Delays in H-1B visa stamping are significantly impacting Indian professionals, pushing their careers into uncertainty until 2027. Many applicants seeking visa interviews at U.S. consulates in India are facing postponed dates, greatly altering their professional paths and family lives.
Current State of H-1B Visa Interviews
Since December 2025, H-1B interview slots at consulates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata have become increasingly scarce. Recent updates indicate that available interview appointments have been postponed as far out as 2027. This situation is unlike any seen in the past and has left skilled workers in limbo.
Effects on Professionals
- Numerous Indian professionals who traveled to India for brief trips are now unable to return to their jobs in the U.S.
- Many applicants have reported cancellation of interviews, while others face rescheduling that pushes their dates to the following year.
- The delays are resulting in separated families, with some individuals unable to reunite with spouses and children who remain in the U.S.
Reasons Behind the Delays
The delays can be largely attributed to policy changes and heightened scrutiny introduced in late 2025. A new rule mandating social media screening for visa applicants has extended processing times. Additionally, the U.S. State Department has halted a previous practice allowing Indian nationals to seek visa stamping in third countries, leading to an influx of demand at Indian consulates.
Policy Changes and Impacts
On December 29, 2025, changes implemented by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services further affected the H-1B program’s operational landscape. Although the annual visa cap remains at 85,000, the shifting tone towards stricter application enforcement has created additional uncertainty for applicants. Immigration experts highlight that companies are less willing to restart application processes, particularly due to recent increased fees.
Broader Implications for Global Talent
The repercussions of these delays extend beyond the individuals directly affected. American employers—especially in sectors like technology and healthcare—are feeling the strain as the absence of experienced H-1B workers disrupts operations. Some companies, notably large Indian tech firms like Wipro and TCS, are compelled to rely on local hires and remote workers to cope with workforce shortages.
Long-Term Consequences
Experts warn that persistent visa delays may damage the U.S.’s reputation as a global leader in attracting skilled talent. Other countries may capitalize on this situation by simplifying their visa processes, ultimately threatening the U.S.’s competitive edge in the global talent market.
As the wait for visa interviews continues, thousands of professionals face uncertain futures, with careers on hold and families divided. The prospect of timely reunification grows dimmer, as applicants await openings that seem perpetually out of reach.
