several months, depending on the USCIS service center handling your case and their current workload.

It’s also worth noting that consular officers have the discretion to waive the in-person interview requirement for certain temporary employment nonimmigrant visa applicants who have an approved USCIS petition, including H-1B and individual L-1 visas. This waiver can expedite the visa issuance process, but eligibility criteria apply, and not all applicants will qualify.

Given the complexities and potential delays in the visa application process, it’s advisable to begin preparations well in advance of your intended travel date. Regularly consulting official sources, such as the USCIS and US Embassy websites, will provide the most up-to-date information and help ensure a smoother application experience.

 

Study visas

 

As with visitor visas, study visas again fall into two categories: the F-1 visa for academic courses and the M-1 visa for vocational courses. The F-1 visa can be used to attend a US university or other academic institution, including a primary or secondary school, or to undertake a language training program. In contrast, the M-1 visa can be used to pursue a course of study which is not principally academic at an established vocational or other recognised nonacademic institution, such as a post-secondary vocational or business school.

The application process broadly mirrors that required for a US visitor visa, although the wait times for an appointment in London are currently just 3 calendar days for student visa applicants.

 

US visa processing times for immigrant visas

 

The US visa processing times for immigrant visas can vary dramatically, from family-sponsored visas to employment-based visas, also known as green cards. The overall length of the processing time will depend on two primary factors: your immigrant application type and the official bodies designated to dealing with your application.

If you are submitting an overseas application for permanent status through consular processing, your case will be dealt with by both USCIS and the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC serves a clerical function in pre-processing immigrant visa applications, preparing these applications for consular officers to review and adjudicate upon.

USCIS will handle the initial processing of the case, before handing over the file to the NVC having approved your green card petition. Once you submit your forms, fees and supporting documents to the NVC, they will review your case to ensure that you have provided all the necessary documentation required to schedule the immigrant visa interview. The NVC will then schedule you an appointment and send everything to the Embassy or Consulate that will make the final decision on your visa. Prior to attending this interview, regardless of your age, you will need to undergo a medical examination by an authorised panel physician.

It can take USCIS several months to process a green card petition. It can then take 1-2 months for an immigrant visa application to be transferred from USCIS to the NVC, with an additional 2-3 months for NVC to deal with its portion, although timelines can vary by case. Even if USCIS approves your petition, you may not immediately get an immigrant visa number. This is because there is a limit on the number of immigrant visas available each year in certain categories, where the availability of numbers may depend on the date that your petition was filed and the number of other applicants waiting for the same visa.

The date that your petition was filed is called your priority date. The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin posts priority dates on a monthly basis, showing when a visa is available for your petition. This means that if your priority date is not current, there will be an additional wait time. Immediate relatives, such as spouses of US citizens, do not have yearly limits, while numerical limitations will apply to family preference and employment immigrant categories. In some cases, it could take several years before you will be eligible to proceed.

Finally, after much patience and time, and having ultimately attended a 2-3 hour interview, you will usually need to wait a further 2-3 weeks for your green card to be processed.

 

Processing Stage	Current Timeframe
USCIS Petition Approval	Varies by petition type; check USCIS processing times
National Visa Center (NVC) Case Creation	As of March 3, 2025, processing cases received from USCIS on February 19, 2025
NVC Document Review	Varies; monitor NVC processing updates
US Embassy/Consulate Interview Scheduling	Approximately three months after document submission, but this can vary

 

 

Premium processing: fast-tracked US visa processing times

 

In some cases, premium processing may be available with USCIS for a fee, for example, for immigrant and nonimmigrant employment petitions. Under this service, USCIS provides a guarantee that some adjudicative action will be taken on the case within either 15 or 45 calendar days, although this does not necessarily guarantee that the petition will be approved.

When it comes to visa interview appointments, while you can request an expedited appointment, there is no priority service available. An expedited appointment will only be granted at the discretion of the Embassy or Consulate if there is an unforeseen and urgent situation, such as a funeral, medical emergency or school start date, although the circumstances considered for expedited appointments may vary from country to country.

 

Do US visa processing times vary between different countries?

 

The US visa processing times can hugely vary, depending on the country that you apply from, and the Embassy or Consulate wait times for that location. For example, the current appointment wait times for visitor visas in London is 195 calendar days, while for Paris this is 528 days. Similarly, the wait time for a student visa in the UK is just 14 calendar days, but for Paris 50 days, and 90 days versus 231 days respectively for most other nonimmigrant visas.

Prior to submitting a visa application, either immigrant or nonimmigrant, you should thoroughly research the overall US visa processing times involved, including checking with your local Embassy or Consulate as to current interview appointment wait times. However, these times are only estimates, where you will not be given any guarantee as to visa processing times in advance. The estimated wait time to receive an appointment can also change weekly, based on the incoming workload and staffing levels at any given time.

