H-1B Visa Stamping Crisis Deepens in India with Interviews Pushed to 2027
The ongoing delay in H-1B visa stamping at US consulates in India, which began in December, shows no signs of abating as interview slots remain scarce and dates are now being deferred as far as 2027. Immigration experts have expressed deep concern, stating that the situation is unlikely to improve in the near future, and they strongly advise H-1B visa holders currently in the United States to avoid traveling to India for stamping purposes.
Interview Slots Remain Elusive with No Relief in Sight
Hundreds of H-1B visa holders found themselves stranded in India last December after arriving for scheduled visa stamping appointments, only to be informed that their interviews had been postponed to 2026. This initial delay was attributed to the implementation of enhanced social media vetting procedures by visa officers. The situation has since worsened, with individuals who had interviews scheduled for January and February 2024 receiving notifications that their dates have been rescheduled to April and May 2027.
Immigration attorney Emily Neumann highlighted the severity of the issue, noting that she has not observed any new visa interview slots opening for India in the past 50 days. Neumann emphasized that H-1B holders in the US should refrain from attempting to secure appointments for visa stamping in India under the current circumstances.
"They are not in any hurry to give you a visa. They are trying to deny visas whenever they can. It is a completely different world from what we saw during the Biden administration. This administration does not want to give you visa," Neumann stated.
Prudential Visa Revocations Add to the Turmoil
Compounding the stamping delays, the US State Department has been actively revoking visas on a prudential basis. This practice involves canceling visas based on new information that suggests the holder may be ineligible. Notably, H-4 visa holders, who are typically spouses of H-1B visa holders, are also facing revocations due to issues related to their H-1B partners.
Immigration experts have identified an emerging pattern where H-4 spouses arrive at consulates for stamping only to be informed that their visas have been revoked. This often occurs because of past incidents involving the H-1B spouse, such as old DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charges, which are now being scrutinized more rigorously.
Key Recommendations for H-1B Visa Holders
- Avoid Travel to India for Stamping: Given the extensive delays and uncertainty, experts strongly recommend that H-1B holders in the US postpone any plans to travel to India for visa stamping until the situation stabilizes.
- Monitor Consulate Updates Closely: Stay informed about any changes in appointment availability or policy adjustments from US consulates in India.
- Seek Legal Counsel if Affected: Individuals facing visa revocations or significant delays should consult with immigration attorneys to explore their options and understand their rights.
The combination of prolonged stamping delays and increased prudential revocations has created a challenging environment for H-1B visa holders and their families. As the wait times extend further into the future, the need for clear communication and proactive planning becomes ever more critical for those navigating the complex US immigration landscape.
