Indicative visa processing times 2026 (Indian applicants)
| Destination | Route | Indicative processing time |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen (Type C) | VFS / embassy | 15 calendar days standard (up to 45 in exceptional cases) |
| United States (B1/B2) | Consulate interview | 2 to 8 weeks after interview (appointment wait varies) |
| United Kingdom | Online + VFS | 3 to 6 weeks standard; 5-day priority available |
| Canada (visitor) | Online + VFS biometrics | 4 to 12 weeks |
| Australia (visitor 600) | Online | 20 to 30 days for complete files |
| Singapore | Online / via agent | 3 to 5 working days |
| United Arab Emirates | eVisa / via agent | 3 to 7 working days |
| Japan | VFS for embassy | 5 to 7 working days |
| Turkey (eVisa) | Online | Minutes to a few hours |
| Vietnam (eVisa) | Online | 3 to 5 working days |
| Malaysia (eVisa / eNTRI) | Online | 1 to 3 working days |
| Kenya (eTA) | Online | 1 to 3 working days |
Figures are indicative for 2026 and reflect standard processing of a complete file; live windows vary by embassy workload and season. The verified, dated processing time for any specific country is shown on its destination page when Krosz has confirmed it.
What "processing time" actually means
Processing time is the window from when the embassy or immigration authority receives a complete application to when a decision is made. It does not start when you submit to a visa application centre — it starts when the centre forwards your file to the embassy. It also does not include the time to book an appointment, which can itself be weeks in peak season for the US and Schengen. When you read a "15-day" Schengen processing time, the realistic end-to-end timeline is appointment wait plus processing plus passport courier.
What slows visa processing down
- Incomplete or unclear documents — the most common cause of delay; the embassy pauses the file to request more.
- Peak travel season — March to June and October to December for Schengen and the US.
- Background or security checks — some profiles and destinations trigger additional administrative processing.
- Name or passport mismatches — small spelling differences between documents trigger manual review.
- A photo that fails the route's exact size or background rules.
- Public holidays in India and the destination country — embassies close for both calendars.
How to build a realistic application timeline
- Start from your travel date and work backwards.
- Add the indicative processing window for your destination from the table above.
- Add the appointment booking wait (check live availability before assuming).
- Add a buffer of one to two weeks for document requests or peak-season slowdowns.
- Submit at least three to four weeks before travel for standard routes, and earlier in peak season.
Can you speed up processing?
Some routes offer genuine priority or express services for a fee (for example, UK priority and super-priority, and some eVisas). Others do not — Schengen and US processing cannot be reliably bought faster. The cheapest, most reliable way to speed up a visa is a complete, consistent file that does not get paused for more documents. Always apply early rather than paying for a rush that may not exist for your route.
Why your processing time may differ from the figure here
The windows above are indicative and move with embassy workload, season and policy. For the exact, dated figure for a specific country, open its destination page on Krosz — when Krosz has a verified processing time it is shown there, and when it is still being verified the page says so rather than guessing.
Frequently asked questions
Does processing time start when I submit to VFS?
No. Processing time starts when the embassy or immigration authority receives a complete file from the visa application centre, not when you hand documents over. Add the centre's forwarding time and your appointment wait to the official processing window.
Why is my Schengen visa taking longer than 15 days?
The 15-day window is standard, but peak season, background checks, incomplete documents or a request for additional information can extend it to up to 45 days in exceptional cases. Submit a complete file early, especially in March to June and October to December.
Can I pay to speed up my visa processing?
Some routes offer priority services (UK priority, some eVisas). Schengen and US processing cannot be reliably bought faster. The best speed-up is a complete, consistent file that is not paused for more documents.
How early should I apply for a 2026 trip?
For standard routes, submit at least three to four weeks before travel and earlier in peak season. For the US and Schengen, factor in the appointment booking wait, which can itself be weeks.
Are these processing times guaranteed?
No. The figures are indicative for 2026 and move with embassy workload and season. The verified, dated processing time for a specific country is shown on its destination page when Krosz has confirmed it.