 

Factors can delaying US visa processing times

 

There are various factors that can delay US visa processing times, from errors in applications that need to be rectified to official requests for further documentation. In a number of cases, applications will also require further administrative processing after interview by a consular officer, so it is important to apply for your visa well in advance of your intended departure date and not to make any non-refundable travel plans until your visa has been issued.

However, by carefully completing your visa application, ideally with the help of an immigration specialist, and by providing all necessary documentation, this can help to keep wait times to a minimum. The process to obtain a US visa can be both complex and drawn out, but with expert help you could be booking your plane ticket to the US sooner than you think.

 

How to check the status of your application

 

How you check your visa application status depends on whether you applied for an immigrant visa or a nonimmigrant visa.

 

Nonimmigrant Visa Applications

 

If you applied for a B1/B2 visitor visa, F-1 student visa, H-1B work visa, or any other nonimmigrant category, you can check your application status on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website:

 

• Visit the CEAC Visa Status Check
• Select “Check My Visa Application Status.”
• Enter your CEAC barcode number (found on your DS-160 confirmation page).
• Choose your visa category and the US embassy or consulate where you applied.
• Click “Submit” to see your current status.

 

Visa statuses may show as “Administrative Processing,” “Issued,” or “Refused.” If your visa is approved, you will receive instructions on passport return and visa stamping.

 

For Immigrant Visa Applications

 

If you applied for a green card or any family or employer-sponsored immigrant visa, your case will be processed by USCIS and the NVC.

For USCIS cases, visit the USCIS Case Status Check and enter your receipt number (found on your Form I-797 Notice of Action).

For NVC cases, go to the NVC Visa Status Page and enter your case number.

 

Need assistance?

 

NNU Immigration are dedicated US immigration attorneys based in London. We provide expert guidance on all types of US visa and nationality applications. For advice and support with your application, contact us.

 

US visa processing times FAQs

 

What affects US visa processing times?

Processing times vary based on factors such as visa type, application volume, background checks, and the specific US embassy or consulate handling the case. Delays can also occur due to administrative processing or requests for additional documentation.

 

How can I check my US visa processing time?

You can check processing times on the USCIS website for petitions and adjustment of status applications. For consular processing, the US Department of State’s visa wait time page provides estimated appointment and processing times for different embassies and consulates.

 

Are processing times the same for all visa types?

No, processing times differ based on the visa category. Nonimmigrant visas like tourist (B1/B2) or student (F-1) visas are typically processed faster than immigrant visas, which involve additional steps such as USCIS petition approval and National Visa Center processing.

 

What is administrative processing, and how long does it take?

Administrative processing is an additional review period required for some visa applications, often related to background checks or security clearance. It can take weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the case.

 

How long does it take to process a green card application?

Processing times for green cards vary based on category and location. Family-sponsored and employment-based green cards can take anywhere from several months to multiple years. Checking USCIS processing times and National Visa Center updates is recommended.

 

Can I expedite my visa application?

Expedited processing is available in limited cases, such as medical emergencies, humanitarian reasons, or urgent business needs. USCIS offers premium processing for some employment-based petitions, but consular officers decide whether to expedite nonimmigrant visa applications.

 

How long do I have to wait for a visa interview?

Interview wait times depend on the US embassy or consulate where you apply. Some locations schedule interviews within days, while others have wait times of several months. The State Department’s visa wait time tool provides embassy-specific estimates.

 

What happens if my visa application is delayed?

If your visa is delayed beyond normal processing times, you can check your application status online. For significant delays, you may contact the embassy or USCIS to inquire about your case or request an expedite if you qualify.

 

Does my country affect US visa processing times?

Yes, visa processing times vary by country. Some embassies and consulates handle higher volumes of applications, leading to longer wait times for interviews and processing. Security checks and reciprocity agreements can also impact timelines.

 

When should I apply for my US visa?

It is recommended to apply as early as possible, ideally several months before your intended travel date. Some visa categories have long wait times, and unforeseen delays can impact your plans. Checking official processing times regularly helps with planning.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
Administrative Processing	An additional review period required for some visa applications, usually related to security checks or missing documentation.
Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC)	The online system used to track the status of nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applications.
Expedited Processing	A request to speed up visa processing due to urgent circumstances, such as medical emergencies or business needs.
Green Card	A document granting permanent residency in the United States, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card.
Immigrant Visa	A visa issued to individuals seeking to live permanently in the United States.
Interview Waiver	A process allowing eligible visa applicants to renew their visa without attending an in-person interview.
National Visa Center (NVC)	An agency that processes approved immigrant visa petitions and schedules consular interviews.
Nonimmigrant Visa	A visa for temporary stays in the United States, including for tourism, study, or work.
Premium Processing	An optional service offered by USCIS that allows certain employment-based visa petitions to be processed within 15 days for an additional fee.
USCIS	United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency responsible for processing immigration applications and petitions.
Visa Bulletin	A monthly update issued by the Department of State that provides information on visa availability for family- and employment-based green card applicants.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)	A program that allows citizens of certain countries to visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa.