US Visa Wait Times June 2026: Toronto Hits 21 Months for B-1/B-2 Interviews – India & Canada See Sharp Increases

US visa wait times June 2026: Toronto hits 21 months for B-1/B-2 interviews.

Washington D.C., 25 June 2026 — The U.S. Department of State has released its latest global visa wait times data as of June 18, 2026, revealing continued strain on consular services worldwide. Several major cities, particularly in Canada and India, are experiencing significantly longer waiting periods for interview-required visas, creating major challenges for travellers, businesses, and families.

The updated figures show that while some locations maintain relatively short waits, others have seen dramatic increases, especially for B-1/B-2 visitor visas and petition-based employment visas (H, L, O, P, Q categories).

Major Highlights from June 2026 Visa Wait Times

Longest B-1/B-2 Waits (Interview-Required):

• Toronto: 21 months (one of the longest globally)

• Ottawa: 14 months

• Vancouver: 12 months

• Bogota: 11 months

• Hyderabad: 9.5 months

• Mumbai (Bombay): 9.5 months

• New Delhi: 7.5 months

India Cities Trend: Most Indian posts saw wait times increase by at least two months (around 36% month-over-month). Kolkata was a rare exception, dropping from 4.5 to 4 months, while Chennai remained steady at 5.5 months.

Work Visa (H, L, O, P, Q) Waits:

• Kinshasa: 12.5 months — a shocking 257% increase (multiplied by four) from the previous month.

• Canadian cities (Halifax, Ottawa, Quebec): Rose from 4 to 5 months.

• Vancouver remained steady at 4 months.

Selected Global Visa Wait Times – June 2026

City/Post	B-1/B-2 Average Wait (Interview Required)	Next Available B-1/B-2 Appointment	Next Available F/M/J Appointment	Next Available H/L/O/P/Q Appointment
Beijing	N/A	3 months	4.5 months	1.5 months
Chennai (Madras)	5.5 months	N/A	N/A	N/A
Ciudad Juarez	4 months	4 months	<0.5 months	<0.5 months
Guatemala City	3 months	<0.5 months	<0.5 months	<0.5 months
Hermosillo	4 months	4 months	1 month	1 month
Ho Chi Minh City	N/A	1 month	1 month	1 month
Hyderabad	9.5 months	9.5 months	1.5 months	3.5 months
Mexico City	N/A	3 months	2 months	1.5 months
Mumbai (Bombay)	9.5 months	10 months	1.5 months	1.5 months
New Delhi	7.5 months	8.5 months	2 months	2 months
Shanghai	N/A	3.5 months	3.5 months	3 months

Note: Wait times are calculated in months (30-day increments) and half-months (15-day increments). Average wait times for B-1/B-2 are only reported when the next available appointment exceeds three months.

Why Visa Wait Times Are Rising

Several factors are contributing to the current backlog:

• High demand for US visitor and work visas post-pandemic

• Limited consular staffing in key locations

• Increased scrutiny and additional administrative processing for certain nationalities

• Backlogs carried over from previous years

The State Department notes that wait times do not guarantee an appointment within that timeframe, as new slots are regularly released. Applicants are strongly encouraged to check the system frequently and reschedule if earlier dates become available.

Practical Advice for Visa Applicants in 2026

1. Check Regularly — Log into the visa appointment system often, as new slots appear unpredictably.

2. Prepare Documents Early — Complete all forms and gather supporting documents well in advance.

3. Consider Alternatives — For urgent travel, explore visa waiver programs (where available) or expedited appointment options.

4. Monitor Updates — Follow the US Embassy/Consulate website for your location for any new slot releases or policy changes.

5. Use Professional Help — Immigration attorneys or authorised consultants can assist with complex cases.

Official Resource: U.S. Department of State – Visa Wait Times Page

For the latest US visa wait times updates, B-1/B-2 processing news, H-1B and work visa guidance, and 2026 immigration developments, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/usa