Short Description
The H-1B visa landscape is grim for Indian professionals, with no new interview slots available until 2027. Explore the impact of recent changes and expert insights.
Read Time
2 minutes 30 seconds
Main Article
In a startling development for Indian professionals seeking H-1B visas, the U.S. visa stamping landscape has taken a significant turn for the worse. Recent reports indicate that no new interview dates are available for the remainder of this calendar year. Instead, prospective applicants are facing delays that stretch all the way to 2027, causing major disruptions for those currently working and residing in the United States. Visa offices in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata have reported a complete lack of available slots, leaving many in limbo.
Immigration experts have voiced their concerns, emphasizing that the situation is unlikely to improve anytime soon. The U.S. State Department’s website reflects a disheartening “not available” status for interview appointments for petition-based visas (including H-1B, L, O, P, Q) across the globe. These bottlenecks are exacerbated by policy changes initiated during the Trump administration, which have fundamentally restructured the H-1B program. New guidelines, effective from December 29, 2025, have retained the annual cap of 85,000 visas, but with stringent regulations fueling longer processing times and fewer daily interviews at consulates.
Beyond the logistical challenges, the tightening visa policies are introducing mandatory social media scrutiny for applicants. This additional layer of scrutiny has created a bottleneck that further complicates the visa interview process. Furthermore, the revocation of existing visas is occurring prudently; many H-4 visa holders face cancellations due to the status of their H-1B spouses. As immigration attorney Emily Neumann highlights, the environment has drastically shifted under the current administration, which seems to be less accommodating to visa seekers than in previous years.
Neumann advises H-1B holders currently residing in the U.S. to avoid trying to secure visa stamping appointments in India, stating, “They are not in any hurry to give you a visa.” The negative sentiment is palpable, as many professionals find themselves grappling with uncertainty for both their careers and family situations. The policies have not only impacted those seeking initial visas but also those looking to renew, trapping many Indian professionals in a cycle of delays and anxiety.
Short Summary
The landscape for H-1B visa applicants has drastically worsened, with new interview dates reportedly deferred to 2027. Immigration experts warn that ongoing policy changes and delays are affecting countless Indian professionals, creating uncertainty and frustration in their careers.
