Processing time for a US visa
The visa type you are applying for will determine the time required to obtain a visa in America. The processing time for a US visa application will take between three and five weeks. The diplomatic mission will mail the document if the applicant is granted a visa. It may take a few extra days for the visa to reach you.
For requests that are rejected under Provision 221(g), Immigration act, as well as for those that are awaiting additional processing, the processing time is approximately sixty days from the date of the scheduled appointment. Other cases may take up to six months.
Individuals who require an exemption of ineligibility to obtain a visa need to be aware of the fact that they will have to wait 6-8 months to receive a reply from the date of their appointment.
If they submit their visa waiver applications via the Electronic Travel Authority program, the states will be notified within 72 hours.
Processing time for US visa types
Below is an estimate of how long it will take to process different types of US visas. Be aware that visa applications can take up to three months. For more information, we recommend you contact the Embassy.
|
Types of visa |
Time it takes |
Information about the processing time |
|
E-1 visa |
About 2 to 4 weeks |
The E-1 visa processing time for applicants who are applying from the United States is determined by the USCIS or USEmbassis. After the application period ends, you will be informed if the visa was granted or denied. |
|
E-2 visa |
About4 to 6 weeks |
It can take two to three weeks depending on whether you are employed. However, if you don’t hear back within those times periods, it does not mean that your request was denied. |
|
E-3 visa |
About 2 months |
It will all depend on the caseload of the diplomatic mission. |
|
F-1 visa |
Usually granted after your appointment |
The F-1 Visa is much quicker to issue that other visas. This type of visa is processed before your appointment. The appointment is the last phase of the US Embassy's decision on whether or not to grant an F-1 visa. This usually happens right after you have completed the interview. |
|
F-2 visa |
It may take several days or even weeks. |
Your interviewer may give you an answer immediately after the meeting. It is more likely that you will need to wait for a response within a few days or even weeks. The reason for this is that the US Embassy will spend time reviewing your documents and answering any questions. They will also pay attention to your financial situation to determine if you can afford the costs of your stay in the US. |
|
J-1 visa |
About 1 to 4 months |
The Waiver Review Section will review your application and make recommendations. They will make a suggestion to USCIS and they will take it into consideration. |
|
Q-1 visa |
It can take anywhere between 15 days and 3 months |
After the processing period, they may notify you to let you know if your visa was accepted. |
|
M-1 visa |
About 4 weeks |
Processing occurs prior to your scheduled appointment. Sometimes you will get an answer immediately after your interview. |
|
B-1 visa |
From weeks to 2 months |
The time will vary based on the workload aswell as other factors |
|
B-2 visa |
From weeks to 2 months |
It takes different amounts of time for to be issued, depending on where you are located. |
|
H-1B visa |
About 3 to 6 months |
For more information on the processing time, contact the nearest Embassy. |
|
H-1B1 visa |
About 4 to 6 months |
The time period varies according to the season. You can contact the US Office where your application was made for further details. |
|
H-2A visa |
It all depends on the various factors |
H-2A Visas are seasonal so times can vary and sometimes take longer. However, USCIS requests should be submitted by employers at least 60 days prior to receiving foreign workers. The maximum time limit is 120 days. The US expedites H-2A visas because of the seasonal nature agricultural jobs. |
|
H-3 visa |
About 4 to 6 months |
At least six weeks before the start of the program , you must make sure that your organization asks for your name. The documentation will need to be collected and the application process can begin. It could take up to three months to get a response depending on how many requests you have at the US Embassy. |
|
H-4 visa |
It all depends on the various factors |
Your H-4 status depends on the status of your parent or spouse, so the processing of their visa may take longer. |
|
L-1 visa |
About 3 to 4 months |
Specific petitions are more difficult to process than those. Employers can also receive premium processing for an additional fee. This will speed up the L-1A process and allow them to respond in 1 to 3 days. |
|
L-2 visa |
It usually takes between 15 days and 1 month. |
It all depends on the Embassy's work and other factors. |
|
R-1 visa |
About 8 to 9 months with no expedited service |
It takes time to approve an R-1 visa. The USCIS will need to visit the institution's premises once the employer has submitted the request. It takes about 6 months to receive their response . If USCIS has already authorized and inspected the agency, an expedited service charge of $1,225 will be added. |
|
P-1 visa |
Around 3 to 6 months without expedited services |
While there is an long delay, US companies have the option to pay for expedited services. You will need to pay $1,225 extra if you want your visa processed quickly. |
|
I visa |
It takes about 10 days. |
Journalists or media representatives may be granted this privilege. |
|
O visa |
Around 2 to 3 months |
You have the option to receive an expedited service, just like most visas. O visas can be processed premium for an additional $1,225 |
|
C visa |
Within 5 days |
This is a Transit Visa, and it takes less time than most visas. |
|
T visa |
It all depends on the various factors |
T visa is a lengthy process. The USCIS doesn't have an estimate of the time it will take for visa applicants to get approved once they submit their applications. It depends on several factors. |
|
U visa |
About 12 to 18 months |
Processing times can vary depending on whether additional proof is required to USCIS |
US visa photo
We invite you to visit AiPassportPhoto, an application and web service that allows you to create your own biometric photos at your convenience.
Upload a photo and wait for magic to happen. These are the steps to take a picture for your visa application.
