H-1B Visa Delays Persist as US Consulates in India Push Appointments to 2027: Expert Advice for Applicants
H-1B visa delays continue to trouble Indian professionals, with US consulates in India reportedly extending visa stamping interview appointments as far as 2027. Immigration experts warn that increased scrutiny under the Trump administration, combined with operational backlogs, could lead to prolonged waiting periods for applicants.
According to multiple reports, visa offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata currently have limited or no available interview slots until next year. The delays are impacting thousands of Indians planning to work in the United States on H-1B visas.
Who is most affected by H-1B visa delays?
Immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar of Manifest Law said the delays are especially affecting professionals in technology and IT roles, including software engineers, data scientists, and AI specialists. Consulting and financial services professionals, healthcare workers, and mid-career professionals in leadership or client-facing roles are also among the most impacted.
Waiting for H-1B visa stamping? How to use the time wisely
Attorney Urizar stressed that “strategic planning is key” for individuals waiting for visa stamping interviews. She advised applicants to avoid international travel unless absolutely necessary, particularly if visa stamping is required.
She also recommended working closely with an immigration lawyer to plan long-term immigration strategies. These may include H-1B extensions, amendments, or permanent residency pathways such as PERM, EB-1, or National Interest Waiver (NIW), depending on eligibility.
Key steps H-1B applicants should follow
According to the attorney, applicants should keep the following points in mind:
Ensure all immigration filings are accurate, consistent, and well-documented, as visa officers are conducting more detailed reviews
Be cautious about social media activity, as discrepancies between online content and visa applications may raise concerns
Employers should plan for remote work arrangements and flexible workforce strategies where possible
Book international flights with fully refundable ticket options
Explore alternative visa categories that do not involve a lottery system, such as the O-1 visa
Consider self-sponsored permanent residency options to reduce dependence on a single employer
Urizar added that both H-1B and H-4 visa holders should plan several years ahead, rather than focusing on short-term timelines. “The system is functioning, but it is moving more slowly and with greater scrutiny. Proactive planning is now essential,” she said.
Are more H-1B visa delays expected?
Yes, further delays are likely through 2026 and beyond, according to Urizar. She said US consulates are still dealing with backlogs from previous years while also managing staffing shortages, enhanced security checks, fraud-prevention measures, and expanded background screening processes.
In addition, consulates are reportedly prioritising certain categories of travellers, which may further extend wait times for employment-based visa applicants.
Urizar also noted that even when interview appointments are available, many cases are placed under 221(g) administrative processing. This can add weeks or months after the interview, meaning an appointment date does not guarantee quick visa issuance.
Impact on Indian professionals and families
The prolonged delays have made international travel a calculated risk for many Indian professionals. Leaving the US could result in being stranded abroad for extended periods, despite having valid employment and approved petitions.
From a professional perspective, employers may delay promotions, leadership roles, or international assignments due to travel uncertainty. On a personal level, families may face prolonged separation, with H-4 spouses and children often most affected by the delays.
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