H-1B Visa Interview Slots in India Deferred to 2027: Reasons Behind the Delay and Impact on Indian Professionals
H-1B visa applicants in India are facing prolonged delays as US consulates across major cities have reportedly pushed interview appointments into 2027, triggering uncertainty among thousands of Indian professionals planning to work in the United States.
No Interview Slots Available Across Major Indian Cities
Visa offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata currently have no H-1B visa interview slots available until next year, according to multiple media reports. Applicants attempting to book appointments are finding dates unavailable well beyond 2026, with many now seeing options only in 2027.
Reports indicate that the backlog has steadily worsened over the past few months, affecting both first-time applicants and those seeking visa renewals.
How the Delay Began
The appointment delays reportedly started in December 2025, when several H-1B visa interviews scheduled for that month were rescheduled to March 2026. These were later deferred again to October 2026, and many appointments have since been pushed into 2027.
At the time, US authorities advised applicants to apply as early as possible and be prepared for additional processing time, signaling extended delays ahead.
Why Are H-1B Visa Interviews Being Delayed?
The primary reason behind the delay is the increased scrutiny and vetting of H-1B visa applications under the current US administration.
As part of an “America First” approach, US immigration authorities have tightened oversight to curb alleged misuse of the H-1B program while prioritizing higher-skilled and higher-paid foreign workers. This enhanced review process has significantly slowed visa processing timelines.
India remains the largest contributor to global H-1B demand, accounting for more than 70 percent of total approvals in recent years. The overwhelming volume of applications, combined with stricter checks, has further strained consular capacity.
Major Changes to the H-1B Visa Program
Several policy changes have reshaped the H-1B visa landscape:
A weighted selection system has been introduced to prioritize higher-wage and higher-skilled applicants.
The annual H-1B cap remains 85,000 visas, including 20,000 reserved for US postgraduate degree holders.
A high H-1B registration fee, introduced in 2025, has added to the cost burden for employers.
Authorities may now require biometric data from applicants as part of security and identity verification.
Enhanced social media screening has become mandatory for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, increasing review time.
These measures are set to remain in place for the FY 2027 H-1B cap season, further affecting processing speed.
Impact on Indian Professionals
The extended delays are disrupting travel plans, employment timelines, and career mobility for Indian professionals already working in the US or planning to move there.
Many applicants who leave the US for visa stamping in India now risk being stuck for months or even years due to unavailable interview slots. Adding to the challenge, the option for Indian nationals to seek visa stamping in third countries has reportedly been withdrawn, forcing all applicants to rely solely on Indian consulates.
Immigration experts have cautioned that professionals currently in the US should carefully reconsider international travel, as securing a timely visa interview in India has become increasingly difficult.
Growing Uncertainty Ahead
With interview appointments now stretching into 2027, uncertainty continues to grow for Indian professionals dependent on the H-1B program—particularly those in the IT and technology sectors.
Unless consular capacity is expanded or processing rules are relaxed, delays are expected to persist, making long-term planning increasingly challenging for both workers and employers.
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