H-1B Visa Interview Delays Until 2027: Indian Professionals Face Uncertainty

• US consulates in India have no H-1B visa interview dates available until 2027, impacting thousands of Indian professionals.
• Initial delays began in December 2025, with appointments repeatedly postponed, creating a significant backlog.
• New H-1B visa rules for FY2027 prioritize salary and experience levels in the lottery system, with higher-level workers receiving more entries.
• Mandatory social media checks since December 2025 and the withdrawal of third-country stamping facilities have further strained processing times at Indian missions.
• US businesses, particularly in tech and healthcare, face project delays and increased costs, leading some to hire more American citizens.

Why It Matters: H-1B visa interview delays until 2027 are causing widespread uncertainty for Indian professionals and US businesses.