New Delhi: Indian professionals seeking H-1B work visas for the United States are facing extended delays, as interview slots at U.S. consulates are reportedly booked through the end of 2026. New applicants are now being given tentative dates in 2027, creating uncertainty for thousands of skilled workers and students planning to take up jobs in the U.S.
The H-1B visa is widely used by American companies to hire foreign professionals in specialised fields such as information technology, engineering, healthcare and research. India remains the largest source country for H-1B applicants, making the backlog particularly impactful for Indian workers.
Travel consultants and visa facilitation agencies have said that appointment availability has sharply reduced due to high demand and limited processing capacity. Many applicants who have already received job offers or employer approvals are unable to proceed because they cannot secure interview slots in time.
Several professionals have expressed concern that the long wait could affect their employment contracts and project timelines. Students completing their studies in the U.S. and planning to shift to H-1B status are also worried about disruptions to their legal work status.
Officials have not announced any special relaxation so far, but applicants are being advised to regularly monitor the visa scheduling system for cancellations and newly opened slots. Some are opting for premium processing or alternative visa routes where possible.
Immigration experts say the backlog is likely due to a combination of high application volume, staffing limitations at consulates, and increased scrutiny of work visa cases. They add that unless appointment capacity is expanded, delays could continue well into next year.
The issue has sparked debate in India’s technology and services sectors, which depend heavily on overseas opportunities. Industry groups are urging authorities on both sides to streamline the process to avoid further strain on professionals and companies.
For now, applicants are being asked to plan well in advance and keep their documentation ready while waiting for interview dates to become available.
