India has formally raised concerns with the United States over ongoing H-1B visa delays and appointment cancellations, calling them a cause of significant hardship for Indian nationals. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is actively engaging with US authorities to resolve the issue and minimise disruption to affected individuals and their families.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed on Friday that the government has received multiple representations from Indian citizens struggling to schedule or reschedule US visa appointments. These delays, he said, have affected education, employment, and family stability.
India Raises Issue With US Authorities
Addressing a media briefing in New Delhi, Jaiswal stated that while visa matters fall under the sovereign jurisdiction of the issuing country, India has taken up the issue through diplomatic channels.
“The Government of India has received multiple representations from Indian nationals facing delays and difficulties in scheduling or rescheduling US visa appointments. While visa matters fall under the sovereign domain of the issuing country, India has raised these concerns with US authorities in New Delhi and Washington DC,” he said.
He added that the prolonged delays have caused extended hardships, particularly for students and working professionals who rely on timely visa approvals.
Education and Family Life Disrupted
The MEA noted that H-1B visa delays have disrupted academic schedules, job placements, and family reunification plans. Many applicants have reported missing university start dates, losing employment opportunities, or being separated from spouses and children due to uncertainty surrounding visa appointments.
“These delays have caused extended hardships for affected individuals and their families, including disruptions to education,” Jaiswal said, stressing that the government remains actively engaged with the US side to address the matter.
Increased Scrutiny of H-1B Applicants
The developments come at a time when H-1B applicants worldwide are facing heightened scrutiny. The US Embassy in India has recently begun conducting online presence checks for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants as part of measures to prevent misuse of the programme.
This additional vetting has contributed to appointment backlogs and longer processing timelines, adding to uncertainty for applicants.
Possible Policy Changes in the US
Further complicating the situation are policy proposals currently under consideration in the United States. The US Department of Labor has proposed revisions to wage protection rules that could significantly raise prevailing wage requirements for H-1B workers.
Such changes may discourage companies from sponsoring foreign workers, especially early-career professionals. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security is close to approving a proposal to prioritise higher-paid applicants in the H-1B lottery.
Experts warn that these measures could limit access for recent graduates and professionals working in emerging sectors.
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Indian Professionals Most Affected
Indian nationals make up more than 70 per cent of H-1B visa recipients in recent years, meaning any tightening of rules or processing delays disproportionately affects Indian professionals.
Industry analysts say prolonged H-1B visa delays could impact global talent mobility and strain India-US people-to-people ties, even as the two countries strengthen strategic and economic relations.
India Continues Diplomatic Engagement
The MEA reiterated that India will continue to closely engage with the United States to ensure that the concerns of Indian nationals are addressed. Officials said efforts are underway to minimise disruption and provide relief to those affected.
As discussions continue, thousands of Indian professionals and students await clarity, hoping for faster processing and policy certainty in the coming months.
