B-1/B-2 visitor visa processing time — full timeline
DS-160 plus consular interview — no USCIS petition required.
For tourists, business visitors, and medical-treatment travelers who need a visitor visa to enter the US — typically anyone not eligible for ESTA / Visa Waiver Program.
A B-1/B-2 has no USCIS stage — the timeline equals your consulate's appointment backlog plus a few days for visa printing and passport return. Mexico City, Bogotá, and several Indian posts dominate the slow end.
Journey
DS-160 + appointment scheduling
Online nonimmigrant visa application plus the US$185 MRV fee and earliest available appointment slot at the chosen consulate. The DS-160 itself takes hours, but the embassy backlog drives this.
B-1/B-2 consular interview
In-person interview at the US embassy or consulate. The officer assesses purpose of travel, funding, and ties to home country under INA 214(b). Most decisions are issued same-day.
Visa printing + passport return
Approved visas are printed and returned by courier or pickup. Most posts complete this in under a week; some courier-only countries run 1 to 2 weeks.
Current bottlenecks
Wait-time differences across posts are dramatic — applicants with flexibility can apply at any consulate worldwide where they can attend in person. Interview waivers (renewals within 48 months for most posts) cut the timeline dramatically. 221(g) administrative processing is uncommon on B-1/B-2 but can add weeks unannounced.
FAQ
How long does a B1/B2 visa take?[+]
Most of the timeline is the appointment wait, which ranges from same-day to 12+ months depending on the consulate. Once interviewed, approved visas typically print and return within a week.
Do I need a visa to visit the US?[+]
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (39 countries including the UK, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Australia) can use ESTA for tourist or business visits up to 90 days. Everyone else needs a B-1/B-2 visa.
How long can I stay in the US on a B-1/B-2?[+]
CBP at the port of entry decides — the visa stamp itself does not authorize duration of stay. Most visitors are admitted for up to 6 months, sometimes less for short trips.
Can I apply for a B-1/B-2 in a country I am not a citizen of?[+]
Yes, you can apply at any US consulate worldwide as long as you can attend in person. "Third-country processing" is common for applicants whose home post has long waits — though officers may scrutinize ties more closely.
What is the validity of a B-1/B-2 visa?[+]
Validity is set by reciprocity with your country of citizenship. US citizens of most large-population countries get 10-year multi-entry visas; some countries get shorter or single-entry stamps.
Is the B-1/B-2 interview waivable?[+]
Most posts waive the interview for renewals within 48 months of the prior B-1/B-2 expiration, subject to current State Department policy. First-time applicants must interview in person.