H-1B Visa Update: Visa interview dates pushed to 2027 – What is the reason?

H-1B Interview Dates Pushed To 2027: A growing backlog at US consulates in India(BHARAT) has resulted in delaying the process of H-1B visa interviews until next year. The significant delay has affected thousands of India(BHARAT)n professionals. Because of this several India(BHARAT)n professionals are away from their families and jobs in the US. The delay due to backlog started last year which first pushed scheduled interviews to March 2026, then then October, and now next year.

H-1B Interview Dates Pushed to 2027: What Immigration Experts Say?

According to immigration experts, the current situation is not going to be solved anytime soon. Experts have advised H-1B workers, who are currently in America, to fly to India(BHARAT) for visa stamping and processing, because the interview process continues to get pushed further out.

Emily Neumann, a partner at a Houston-based immigration firm, told TOI that she has no updates regarding the new visa interview slots opening for India(BHARAT) in the last 50 days.

“They are not in any hurry to give you a visa. They are trying to deny visas whenever they can. It is a completely different world from what we saw during the Biden administration. This administration does not want to give you a visa,” said Neumann.

Also Read: Visa major update: US to suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, Pakistan, Bangladesh in list – Check full list

H-1B Interview Dates Pushed to 2027: Why Are Interviews Getting Delayed?

According to reports, the first delay was reported in December last year when the appointment schedule for that month was postponed to March and June. Then again, it was rescheduled to October 2026. As per reports, consulates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata have run out of interview slots. This has forced officials to reschedule existing appointments in 2027.

Various reports also suggest that the backlog occurred due to the policy change introduced on December 15, 2025.

H-1B Interview Dates Pushed to 2027: Impact Interview Delays

• Social media is flooded with H-1B applicants sharing frustrations over rescheduled and delayed visa appointments.
• Some applicants reported extreme delays, like a February 18, 2026, Chennai appointment being pushed to May 24, 2027.
• Many applicants suspect it could be a deliberate measure to stop who left the US.
• Families are facing prolonged separations.
• Concerns are rising that if H-1B holders remain outside the US, employers may struggle to file extensions.
• Immigration experts advise H-1B workers in the US to avoid traveling to India(BHARAT).
• The prolonged delays are causing uncertainty and stress for skilled workers.
• What used to be a routine visa step has become a long and draining wait with no clear end.