The US visa appointment backlog has reached critical levels, with H-1B visa interview dates for Indian applicants now being pushed into 2027. No new visa stamping slots are available for the rest of 2026, leaving thousands of Indian tech professionals stranded.
Related: Complete US Visa Guide for Indians | DS-160 Form Helper
What’s Happening
| Timeline | Status |
|---|---|
| December 2025 interviews | Rescheduled to March 2026 |
| March 2026 interviews | Pushed to October 2026 |
| January-February 2026 bookings | Now moved to April-May 2027 |
| New slots for 2026 | None available |
Key Points
- No H-1B visa stamping appointments available in India for all of 2026
- Applicants receiving emails pushing their dates to April-May 2027
- Immigration attorneys report no new slots opening in over 50 days
- Families being separated, workers facing job losses
Why This Is Happening
1. Mandatory Social Media Screening
Since December 15, 2025, the US requires social media screening for all employment-based visa applicants. This has significantly increased processing time per application.
2. End of Third-Country Stamping
The US State Department ended the option allowing Indian nationals to get visa stamps in third countries like Canada or Mexico.
3. Domestic Renewal Program Concluded
The pilot program that allowed H-1B holders to renew visas within the US has ended. Workers must now travel abroad for traditional stamping.
4. Mandatory Interviews
Interviews are now required for all petition-based visas (H, L, O, P, Q categories) at most consulates, including Delhi and Kolkata.
What This Means for Indian Travelers
If you’re an H-1B holder currently in the US:
- Avoid traveling to India for visa stamping unless absolutely necessary
- Your re-entry to the US is not guaranteed even with valid H-1B approval
- Consider postponing any non-emergency travel to India
- Consult an immigration attorney before making travel decisions
What to Do Next
- Check your appointment status on the US visa appointment system
- Do not cancel existing appointments - rebooking may push you further back
- Explore emergency appointments only for genuine emergencies (death in family, medical)
- Keep documents ready - I-797 approval notice, passport, DS-160 confirmation
- Monitor for slot openings - Some slots may open due to cancellations
Impact on Families
The delays are causing significant hardship:
- Spouses and children separated from H-1B workers
- Children missing school while stuck in India
- Workers facing job termination due to inability to return
- Financial strain from extended stays abroad
Immigration experts advise H-1B holders to stay in the US and avoid international travel until the backlog situation improves.