No H-1B interviews in 2026 as US consulates defer slots to 2027

Indian professionals seeking H-1B visa stamping are facing fresh uncertainty as regular interview slots at US consulates in India are now being deferred to 2027. Across major centres including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata, appointment systems are showing no availability for the current calendar year, disrupting travel and work plans for thousands.

Even applicants who had interviews scheduled for January and February have reportedly received notices rescheduling their appointments to April or May 2027. Immigration experts say there is little expectation of improvement, with official appointment portals continuing to display “not available” for petition-based work visas.

The backlog has intensified amid changes to US visa policies, including a comprehensive overhaul of the H-1B programme for the 2027 fiscal year. While the annual cap of 85,000 visas remains unchanged, additional administrative requirements have increased pressure on consular processing.

Mandatory social media screening for employment-based visa applicants has further slowed interviews, reducing the number of cases consulates can handle daily. Compounding the problem, visa stamping in third countries has largely been discontinued, shifting the entire demand for Indian applicants back to consulates within India.

The prolonged delays have left professionals in limbo, with many unable to travel home without risking their jobs or legal status. Employers are also feeling the impact as staffing plans are disrupted, while immigration specialists warn that continued uncertainty could weaken the US’s appeal for global skilled talent.