Concerns Raised by India Over H1B Visa Interview Cancellations Amid New US Policies

India Voices Concerns on H1B Visa Interview Delays

New Delhi: On Friday, India expressed its concerns to the United States regarding the abrupt cancellation of numerous pre-scheduled H1B visa interviews for Indian applicants, indicating that both nations are currently discussing the matter.

The interviews for thousands of H-1B visa seekers, which were set to take place from mid-month in India, have been unexpectedly postponed for several months as authorities review their social media activity and online profiles.

Many applicants, who were supposed to have their visa interviews last week, received notifications from US immigration officials stating that their appointments have been rescheduled as late as May of the following year.

The Indian government has been approached by numerous citizens facing difficulties due to the rescheduling of their visa interviews, as noted by External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly media briefing.

He emphasized that visa matters fall within the sovereign rights of each nation, stating, “We have raised these issues and our concerns with the US, both in New Delhi and Washington, DC.”

Jaiswal highlighted that many Indians have been stuck in India for extended periods, leading to significant hardships for them and their families.

He assured that the Indian government is actively working with US authorities to alleviate the disruptions faced by its citizens.

The widespread cancellation of scheduled H-1B visa interviews, due to increased vetting protocols, has led to considerable delays in the applicants' return to the US.

The rescheduling affects all applicants who had appointments set from December 15 onward.

Most of these individuals are currently in India and are unable to return to the US without valid H1B visas, pending their new interview dates.