US Visa Stamping Wait Times (2026)

Since October 1, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants generally require an in-person interview. Current interview-waiver categories include certain full-validity B-1/B-2 renewals within 12 months and certain H-2A renewals within 12 months, plus specified diplomatic/official categories, subject to additional requirements and consular discretion. H-1B, L-1, and F-1 are not covered by a universal 48-month waiver rule.

Some consular posts allow expedited appointment requests for urgent circumstances, but there is no universal Department of State rule granting every F-1 applicant an expedited appointment merely because the I-20 start date is within 60 days. Follow the specific post's current expedited-appointment procedure. The July 2026 paid-expedite pilot is for B visas at participating posts, not a general F-1 program.

Current Department of State policy says nonimmigrant visa applicants should generally schedule in their country of nationality or residence. A third-country application may be possible in limited circumstances, but applicants outside their nationality/residence country may find it harder to qualify and should verify the specific post's current rules before paying fees or booking travel.

The Department of State's limited domestic H-1B renewal pilot ran from January 29, 2024 through May 1, 2024. It should not be presented as an active general 2026 domestic-renewal program unless the Department announces a new program.

The Department of State says posts release additional appointment slots regularly, and applicants who already have an appointment can check back and move to an earlier available slot if one appears. Exact release schedules vary by post and are not published as a universal daily/bulk schedule.