H1B Visa Interview Delays Worsen for Indian Applicants

Indian professionals are facing another major setback in their US visa process with hundreds of H1B and H4 visa interview slots abruptly postponed Appointments originally scheduled for early 2026 have now been moved to October 2026

The delays are creating immense personal and professional uncertainty with applicants expressing growing frustration and helplessness Families remain separated due to the continued visa processing backlog

New data shows a severe extension of wait times with appointments once set for February and March 2026 rescheduled for October 2026 This confirms a troubling trend reported by immigration lawyers According to The American Bazaar similar postponements are widespread Interviews scheduled for mid January 2026 are also pushed to late 2026

Officials cite expanded social media screening as a key reason This additional security step requires more processing time creating a domino effect of cancellations and rescheduling Applicants who had made travel plans are now stranded Some left their jobs or homes to attend interviews only to discover their appointments were canceled without notice

The situation is fueling anxiety across online forums and groups Professionals are sharing stories of disrupted lives and careers The constant uncertainty is taking a significant mental toll

The human cost of these delays is steep Many applicants are separated from spouses and children with the extended timeline deepening family separation indefinitely Legal options appear limited Immigration attorneys say few remedies exist for these administrative delays Suing the government is rarely effective

Lawyers advise practical steps instead They recommend negotiating remote work options with US employers and maintaining detailed records of all communications Some applicants are using peer to peer strategies asking others with early 2026 slots to cancel them in the hope those slots will open for more urgent cases This reflects the level of desperation within the community The backlog is not just procedural it is life altering for thousands of skilled workers

The H1B visa remains a cornerstone of US tech industry hiring allowing companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations Major delays directly impact American business operations Reports from Reuters highlight global visa processing challenges with post pandemic demand surges straining consular resources India represents one of the largest applicant pools worldwide Consulates are working to increase staffing and efficiency but backlog reduction will take considerable time Applicants are advised to prepare for continued unpredictability

The ongoing H1B visa interview delays represent a critical bottleneck for global talent mobility Indian professionals must navigate a system clouded by uncertainty with their careers and family lives remaining in a prolonged state of limbo.