As delays continue to disrupt H-1B visa interview appointments, the Indian government has acknowledged the growing difficulties faced by Indian nationals and confirmed that the issue has been formally raised with authorities in the United States.
Responding to questions on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that several Indian citizens are facing prolonged waiting periods due to problems in scheduling and rescheduling consular appointments, leading to personal and professional hardships.
“There are several people who have been stranded for extended periods because of delays in consular appointments, and this has caused significant difficulties for them and their families,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a press briefing.
India Engages US on Visa Disruptions
The MEA clarified that while visa policies fall within the sovereign jurisdiction of individual countries, India has actively communicated the concerns of affected nationals to the US government.
“We have flagged these issues both in New Delhi and Washington DC. We hope that the delays and disruptions will be addressed,” Jaiswal said, adding that India remains engaged with US authorities to minimise the impact on applicants.
Recent Changes Add to Delays
The H-1B visa system has seen significant changes in recent months, which have particularly affected Indian applicants, who make up the largest share of H-1B recipients globally.
Earlier this month, the US administration under President Donald Trump introduced an expanded screening process, requiring applicants for H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J visas to make their social media profiles public for online vetting.
The new rules came into effect on December 15, after which many applicants reportedly received emails informing them that their interviews had been postponed—some as late as May next year, according to reports.
India Responds to New Screening Rules
Commenting on the expanded online screening requirement, the MEA noted that the rule applies globally and is not specific to India.
“This change is applicable to all countries. India continues to engage with the US side to address and reduce disruptions faced by our nationals,” Jaiswal said.
Tighter US Visa Policies
The recent changes are part of broader efforts by the US administration to tighten regulations on skilled foreign workers. In addition to enhanced screening, the US has:
Introduced a $100,000 fee for first-time H-1B visa applicants
Replaced the random lottery system with a model that prioritises higher-skilled candidates
These measures have raised concerns among applicants and employers alike, particularly in India, where demand for the H-1B visa remains high.
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