H-1B Visa Interviews Cancelled: India Raises Strong Objection

The Government of India has expressed serious concern over the cancellation and repeated rescheduling of H-1B visa interviews, stating that it is fully committed to protecting the interests of Indian citizens living abroad.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) addressed several key issues, including the H-1B visa crisis, difficulties faced by Indians stranded overseas, a terror-related incident in Australia, the extradition of fugitive criminals, and the death of an Indian student in Canada.

Concerns Over H-1B Visa Interview Delays

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the government has received numerous complaints regarding the repeated rescheduling of H-1B visa appointments. Due to these delays, a large number of Indian nationals have been stranded for extended periods, adversely affecting their employment, families, and children’s education.

He emphasized that while visa-related decisions fall under the sovereign jurisdiction of individual countries, India has formally raised its concerns with the United States at both New Delhi and Washington, D.C. Continuous engagement is underway with U.S. authorities to minimize hardships faced by Indian citizens.

Sudden Cancellation of Scheduled Interviews

India has raised serious concerns regarding the sudden cancellation or postponement of pre-scheduled H-1B visa interviews affecting thousands of Indian professionals working in the United States. According to the MEA, many applicants who had confirmed interview dates found their appointments abruptly deferred.

During the weekly press briefing, the spokesperson noted that several Indian nationals reported being unable to return to the U.S. to resume their jobs due to interview rescheduling, forcing them to remain stuck in India for months.

The Ministry stated that applicants who had interviews scheduled from mid-December onwards were informed that their appointments had been postponed by several months. Some applicants received emails indicating that their interviews had been rescheduled as late as May next year.

It is understood that these delays are linked to additional scrutiny of social media profiles and online activities of visa applicants.

Impact on Indian Citizens and Government’s Stand

The MEA reiterated that while visa decisions remain a sovereign matter, India has consistently raised the issue with U.S. authorities at multiple diplomatic levels. The delays have caused significant economic, personal, and educational hardships for Indian citizens and their families.

The Ministry of External Affairs made it clear that whether the matter concerns visas, security, or justice, the Government of India will continue to take all necessary steps to safeguard the interests of its citizens worldwide.