India has issued an official update as H-1B visa delays continue to disrupt interview schedules and consular appointments for Indian applicants in the United States. Acknowledging the growing hardship, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it has raised the matter with US authorities, even as visa processing remains a sovereign decision of the issuing country.
Addressing the media on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said several Indian nationals have been stranded abroad due to repeated postponements of visa interviews. According to the government, these disruptions have caused prolonged separation from families, employment uncertainty, and financial stress. The MEA noted that appointment chaos linked to H-1B visa delays has become a serious concern for professionals working in the US technology and services sectors.
Screening Changes Add to Appointment Backlog
The delays have intensified following recent changes in US immigration procedures. Earlier this month, the Donald Trump-led US administration introduced an expanded screening process for nonimmigrant visas, including H-1B and H-4 categories. Under the revised rules, applicants must keep their social media profiles public to allow online presence reviews as part of background verification.
The new requirement came into effect on December 15. Since then, several applicants with confirmed interview dates reportedly received emails informing them that their appointments had been pushed back by months, in some cases until May next year. These sudden postponements have directly contributed to rising H-1B visa delays, according to reports by news agency PTI.
India Engages US Authorities
Reacting to the developments, Jaiswal said India has actively engaged with the US side in both New Delhi and Washington DC. While respecting US jurisdiction over visa matters, the MEA has flagged the difficulties faced by Indian nationals and expressed hope that disruptions will be minimised. The spokesperson also clarified that the new screening norms apply globally and are not India-specific, even though Indians form the largest group affected by H-1B visa delays.
Higher Fees and Policy Tightening
Apart from enhanced screening, the US has also imposed a $100,000 fee for first-time H-1B applicants and replaced the lottery-based selection system with a skill-weighted process. These policy shifts are part of broader efforts to tighten foreign worker regulations, further adding pressure on applicants already dealing with H-1B visa delays.
FAQs
Q: Why are H-1B visa delays happening now?
A: Expanded social media screening, rescheduled interviews, and stricter US immigration rules have slowed processing.
Q: Has India officially responded to H-1B visa delays?
A: Yes, the MEA has raised concerns with US authorities in New Delhi and Washington DC.
Q: Are the new screening rules only for Indian applicants?
A: No, the rules apply globally to H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J visa categories.
Q: What recent US policy changes affect H-1B applicants?
A: Higher application fees, skill-based selection, and expanded background checks are key changes.
