H-1B Visa Interview Appointments Delayed Until 2027
Delays in H-1B visa interview appointments have escalated significantly, impacting Indian professionals employed in the United States. Reports indicate that no new stamping dates are available for this calendar year, with interviews postponed until 2027.
Current Situation for H-1B Visa Applicants
Visa offices in major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, currently lack regular interview slots. Immigration experts express concerns that there is little hope for improvement in the near future.
Visa Appointment Availability
The US State Department’s website shows that many locations, such as Kolkata and Delhi, indicate ‘not available’ for the next appointment in the petition-based visa categories, including H, L, O, P, and Q visas.
- New interview dates pushed to April-May 2027 for those scheduled in January and February.
- Trump administration’s policies are rescaling the H-1B program.
Changes in H-1B Visa Processing
On December 29, 2025, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced new rules for fiscal year 2027. The annual cap remains at 85,000 visas, with 20,000 allocated for applicants with US postgraduate degrees. However, stricter visa policies under the Trump administration have contributed to the backlog.
Impact of Policy Changes
- Mandatory social media screening for visa applicants has increased processing time.
- The US has halted visa stamping in third countries, adding strain on Indian consulates.
Emily Neumann, an immigration attorney, stated that no new visa interview slots have been opened in India over the past 50 days. She advised H-1B holders currently in the US against seeking appointment slots for visa stamping in India. Neumann believes the current administration is less willing to approve visas compared to previous years.
Moreover, as delays continue, the US State Department has also begun revoking visas, impacting H-4 visa holders connected to H-1B spouses. This situation has left many families and professionals anxious as the prospect of securing necessary travel documents diminishes.
