H-1B visa Big Update: India raises issue of visa delays with Trump administration, says ‘families facing…’

India(BHARAT) Raises H-1B Visa Delays With US: Amid delays and cancellations, India(BHARAT) has recently raised concerns pertaining to H-1B visa appointments with the United States. Providing information, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday stated that after receiving several complaints from affected India(BHARAT)n nationals, it has raised the issue with officials in New Delhi and Washington, DC. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a press conference that the India(BHARAT)n government received several complaints regarding difficulties with scheduling or rescheduling US visa appointments, highlighting that the issues are under the sovereign jurisdiction of the US.

H-1B Visa Delays: What Did The MEA Say?

The Ministry stated that New Delhi has raised the concerns with the US authorities. “The Government of India(BHARAT) has received multiple representations from India(BHARAT)n 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(BHARAT) has raised these concerns with the US authorities in New Delhi and Washington DC,” Jaiswal said on Friday.

“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 India(BHARAT)n nationals,” he added.

H-1B Visa Delays

It is to be noted that India(BHARAT) has raised the issue at a time when H-1B applicants across the world are facing issues with the visa. The US Embassy in India(BHARAT) said that it has initiated the process of online presence checks for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants in order to prevent misuse of the program.

H-1B Visa Delays: Additional Restrictions

Notably, Washington could impose additional restrictions on the H-1B visa system. The US Department of Labour proposed several changes to wage rules that could increase minimum salary requirements. This will make US companies less interested in sponsoring H-1B visas.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, it is finalising the approval of a proposal to prioritise higher-paid applicants in H-1B lottery.

H-1B Visa Delays: What Did Expert Say?

According to experts, these changes could potentially limit access for fresh graduates and early-career professionals. It can also limit access to critical and emerging sectors.

Any major changes are expected to affect a major part of India(BHARAT)n professionals. These professionals make up over 70 percent of H-1B recipients in recent years.

H-1B Visa Delays: One-Time Fee of USD100000

In September this year, Doland Trump signed an order to implement a one-time USD1 lakh fee on new H-1B work visas. This order has significantly impacted India(BHARAT)n workers who are looking for temporary job in the US.
Notably, the America gives a total of 85,000 visas per year and India(BHARAT) gets the majority of these visas. This practice allows foreigners to work for less money, replacing US workers.