On April 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) introduced two important tools designed to improve transparency and help visa applicants worldwide monitor interview scheduling trends. These tools serve two major categories: Nonimmigrant Visas (NIV) and Immigrant Visas (IV).
Tool 1: Global Visa Wait Times Tool – For NIV Applicants
This tool is aimed at nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants—those applying for temporary visas like B-1/B-2 (Visitor), F-1 (Student), H-1B (Work), L-1 (Intra-Company Transfer) and others. It provides a monthly update by U.S. consular post showing:
- The next available visa interview dates by visa category.
- The average wait time for a B-visa (visitor visa) interview appointment.
Why it matters for NIV applicants: This tool helps international travelers, students, and professionals better plan their timelines, especially in regions experiencing long delays due to high demand or limited staffing at U.S. embassies and consulates.
Check NIV Interview Wait Times by U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Tool 2: IV Scheduling Status Tool – For Immigrant Visa Applicants
This tool is tailored for those applying for immigrant visas (IV), including family-sponsored, employment-based, and other permanent residency visa categories. Updated monthly, it provides:
- The month and year when recently scheduled IV cases became “documentarily complete” at each consulate.
- A way to estimate your interview timeline based on when your case reached the National Visa Center (NVC) document completion stage.
Caveats: This tool does not include timelines for:
- Diversity Visas
- Afghan Special Immigrant Visas
- I-601A Provisional Waivers
- Adoption Cases
View IV Interview Scheduling Trends by Country and Visa Category
What This Means for Visa Applicants
For the first time, visa applicants can monitor real-time trends in interview availability directly from official DOS resources. These tools are not predictive but are incredibly helpful in setting expectations and making informed travel and relocation decisions.
Whether you’re a student applying for an F-1 visa, an employer-sponsored H-1B beneficiary, or a family member awaiting your green card interview, these tools can offer clarity in an often uncertain process.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information. Contact us today.