Summary:
- India raised concerns with the U.S. over visa appointment delays.
- The delays create uncertainty and disrupt applicants’ plans.
- Backlogs are affecting careers for professionals planning to work in the U.S.
INDIA RAISED CONCERNS with the U.S. over delays in its visa appointments, citing hardship caused by prolonged wait times. The Indian government is reportedly receiving multiple complaints from citizens facing difficulties in scheduling or rescheduling visa interviews.
The delays have caused uncertainty and practical problems for applicants, according to The Economic Times. Officials said the holdups also have disrupted education plans and caused personal and professional difficulties for applicants and their families, including students, workers and dependents.
The delays also affect work visas, with Indian H-1B applicants facing backlogs at U.S. consulates, according to the Times. Interview slots sought for January are now being rescheduled as late as September 2026, affecting travel for work.
The shift has affected first-time applicants and those seeking renewals after travel, as expanded vetting has slowed consular processing. The backlog is disrupting start dates and career plans for many professionals planning to work in the U.S.
While visa issuance falls under the issuing country’s authority, India has raised the issue with U.S. officials in New Delhi and Washington, conveying concerns over delays and their impact on Indians, the Times reported.
In a change to the H-1B visa program, the Department of Homeland Security announced it will replace the lottery system with a selection process that prioritizes higher-skilled and higher-paid applicants. The change, set to take effect on Feb. 27 for the financial year 2027 H-1B cap registration season, gives greater weight to skill level and salary in visa selection.
Indian professionals, who make up a large share of H-1B holders in the U.S., are expected to be affected by the change.
