Another H1B Shock: Must Wait Till 2027 March

The United States immigration control authorities have been taking several new and radical decisions with regard to the work permit visa. Now a big decision regarding the H1B visa has been taken, and this would directly affect the immigration population.

Indian professionals planning to travel to the United States on H 1B visas are facing major uncertainty as visa interview appointments are being pushed far into the future. Reports suggest that in some cases, interview slots are unavailable until 2027, triggering concern among thousands of applicants.

The delay is largely due to a massive backlog at US consulates, especially in India. Cities such as Hyderabad and Mumbai are seeing extremely limited appointment availability, making it difficult for applicants to secure timely visa stamping. This has affected both first time applicants and those seeking renewals.

The prolonged wait is disrupting career plans, job transitions, and personal commitments. Many professionals who had confirmed employment offers in the US are now unsure when they will be able to travel. Employers are also facing challenges in workforce planning due to the uncertainty.

Some applicants explored the option of attending visa interviews in other countries, but availability there is also limited. Immigration experts warn that unless processing capacity improves, delays could continue for an extended period.

The situation has added to growing anxiety among Indian tech workers, students, and families who depend heavily on the H 1B program for employment opportunities in the United States.