Big Changes for Visa Interviews: Wait Times and DS-160 Policies

For months, applicants trying to check U.S. visa interview wait times were left in the dark. The State Department’s public wait time tool for nonimmigrant visa interviews hadn’t been reliably updating, leaving applicants and attorneys guessing about when interviews might actually be scheduled.

That’s now changed. The U.S. government has resumed live updates to its visa wait time data, with two major developments: an updated tool for nonimmigrant visa timelines and a brand-new tool for immigrant visa wait times. Alongside those improvements, there are also new procedural requirements—especially around DS-160 submission—that every applicant should be aware of.

Nonimmigrant Visa Wait Times: Updated and Reformatted

The State Department’s Global Visa Wait Times website is now working again and reflecting current conditions at consulates around the world. 

One key change is that the estimates are now displayed in months rather than days. While that may feel less specific, it provides a broader and arguably more realistic picture of how long you might wait.

If a consulate shows “0 months,” that likely means the average wait time is under 30 days. The data appears to align closely with the figures available through the State Department’s backend feed, which still uses days. 

The return of this tool means applicants for nonimmigrant visas—including tourists (B1,B2), students (F, J, M), and temporary workers (H, L, O, P, Q)—can once again get reasonably accurate time estimates to help plan their travel and documentation.

New Immigrant Visa Wait Time Tool

The State Department has also launched a new Immigrant Visa Wait Times page. This tool estimates how long it will take, on average, to be scheduled for an embassy interview after your case is marked “documentarily qualified” by the National Visa Center (NVC).

This has long been a missing piece of the process. Applicants pursuing family- or employment-based green cards from outside the U.S. often ask, “How long will it take before I get my interview?” 

Until now, the answer was almost always uncertain. With this new tool, there’s at least a general timeline applicants can reference, consulate by consulate.

Where are visa wait times going up and down?

According to the Consular Intelligence newsletter, these are the biggest recent shifts in visa wait times for required interviews:

These changes show just how much visa wait times can fluctuate depending on embassy staffing, local demand, and shifting U.S. consular priorities.

DS-160 Submission Requirements: What’s Changed and Why It Matters

Another important update is around the DS-160 form, which is required for all nonimmigrant visa applicants. In recent months, U.S. consulates have begun enforcing stricter requirements about when and how the DS-160 must be submitted. Failure to follow these rules can result in appointment cancellations or delays.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The DS-160 must be submitted at least two business days before your scheduled visa interview.
• The DS-160 confirmation number on the form must match the one entered in the online appointment system.
• If these conditions are not met, you may be forced to reschedule the appointment.
• A printed copy of the DS-160 confirmation page is still required at the time of the interview.
  

These changes seem to be tied to a new pre-interview vetting system, which involves automated screening of social media accounts listed on the DS-160. If the DS-160 isn’t submitted on time, the consulate can’t begin this vetting process, potentially leading to a canceled interview slot.

This also raises concerns about previously common practices, such as updating or amending the DS-160 after paying the MRV (visa) fee. Once the fee is paid, many scheduling systems do not allow you to change the DS-160 number. That makes it more important than ever to finalize the form before payment and scheduling.

FAQs

How do I check the current wait time for a visa interview?
You can check wait times for nonimmigrant visa interviews (e.g., visitor, student, work visas) on the State Department’s Global Visa Wait Times page. For green card interviews, use the new Immigrant Visa Wait Times page, which gives estimated wait times after your case is “documentarily qualified” at the NVC.

What does “0 months” mean on the wait time page?
If a consulate shows “0 months,” it typically means the estimated wait time is less than 30 days. 

What is a “documentarily qualified” case for green cards?
A case becomes “documentarily qualified” when the National Visa Center (NVC) confirms it has received and accepted all necessary documents, including the DS-260 and civil documents. Only after this stage can your case be placed in line for an embassy interview.

Do I need to submit the DS-160 before scheduling my visa interview?
Yes. The DS-160 must be submitted before you schedule your nonimmigrant visa appointment, and it must be submitted at least two business days before your interview. Failing to do this can lead to canceled or rescheduled interviews.

Can I change or update my DS-160 after I’ve paid the MRV fee?
In most cases, no. Once the MRV fee is paid and the appointment is booked, the system locks the DS-160 confirmation number. If you submit a new DS-160 with a different number, your appointment may become invalid. It’s critical to finalize the DS-160 before paying fees or selecting an interview date.

What happens if I forget to list a social media account on my DS-160?
U.S. consular officials are using software to vet social media as part of a new pre-interview screening process. If a listed account doesn’t match government findings, it could cause issues. 

Is it normal for wait times to fluctuate this much?
Yes, visa interview wait times can change quickly based on local staffing, demand, holidays, or consular policy shifts. That’s why tools like the ones recently restored are helpful—but still just a guide, not a guarantee.

How Manifest Law Can Help

These recent updates mark a shift toward more transparent and consistent visa processing—but they also introduce new complexities. Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, student visa, or green card from outside the United States, it’s now more important than ever to understand the updated timelines and rules, especially around DS-160 submission.

At Manifest Law, we help clients stay ahead of these changes. We monitor consular updates, track appointment availability across embassies, and guide you through evolving requirements. 

If you’re unsure how these changes affect your situation—or if you’re feeling stuck trying to interpret new timelines—we’re here to help. Request a free consultation today.