A student in Kolkata has reported a 3.5-month wait for an F-1 visa appointment, raising concerns among prospective international students. This situation is particularly challenging for STEM applicants, who face tighter deadlines due to administrative processing times. The data, sourced from the State Department as of April 15, reveals significant disparities in visa wait times among major student-sending countries.
Key Details:
- Kolkata’s F-1 visa wait time: 3.5 months.
- Nigeria’s Abuja has the longest wait at 6.5 months.
- Other countries like South Korea, Nepal, and Bangladesh report wait times under 0.5 months.
- New Delhi and Chennai consulates in India have wait times of 1 month, while Mumbai and Hyderabad have 2.5 months.
The recent policy change, effective September 2025, eliminated third-country F-1 visa interviews, further complicating the situation for students seeking quicker processing options. Non-STEM applicants must complete their interviews by July 18, while STEM applicants have a deadline of June 1 to account for potential administrative delays.
This information is crucial for students planning to study in the U.S., as they must navigate these varying wait times effectively. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: ECLab