US Consulates in India are currently facing an unprecedented backlog in processing H-1B visa applications, with interview dates now pushed to April-May 2027. This situation has created significant challenges for Indian technology professionals and their employers, potentially disrupting project timelines and global mobility.
The primary reason for this extensive delay appears to be the implementation of enhanced social media vetting procedures that went into effect on December 15, 2025. U.S. consular officers are now required to review applicants' public social media posts for potential national security concerns, adding approximately 20 minutes to each case. Despite the increased processing time, staffing levels at the consulates have not been increased, resulting in a significant reduction in daily interview volume and a cascading rescheduling of appointments.
The consequences of these delays are far-reaching. Many Indian tech workers who traveled to India for visa stamping are now stranded, unable to return to their jobs and families in the United States. This situation has forced companies to activate emergency remote-work policies and explore alternative solutions, such as routing talent through Canada or Mexico where "drop-box" renewals might still be possible. Some firms are redrawing project timelines that depend on India-based specialists traveling to U.S. client sites.
Immigration experts are advising H-1B workers currently in the U.S. to avoid traveling to India for visa stamping until the situation improves. They also suggest that companies maintain valid I-797 approvals through at least 2027 and update travel-risk dashboards to reflect the "do-not-travel" advisory for visa renewals. Some experts fear the 2026 H-1B cap season will further compound the backlog unless additional adjudication resources are allocated.
The U.S. consulates in India are located in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. These consulates are responsible for processing visa applications for individuals seeking to work or study in the United States. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. These occupations generally require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field.
To mitigate the impact of these delays, companies should counsel staff to avoid international trips, explore third-country renewal options, and budget for extended stays in India. Additionally, global-mobility budgets must account for emergency housing, payroll localization, and dependent-schooling costs for workers stuck in India. VisaHQ's India portal offers real-time appointment tracking and document pre-screening.
The current crisis highlights the fragility of the U.S.-India talent corridor at a time when the U.S. is seeking Indian investments in semiconductor and defense industries. Business chambers on both sides are urging the State Department to increase staffing and offer third-country processing windows, but officials have indicated that enhanced screening measures will remain in place. Affected applicants have taken to social media to share their experiences and document the scale of the disruption. One Reddit user reported their February 2026 appointment in Chennai being rescheduled to May 2027, with others sharing similar experiences.
