India express concern over H-1B visa delays with US

India has formally raised concerns with the United States over delays and cancellations of H-1B visa appointments, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday, following complaints from affected Indian nationals.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government received multiple complaints from citizens facing difficulties with scheduling or rescheduling US visa appointments. He noted that while visa matters are under the sovereign jurisdiction of the US, India has raised the issue with officials in New Delhi and Washington DC.

“The Government of India has received multiple representations from Indian nationals facing delays and difficulties in scheduling or rescheduling US visa appointments. While visa matters fall under the sovereign domain of the issuing country, India has raised these concerns with



the US authorities in New Delhi and Washington DC," Jaiswal said at a press briefing.

"These delays have caused extended hardships for affected individuals and their families, including disruptions to education. The government remains actively engaged with the US side to address the issue and minimise the impact on Indian nationals," he added.

The developments come at a time when H-1B applicants across the globe are facing growing scrutiny and uncertainty.

The US Embassy in India recently announced that it has started conducting online presence checks for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants as part of measures to prevent misuse of the program.

Meanwhile, policy proposals currently under consideration in the US could impose additional restrictions on the H-1B system.