Indian professionals seeking H-1B visas are facing unprecedented delays at U.S. consulates.
Interview slots are now scarce through the end of 2026 and even into 2027, creating uncertainty for thousands of tech workers, specialists, and their families.
These delays are affecting travel plans, career moves, and family reunions.
Why Visa Appointments Are Being Pushed Back
The delays started in December 2025, when consulates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata postponed appointments into March 2026.
Over time, these dates were moved further to October 2026 and now into 2027, with no new slots available for the rest of the year.
Two major policy changes are driving the backlog:
Mandatory social media checks for all employment-based visa applicants, adding review time.
End of third-country visa stamping for Indian nationals, forcing all applicants to schedule appointments in India.
These changes have overwhelmed consulates, leaving most H-1B applicants with no appointments for more than a year.
How This Affects Workers and Families
The delays have real consequences for Indian professionals:
Many hesitate to travel to India for personal reasons, fearing they cannot return to the U.S.
Those already in India for visa renewals may wait years before getting an appointment, delaying work plans.
Family reunions and relocations are being postponed or reconsidered.
Employers face project delays and are exploring alternatives like remote work or transfers to countries with faster visa processing.
Expert Advice for Navigating the Backlog
Immigration experts recommend:
Plan travel well in advance and account for long waiting periods.
Explore visa waiver or drop-box options if eligible.
Consider alternative work locations or assignments until appointments become available.
The H-1B delays highlight how policy changes and procedural shifts can disrupt global talent mobility, affecting careers, family plans, and international workforce strategies.
