As H-1B visa delays persist, India updates on appointment disruptions

Amid ongoing delays in scheduling interviews and appointments for H-1B visas, the Indian government has conveyed its concerns to U.S. authorities.

While visa matters fall under the jurisdiction of the respective country, India acknowledged that many of its nationals were facing significant delays and hardships.

“There are several people who have been stranded for extended periods due to the scheduling or rescheduling of consular appointments, causing considerable difficulties for their families,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on Friday.

Changes to the H-1B visa process

The H-1B visa system has seen major changes in recent months, which are expected to affect Indian applicants the most, as they make up the largest share of recipients.

Earlier this month, the U.S. administration introduced an expanded screening process requiring H-1B applicants and their dependents to undergo an online presence review. Applicants for H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J visas were instructed to make all social media profiles public to facilitate this vetting. The rule took effect on December 15.

Following the change, several applicants whose interviews were scheduled recently received emails notifying them that their appointments had been postponed as late as May next year, according to PTI.

MEA engagement with U.S. authorities

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Jaiswal said Indian authorities had actively engaged with the U.S. to address these delays.

“While visa-related issues pertain to the sovereign domain of any country, we have flagged the concerns of our nationals to the U.S. side, both in New Delhi and Washington D.C. We hope these delays and disruptions will be resolved,” he said.

On the new online screening rule, Jaiswal added: “This particular change applies globally to all countries. India remains actively engaged with the U.S. side to address and minimise the disruptions caused to our nationals.”

Context of recent H-1B changes

The latest modifications are part of efforts by the Trump administration to tighten regulations on hiring skilled professionals from abroad. In addition to the online screening process, the U.S. previously introduced a $100,000 fee for first-time H-1B applicants and replaced the random lottery with a system that gives greater preference to highly skilled candidates.