H-1B Visa Interviews Now Available Only in 2027

The recent updates concerning H-1B visa interviews have created significant challenges for Indian professionals aiming to work in the United States. As of now, there are no new stamping dates available this year. Furthermore, interviews for H-1B visa applications are now being deferred until 2027.

Current Status of H-1B Visa Interviews

Visa offices in major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, are devoid of regular interview slots. This situation has been exacerbated by stringent visa policies implemented during the Trump administration.

Visa Appointment Availability

The US State Department’s website shows a “not available” status for interview appointments related to petition-based visas. This applies to various visa categories, including H, L, O, P, and Q.

• Visa offices in major Indian cities have no regular appointment slots.
• The H-1B visa program’s annual cap remains at 85,000.
• 20,000 of these visas are reserved for candidates with postgraduate degrees from US institutions.

Impact of Policy Changes

Consulates are facing a backlog due to recent immigration changes. Since December 29, 2025, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services introduced new rules for fiscal year 2027, placing additional pressure on applicants.

• Mandatory social media screening for visa applicants has been introduced.
• Increased scrutiny has lengthened processing times.
• Visa stamping in third countries is largely prohibited, increasing demand on Indian consulates.

As a result, many applicants who previously secured interview dates in January and February are now facing rescheduled appointments for April-May 2027. Immigration experts indicate that there is little hope of improvement in the current visa situation.

Comments from Immigration Experts

Emily Neumann, an immigration attorney, noted the lack of new interview slots opening in India over the past 50 days. She advised those already in the US on H-1B visas not to attempt to schedule an appointment for stamping in India. Neumann highlighted a shift in the administration’s approach, indicating a reluctance to grant visas compared to the previous administration.

Alongside delays in stamping, there are reports of the US State Department revoking visas, including those held by H-4 visa recipients due to their H-1B spouse’s status. The current climate poses severe risks for families and employment opportunities for Indian professionals.

Given these challenges, stakeholders are urged to stay informed about any updates regarding visa appointments and processing times as the situation evolves.