As delays and cancellations in H-1B visa appointments continue, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that the Government is concerned about these issues, which have caused inconvenience for citizens, including disruptions to education. The Ministry is engaged in discussions with US officials in both New Delhi and Washington, DC, to address these concerns.
US visa appointment delays are caused by the visa processing period in India. This disruption comes after a series of policy shifts by the Trump administration, including social media screening for applicants.
“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 MEA’s weekly press briefing.
While acknowledging the issue for applicants, he assured active engagement from the government.
“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 minimize the impact on Indian nationals,” he added.
MEA’s statement comes amid delays in visa appointments, which could be extended further, as the US Embassy in India has announced that its office in New Delhi and the five consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru will remain closed from Wednesday, 24 December, to Friday, 26 December.
The announcement was made following a newly issued Presidential Executive Order by Donald Trump, which mandates the closure of federal executive departments and agencies on these dates.
