The US visa crisis for Indians has entered a critical phase as H-1B interviews and H-4 dependent interviews in India are now being postponed as far as October 2026. What began as extended wait times has escalated into a systemic breakdown of consular scheduling, leaving thousands of skilled professionals, families and US employers grappling with prolonged uncertainty.
Across India’s major US consulates, applicants with confirmed interview appointments are seeing their dates cancelled or automatically rescheduled months ahead. For many, visa stamping has shifted from a routine administrative step to a high-risk process with serious implications for employment continuity, family stability and long-term career planning.
How the Crisis Escalated
The current disruption took shape when US consulates in India began large-scale rescheduling of H-1B and H-4 interviews from early December 2025. Applicants who had planned travel around holidays or work commitments suddenly received notifications that their appointments had been cancelled or deferred.
Initially, most rescheduled interviews were pushed to early or mid-2026. However, as processing capacity tightened and demand remained high, a growing number of appointments were reassigned to late 2026, including October. The consistency of these reports across New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad indicates a nationwide operational shift rather than isolated scheduling issues.
Why H-1B Interviews Are Being Delayed
The primary driver of the delays is a major expansion in security and background screening for employment-based visas. US authorities have broadened online presence and digital vetting requirements for H-1B and H-4 applicants, increasing the time needed to assess each case.
This enhanced scrutiny has significantly reduced the number of interviews that consulates can conduct daily. Without a corresponding increase in staffing or processing resources, appointment calendars have been stretched further into the future to manage the workload.
October 2026 and the Growing Backlog
The appearance of October 2026 as an interview date highlights the scale of the backlog now affecting Indian applicants. In several cases, individuals whose interviews were previously moved to March or April 2026 have seen their appointments postponed again.
For professionals who require visa stamping to return to the United States, these delays translate into extended stays outside the country. For first-time applicants, the uncertainty affects job start dates, relocation plans and long-term commitments. The absence of a clear timeline for normalisation has intensified anxiety among applicants and employers alike.
Travel Risks for Visa Stamping
Travel for visa stamping has become increasingly risky. Applicants who leave the United States without a valid visa stamp face the possibility of being stranded abroad for months if their interview is cancelled or rescheduled.
Several professionals who travelled expecting short visits have found themselves navigating unpaid leave, remote work complications or even job insecurity. Immigration experts are advising extreme caution, particularly for non-essential travel, until consular scheduling stabilises.
Impact on Jobs and Employers
The crisis has serious consequences for US employers who rely on H-1B talent, particularly in technology, healthcare, engineering and research. Many roles require physical presence due to regulatory obligations, client requirements or operational constraints.
Extended employee absence can disrupt projects, delay deliveries and strain client relationships. For workers, prolonged delays can affect job continuity, performance evaluations and future career prospects, especially in competitive sectors where timelines are critical.
Families Facing Prolonged Separation
H-4 dependents are among the most affected by the delays. Spouses and children are experiencing prolonged separation from family members, with schooling, healthcare access and emotional well-being all impacted.
For many families, long-term plans have been put on hold. Decisions related to education, housing and relocation remain uncertain as interview timelines continue to shift with little notice.
Digital Vetting Slows Processing
A key factor contributing to slower processing is the expansion of digital screening. Visa officers are now required to review publicly available online activity as part of standard vetting procedures.
This additional layer of scrutiny increases review time per application and has resulted in fewer interviews being completed each day. It has also raised the likelihood of administrative processing after interviews, further extending overall timelines.
Mass Rescheduling Across Consulates
Immigration experts describe the situation as a coordinated rescheduling effort rather than an accidental backlog. Consulates are cancelling appointments, limiting rescheduling opportunities and issuing new dates that are often months later than expected.
In many cases, biometrics appointments proceed as scheduled, while the interview itself, which is the critical step for visa issuance, is deferred. This has added to confusion among applicants who assume progress has been made, only to face further delays.
Why This Is Not a Temporary Disruption
Unlike past visa delays caused by seasonal demand or temporary staffing shortages, the current crisis reflects deeper structural changes. Expanded vetting requirements are expected to remain in place, and there has been no indication of a significant increase in consular capacity.
As a result, early 2026 appointments are already being pushed further back as consulates attempt to rebalance schedules. Experts warn that without policy adjustments or resource expansion, long wait times could persist well into 2026 and beyond.
What Applicants Should Do Now
Monitor appointment portals daily
US consulates are actively adjusting interview schedules, sometimes without advance notice. Regular monitoring allows applicants to respond quickly to cancellations or new slots.
Avoid non-essential travel for visa stamping
Unless a valid US visa already exists in the passport, international travel carries a high risk of extended delays and being unable to return to the United States on schedule.
Coordinate early with employers
Applicants should proactively inform employers about potential delays and discuss contingency plans such as approved leave, adjusted start dates or temporary project reassignment.
Prepare for enhanced digital vetting
Review public social media profiles and online activity carefully. As digital screening has become a standard part of visa processing, inconsistencies or questionable content may delay decisions.
Maintain detailed documentation
Keep copies of appointment confirmations, cancellation notices, rescheduling emails, travel records and employer correspondence to protect legal and employment interests.
Plan financially for extended timelines
Applicants and families should prepare for longer stays outside the United States, including budgeting for accommodation, healthcare and daily expenses if delays extend further.
Seek professional immigration advice when necessary
For complex situations involving job loss risk, family separation or multiple rescheduling events, consulting an experienced immigration professional can help clarify available options.
What the US Authorities Are Saying
While there has been no comprehensive public announcement detailing the extent of the delays, consular authorities continue to state that appointment calendars are adjusted based on resource availability and operational requirements.
This lack of detailed guidance has left applicants with limited clarity, making personal and professional planning increasingly difficult.
The Bigger Policy Picture
The H-1B visa remains a cornerstone of the US skilled workforce, particularly for industries that depend on global talent. Delays of this magnitude raise broader questions about workforce stability, economic competitiveness and the balance between security priorities and processing efficiency.
The current situation underscores how immigration policy decisions can have far-reaching consequences beyond borders, affecting lives, livelihoods and international business operations.
