
There are also a whole host of nonimmigrant visas available for various different purposes, including undertaking study or gainful employment. For those who are not eligible for visa-free travel, there are visas available for both business and pleasure. Nonimmigrant visas are for non-US nationals who wish to travel to the United States on a temporary basis. US visa processing times for nonimmigrant visas The closure of US visa processing centres and and suspension of application processing during the pandemic has resulted in a backlog of applications, with longer waiting times for visa appointments and for decisions on visa applications.Īpplicants are recommended to take advice to determine the estimated processing times for their classification of visa at the time they are making their application.Īs a guide, we have outlined general US visa processing times for different classifications of visa, including both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, as well as premium processing, how wait times can vary between different countries and what factors can contribute to any delays. Processing is affected by caseload and staffing levels and is yet to return to pre-pandemic service levels.



US visa processing times are subject to change on a weekly basis. Applying for a US visa can be a daunting prospect, not least because of the lengthy wait times involved, where immigrant visas providing permanent status might take several years to be approved, and even temporary nonimmigrant visas might take several months.
