What's Happening?
US consulates in India have postponed H-1B visa interview appointments to April-May 2027, leaving many Indian professionals unable to return to the United States. The backlog began in December 2025 due
to policy changes, including mandatory social-media screening for employment-based visas and the abolition of 'third-country' stamping for Indians. This has funneled all visa processing back to Indian consulates, exacerbating delays. The situation has left thousands of H-1B workers stranded in India, impacting project timelines for companies relying on these professionals. Some employers have resorted to remote-work waivers or relocated work to countries with more accessible visa processes.
Why It's Important?
The delay in H-1B visa processing highlights significant challenges in the U.S. immigration system, particularly for skilled professionals in STEM fields. The backlog undermines the Biden administration's goal of attracting global talent and could lead to a talent drain as professionals seek opportunities in countries with more efficient visa processes. The situation poses risks for U.S. companies, especially in tech-heavy sectors, as project timelines are disrupted and key personnel remain unavailable. The delays may also increase legal and processing costs for companies, affecting their global mobility strategies.
What's Next?
In response to the delays, some congressional staffers are advocating for temporary solutions, such as drop-box or interview-waiver programs, but no official relief has been announced. Companies and professionals may need to explore alternative strategies, such as relocating work to countries with faster visa processing or utilizing visa concierge services to navigate the backlog. The situation may prompt further discussions on U.S. immigration policy and its impact on the country's ability to attract and retain global talent.
