Visa Interview Availability Tools Launched by DOS for NIV and IV Cases
- Tanya Powers
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Planning ahead is critical when it comes to the U.S. visa process. Understanding visa interview availability is essential for timely travel and immigration planning. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) offers two key tools to help applicants track current processing timelines. The Immigrant Visa Waiting List (IV Wait Times) provides insight into how long applicants in various preference categories can expect to wait based on their priority date. The Global Visa Wait Times tool (Nonimmigrant Visa Wait Times) shows estimated wait times for nonimmigrant visa interview appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. These resources can help individuals and families set realistic expectations and make informed decisions as they navigate the immigration process.
The Global Visa Wait Times tool, available at travel.state.gov, offers up-to-date estimates for nonimmigrant visa interview wait times at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. This resource is especially useful for clients planning travel, applying for visas abroad, or renewing existing visas, as it reflects current conditions at each post. While helpful for planning, it's important to remember that posted wait times are approximate and subject to change due to staffing levels, local conditions, and demand. This tool is a valuable resource for monitoring visa interview availability, helping applicants stay informed about potential delays and plan accordingly.
The Global Visa Wait Times page has a chart that appears as follows:
To read the chart, first find a U.S. embassy or consulate from the first column. The rows will then display estimated wait times in days for three categories: Visitor Visa (B1/B2), Student/Exchange Visitor Visa (F, M, J), and All Other Nonimmigrant Visas. These numbers represent the average number of calendar days applicants must wait for an interview appointment. Keep in mind that these are only estimates and can fluctuate based on demand, staffing, and local conditions.
The Immigrant Visa Waiting List page, available at travel.state.gov, offers a monthly snapshot of the number of immigrant visa applicants in the family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories who are waiting for an interview. The chart breaks down the data by country and visa category, providing a clearer picture of the demand and backlog for each group. Reviewing this list alongside the Visa Bulletin can help applicants better understand where they stand in line and how soon they might expect to move forward in the process.
An example of how to use the tool is provided below.
The IV Scheduling Status Tool, which is updated each month, shows the month and year in which recently scheduled cases were deemed documentarily complete, organized by U.S. embassy or consulate and visa category. By comparing this information to the date their own case was completed, applicants can get a general idea of when their interview might be scheduled.
However, the site makes clear that interview scheduling depends on many variables, so the National Visa Center (NVC) cannot guarantee specific timelines. Additionally, certain visa types—such as Diversity Visas, Afghan Special Immigrant Visas, I-601A provisional waivers, and adoption cases—are not included in this tool.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique, and the laws and procedures can be complex and subject to change. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you are facing an immigration issue, you should consult with a qualified immigration attorney to receive personalized legal guidance based on your specific circumstances.
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