Amid growing anxiety among Indian professionals and their families, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that it is actively engaging with the United States government over delays and disruptions in H-1B visa appointments.
Responding to concerns raised by affected Indian nationals, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government has formally taken up the matter with US authorities both in New Delhi and Washington DC, seeking urgent resolution.
Families Stranded, Lives Disrupted
According to the MEA, visa appointment delays and difficulties in rescheduling have left many Indians stranded for extended periods, severely impacting family life, employment continuity, and children’s education.
“These issues have caused significant hardships—not just to individuals but to their families as well,” Jaiswal said during a press briefing, highlighting how uncertainty around visa processing has disrupted personal and professional stability.
India Flags Concerns Despite US Sovereignty
While acknowledging that visa issuance falls under the sovereign jurisdiction of the United States, the MEA stressed that India has clearly communicated its concerns.
“We understand visa matters are the sovereign domain of any country. However, given the scale of impact on Indian nationals, we have flagged these issues and hope the delays and disruptions will be addressed,” the spokesperson added.
New US Review Process Adds to Delays
The MEA also pointed out that the US government has expanded its review process from December 15, covering not just H-1B specialty occupation visa applicants but also H-4 dependents. This change applies globally, affecting applicants from all countries.
The expanded scrutiny has further slowed processing timelines, adding to the backlog and uncertainty for Indian professionals working or planning to work in the US.
Policy Changes Intensify Pressure
The situation comes at a time when the US has introduced major changes to the H-1B programme, including:
A $100,000 fee on new H-1B applications, recently upheld by a federal judge
Scrapping of the decades-old random lottery system
Introduction of a weighted selection process favouring higher-skilled applicants
The US Department of Homeland Security said the new system aims to prioritise merit, but critics argue it disproportionately affects Indian applicants, who form the largest share of H-1B beneficiaries.
India Seeks Relief for Its Nationals
Reiterating India’s position, the MEA said it remains committed to minimising the impact on Indian nationals and continues dialogue with US authorities in the hope of faster processing and reduced uncertainty.
As thousands of Indian professionals await clarity, the issue has emerged as a key concern in India–US people-to-people ties, with families hoping for swift diplomatic intervention and administrative relief.
