MEA flags H-1B visa delays with US, expects issues to be addressed

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday, December 26, said visa-related matters fall under the sovereign authority of individual countries, but added that India has flagged concerns with the United States over delays and disruptions affecting H-1B and H-4 visa applicants.

Responding to the situation on prolonged visa processing timelines, the MEA said the issues have been raised with the US authorities both in New Delhi and Washington, DC. India, it said, expects the concerns to be addressed

by the US on these delays and disruptions.

The remarks come amid tighter scrutiny of H-1B and H-4 visa applications by the United States. On December 22, the US Embassy in India urged applicants to apply early and be prepared for delays after Washington expanded vetting requirements for these visa categories.

Also Read: H-1B shake-up leaves Indians stranded, forces IT firms to rethink US hiring

In a post on X, the embassy said that beginning December 15, the US Department of State has expanded online presence reviews to all H-1B and H-4 applicants globally as part of standard visa screening. The checks apply to applicants of all nationalities and cover both new applications and renewals.

Under the revised process, consular officers will review applicants’ social media activity across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. Applicants have been advised to keep their profiles public to facilitate screening. The embassy said US missions worldwide continue to accept and process applications but cautioned that additional processing time may be required.

US embassy warns against visa scams

Amid delays in visa processing, the US Embassy in India has also issued an advisory warning applicants against fraudulent messages and agents offering guaranteed visas or faster approvals in exchange for money.

“Ever come across messages or agents promising guaranteed visas or faster approvals? Visa scams and fraud are more common than you think, and they can cost you time, money, and your travel plans,” the embassy said in a post on X.

Ever come across messages or agents promising guaranteed visas or faster approvals? Visa scams and fraud are more common than you think, and they can cost you time, money, and your travel plans. This #VisaFriday, we’re highlighting steps you can take to identify scams, avoid… pic.twitter.com/4a55mbOihR

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 26, 2025

The embassy urged applicants to remain vigilant, follow official procedures and rely only on credible sources to avoid falling victim to fraud. Officials underlined that the only way to obtain a US visa is through the embassy or a consulate.

“The only way to book an appointment is through our online scheduling portal, www.ustraveldocs.com. If anyone says they can get you a visa outside this process, they are trying to scam you,” the embassy said.

The developments come as the US undertakes broader changes to its H-1B programme. The Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to replace the lottery-based H-1B selection system with a weighted model prioritising higher-paid and higher-skilled workers from the FY2027 cap registration season, while retaining the existing annual visa cap.