U.S. Immigrant Visa Appointment Wait Times in Hong Kong and Nearby Regions

As of October 8, 2026, the wait times for U.S. immigrant visa appointments have been updated for the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou, the Consulate General in Hong Kong, and the American Institute in Taipei. These updates reflect the time it takes from being "documentarily qualified" to scheduling an interview.

Current Wait Times

The wait times vary significantly depending on the visa category. For instance, in Guangzhou, immediate relatives can expect a wait of about six months, while family preference cases may take up to 19 months, and employment preference cases can take as long as 38 months. In Hong Kong, immediate relatives and family preference cases have a much shorter wait of approximately three months. Taipei shows a wait of seven months for immediate relatives, with longer waits for family and employment preferences.

Historical Trends

Historically, the wait times in Guangzhou have fluctuated, especially for family and employment preference categories. In contrast, Hong Kong has maintained relatively consistent wait times, typically under three months for immediate relatives. Taipei has seen a gradual increase in wait times, particularly for family and employment categories.

Understanding the Process

To obtain an immigrant visa, applicants must first have their case documentarily qualified by the National Visa Center (NVC). Following this, the scheduling of appointments depends on the availability of consular officers and the number of cases pending at each visa-issuing post. The NVC operates on a first-in, first-out basis within each visa category, and applicants typically receive notification of their appointment two to three months in advance.

For those awaiting their immigrant visa appointments in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, or Taipei, it is essential to stay informed about the current wait times and understand the factors that can influence their scheduling.