Travel & Documents
Immigration & Consular Processing Times
Typical current waits for H-1B extensions, I-140, I-485, EAD/AP, OCI cards, Indian passport renewal, and US visa stamping in India — in one table.
USCIS petitions & applications
| Item | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| I-129 — H-1B extension / transfer (regular) | 2–4 months⚡ 15 business days with premium processing ($2,805) | USCIS processing timesas of 2026-06-09 |
| I-140 — Immigrant petition (EB-1/EB-2/EB-3) | 4–9 months⚡ 15 business days with premium processing | USCIS processing timesas of 2026-06-09 |
| I-485 — Adjustment of status (employment-based) | 9–20 months | USCIS processing timesas of 2026-06-09 |
| I-765 — EAD work permit (initial / renewal) | 3–8 months | USCIS processing timesas of 2026-06-09 |
| I-131 — Advance Parole travel document | 4–11 months | USCIS processing timesas of 2026-06-09 |
Indian consular services in the USA
| Item | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| OCI card — new application via VFS (USA) | 6–10 weeks | VFS Global (India consular services, USA)as of 2026-06-09 |
| Indian passport renewal via VFS (USA) | 2–6 weeks | VFS Global (India consular services, USA)as of 2026-06-09 |
US visa stamping in India — appointment wait (H-1B/H-4 interview)
| Item | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai consulate | 1–3 months (interview); days–weeks for dropbox (interview waiver) | US Dept of State global visa wait timesas of 2026-06-09 |
| New Delhi embassy | 1–3 months (interview); days–weeks for dropbox | US Dept of State global visa wait timesas of 2026-06-09 |
| Hyderabad consulate | 1–4 months (interview); days–weeks for dropbox | US Dept of State global visa wait timesas of 2026-06-09 |
| Chennai consulate | 1–4 months (interview); days–weeks for dropbox | US Dept of State global visa wait timesas of 2026-06-09 |
| Kolkata consulate | 1–3 months (interview); days–weeks for dropbox | US Dept of State global visa wait timesas of 2026-06-09 |
Last updated: · Source: USCIS Case Processing Times + US Dept of State visa appointment wait data
Frequently asked questions
How long does an H-1B extension or transfer take in 2026?
A regular I-129 H-1B extension or transfer typically takes 2–4 months, while premium processing guarantees USCIS action within 15 business days for an extra $2,805. You can usually start working for a new employer as soon as the transfer petition is received, and extensions get an automatic 240-day work authorization cushion.
How long does an OCI card take from the USA?
OCI applications filed through VFS Global in the USA typically take 6–10 weeks door to door, including the time your Indian passport-related documents spend with the consulate. Passport renewals via VFS are faster, usually 2–6 weeks.
What is the H-1B visa stamping wait at Indian consulates?
Interview appointment waits at Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata have ranged from a few weeks to a few months, while dropbox (interview waiver) cases usually move in days to weeks. Waits move constantly — always check the State Department's global visa wait times page for this week's numbers before booking travel.
Are these processing times guaranteed?
No. They are typical published ranges from USCIS, the State Department, and VFS, and individual cases routinely run faster or slower depending on service center workload, RFEs, and security checks. Use them for planning, and check your specific receipt's status on the official case tracker.