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US visa processing times after the interview
US visa processing times: after-interview processing times for US visas, US student visa requirements, and application The processing time for a US visa application depends largely on the type of visa you are applying for. While a temporary nonimmigrant visa can take several weeks or even months to be approved, an immigrant visa can take years.
US visa processing times
US visa processing times- Get verified because the US government evaluates each applicant on a case-by-case basis in the order in which they are received. An applicant applying for a tourist visa may take weeks, while another applicant may take months to receive a response for the same visa due to his/her circumstances.
How long does it take to get a US visa?
The processing time for a US visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for. US visa applications take 3 to 5 weeks to process. Once the processing is complete, an affirmative response will be given to the applicant’s application and the consulate will deliver the documents. Visa delivery may take up to two additional business days.
US visa processing times- Applications denied under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) await further processing, which takes approximately 60 days from the date of the visa interview. In some special cases, the processing time may exceed 6 months.
Applicants applying for a visa waiver should note that it may take 6 to 8 months from the interview date to receive a response.
US visa processing times for different types of visas
Here are the processing times for the US visas:
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Description |
| E-1 visa | 2 to 4 weeks | US visa processing times-If you are applying in the United States, the E-1 visa processing time depends on the caseload at the US Embassy or USCIS. When the deadline for reviewing the case has expired, you will receive a notification whether you have been issued a visa or refused. |
| E-2 visa | 4 to 6 weeks | If you are an employee, it takes around 2 weeks. The processing time varies, however, with the workload of the US Embassy, so if you do not receive an answer within those time frames, it does not mean that your visa application was denied. |
| E-3 visa | 2 months | US visa processing times might take longer as the Embassy might have a bigger workload. |
| F-1 visa | immediately after the interview | F-1 visas have a much shorter processing time than other visas. This type of visa processing actually takes place before the interview. The interview is the final step in the US Embassy’s evaluation of whether to grant you an F-1 visa. In most cases, you will be responsible for this visa immediately after the interview. At the end of the visa interview, the interviewer may congratulate you on your visa or give you a document stating the reasons for the refusal. However, in some cases the F-1 visa response and processing can take several days, so you should be patient if this happens. |
| F-2 visa | Few days to 2 weeks | After your F-2 interview, you might get a response immediately from your interviewer on whether you got the visa or you were denied. However, it is more common that the wait will be a few days or weeks. This is because the US Embassy will take its time to look over your documents and responses. They will particularly focus on you and the F-1 visa holder’s financial situation to determine whether you can cover your expenses while in the US. |
| J-1 visa | 1 to 4 months | The Waiver Review Division will go through your case and make a recommendation. They will send the recommendation to USCIS, which will then make the final decision on whether you will be allowed to stay or not. |
| Q-1 visa | 15 days to 3 months | US visa processing times After the processing time, they will contact you to inform you whether you have been approved for the visa or not. |
| M-1 visa | At least 4 weeks | The processing time for the M-1 visa is quite short. The processing happens before your visa interview. There are cases when you get a response immediately after your visa interview ends, with the interviewer either congratulating you or stating the reasons for the rejection of your visa application. |
| B-1 visa | A couple of weeks to 2 months | The processing times for the B-1 visas are not exact. This depends on the workload of the US Embassy and other factors that they take into consideration. |
| B-2 visa | A couple of weeks to 2 months | US visa processing times, Processing times for B-2 tourist visas, and US visitor visas differ from country to country. |
| H-1B visa | 3 to 6 months | However, US Embassies in different countries/cities have various processing times, so it is best to contact them for any details or visit the US State Department or USCIS for approximate processing times. |
| H-1B1 visa | 4 to 6 months | The time also depends on seasonal fluctuations, so for more accurate information, you should contact the US Embassy where you applied. |
| H-2A visa | Varies | Processing times vary for H-2A visas since it is seasonal and sometimes it might take longer. However, it is recommended for US employers to file USCIS petitions at least 60 days, but no more than 120 days before they need the foreign workers. The US government takes priority in H-2A visas so they expedite the process due to the fact that agricultural work is seasonal. |
| H-3 visa | 4 to 6 weeks | You must ensure that the institution applies on your behalf at least 6 months before the start of the program. After that, you need to collect the documents and proceed with the application. Depending on the requirements of the local US embassy, it may take one to three months to contact you and make a final decision on whether you will be granted an H-3 visa. |
| H-4 visa | Varies | Because your H-4 status depends on your H visa status, your spouse or parent may have enough time to process the visa. For example, if your spouse is applying for an H-2A visa and you are filing jointly, your visa will take the same amount of time to process as your spouse’s visa. If you are applying individually, the time required to process your H-4 visa will depend on the US Embassy and its workload. |
| L-1 visa | 3 to 4 months | General petitions are processed more quickly than individual petitions. Additionally, for an additional fee, employers can choose expedited processing, which will speed up the L-1A processing time and receive a response within 1 to 3 weeks. |
| L-2 visa | 15 days to 1 month | Depending on the Embassy’s workload and other factors, it might take longer. |
| K-1 visa | A few months | |
| R-1 visa | 8 to 9 months | R-1 visa approval takes some time. After an employer submits a petition, it takes approximately 6 months for USCIS to respond, as they may need to visit the organization’s premises. Expedited processing is available for an additional $1,225 if USCIS has previously visited and approved the organization. With expedited processing, you will receive your visa response within approximately 2 weeks. If you have not expedited processing, it may take another 2-3 months for your visa to be processed after USCIS approves your application. |
| P-1 visa | 3 to 6 months | It’s a long wait, but US agencies offer the option to pay for expedited processing. If you choose Priority Visa Processing, you will pay an additional $1,225 and you will receive your visa response within 15 days. If the US agency does not notify you of your visa status within 15 days, your money will be refunded. |
| I visa | 10 days | |
| O visa | 2 to 3 months | If you do not want to wait this long to get your response, then there is a way to speed up the process. For an additional $1,225, premium processing is available for the O visas. Premium processing means that your visa will be processed within 15 days and you will know the answer much sooner. |
| C visa | 5 working days | Transit visas generally have faster processing times than other visas due to shorter stays. |
| T visa | Varies | Processing times for T-visas vary. USCIS will not provide estimates or how long applicants will have to wait for visa processing after application. This means that processing times vary from person to person and are based on the evidence they provide. |
| U visa | 12 to 18 months | U visas take a long time to process. However, processing times can vary greatly because, for example, if you need to submit additional evidence to USCIS, processing times may take longer. |
How can I get my passport back?
The applicant’s passport is kept at the US Embassy/Consulate where he/she submitted the application throughout the visa processing period. The applicant cannot collect the passport in person. Instead, it will be delivered by a courier service. Once the application is completed, the applicant receives an email with a tracking number. The applicant can track their passport by logging into their account. US visa processing times.
U.S. Visa and Travel UpdatesRemember, in an emergency, the State Department will approve expedited interview appointments and processing. If you have an emergency, be sure to contact the US embassy or consulate in your country.
