H-1B Visa Stamping Delays in India: Interviews Delayed to 2027

Delays in H‑1B visa stamping in India have grown much worse, with many interview slots now being postponed into 2027, according to news reports.

The backlog, which began in December 2025, shows no sign of easing, leaving thousands of professionals and their families in limbo.

The problem has become serious enough that immigration experts are advising H-1B visa holders currently in the United States not to travel back to India for stamping because interviews are being rescheduled repeatedly.

Many workers who returned to India in December expecting timely visa interviews were instead told their appointments had been deferred — first into 2026 and now, for many, into 2027.

One of the main reasons for the delays is expanded vetting by the U.S. Department of State and consular officers, including enhanced social media screening and deeper background checks. These extra steps have slowed the visa process and reduced the number of interview slots available.

The delays are not limited to H-1B work visas; H-4 visa interviews for dependents are also being rescheduled.

Experts say interviews that were originally set for early 2026 are now being pushed into spring 2027, creating uncertainty for applicants whose lives and careers depend on timely visa approvals.

The extended wait times have significant consequences. Some workers risk losing pay or jobs if they remain outside the U.S. too long, and families are being separated for unpredictable periods.

Employers have also been affected, with companies scrambling to manage projects and workforce planning as key staff remain stuck abroad.

In response to ongoing postponements, firms are exploring options such as allowing stranded employees to work remotely until interviews are completed, but this is only a temporary fix.

Immigration lawyers and professionals urge applicants to closely track their interview schedules and coordinate with employers to minimise disruptions.

Overall, the H-1B stamping delays in India have created a significant bottleneck, with no clear timeline for improvement, heightening anxiety for many Indian professionals seeking to work in the U.S. and their families who depend on timely visa processing.