Summer Visa Delays at U.S. Consulates in China

The U.S. Consulates in China are all experiencing delays in scheduling visa appointments. So, if you need an appointment, be sure to apply as early as possible.

In particular, Beijing wait times have grown to about 100 days. That means that you can forget about making a trip to the U.S. for business or pleasure this summer if you need to apply in Beijing through the regular application channel.

The Beijing website explains that the appointment call center is receiving a “record surge” of appointment requests and that some callers are “experiencing difficulties” getting through.

Unfortunately, there will be Chinese who will be unable to travel this summer, and there will be affected U.S. businesses and families.

Here are the current wait times, according to the State Department:

BEIJING
Visitors visas: 98 days
Student/Exchange Visitors Visas: 45 days
All other Nonimmigrant Visas: 98 days

CHENGDU
Visitors visas: 34 days
Student/Exchange Visitors Visas: 31 days
All other Nonimmigrant Visas: 10 days

GUANGZHOU
Visitors visas: 28 days
Student/Exchange Visitors Visas: 2 days
All other Nonimmigrant Visas: 2 days

SHANGHAI
Visitors visas: 30 days
Student/Exchange Visitors Visas: 3 days
All other Nonimmigrant Visas: 14 days

SHENYANG
Visitors visas: 31 days
Student/Exchange Visitors Visas: 31 days
All other Nonimmigrant Visas: 31 days

Some visa applicants are not subject to those wait times. For example, special channels available to certain members of the American Chamber of Commerce. And expedited appointments will remain possible for humanitarian emergencies.