India raises issue with US authorities
India has formally raised concerns with the United States over the cancellation and postponement of a large number of pre-scheduled H-1B visa interviews for Indian applicants, adding that the two sides are actively engaged on the matter.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that it has received multiple representations from Indian nationals after US immigration authorities abruptly deferred visa interviews that were scheduled from mid-December onwards. In several cases, applicants were informed via email that their appointments had been rescheduled by several months, with some new dates extending as far as May next year.
Addressing the issue during his weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the sudden postponements had caused significant hardship for affected individuals and their families. He noted that many applicants were already in India when their interviews were cancelled, leaving them unable to return to the US due to the absence of a valid visa.
“Visa-related matters fall within the sovereign domain of the issuing country. However, we have flagged these issues and our concerns with the US side, both here in New Delhi and in Washington DC,” Jaiswal said. He added that India remains in regular contact with US authorities to seek an early resolution and to minimise the impact on Indian nationals.
According to officials, the cancellations are linked to enhanced vetting procedures, including closer scrutiny of applicants’ social media activity and online profiles.
The rescheduling reportedly applies to all H-1B applicants who had interview dates from December 15 onwards, affecting hundreds-and possibly thousands-of highly skilled professionals.
The disruption has been particularly acute as many H-1B visa holders plan travel to India during the US holiday season in December. With interviews postponed, several applicants have found themselves stranded in India for extended periods, unable to resume work in the US. The delays have also affected families, with some reporting disruptions to education and employment commitments.
“The Government of India has received multiple representations from Indian nationals facing delays and difficulties in scheduling or rescheduling US visa appointments,” Jaiswal said. “These delays have caused extended hardships, and the Government is actively engaged with the US side to address the issue.”
The issue comes amid broader changes and discussions around the US work visa framework, including increased scrutiny and policy shifts related to high-skilled migration. While acknowledging the US Government’s right to determine its visa policies, India has emphasised the need for predictability and timely processing, particularly for professionals who contribute to the US economy.
The MEA said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in dialogue with US authorities to ensure that concerns of Indian applicants are adequately addressed.
