Next appointment, 2027: US visa squeeze hits India’s tech talent
With H-1B renewals stalled, a new generation of Indian professionals is questioning whether to pursue their American dreams
Routine H‑1B visa renewals at US consular posts across India were abruptly pushed back as Washington ratcheted up its vetting of applicants’ online activity.
Interviews that many had expected to sail through were suddenly rescheduled for months later, leaving engineers stranded, projects disrupted and employers scrambling, according to Indian media reports and social media posts.
Analysts say the disruption is a stark reminder of how exposed India’s US-facing technology services model is to shifts in American immigration policy.
Some applicants have reported interview dates pushed back to the middle of this year. Others scrolling through the online system found the first available slots were in 2027.
One social media user who had been trying to book a visa appointment for herself and her 7-month-old child said “the US visa scheduling website has now turned into a Minecraft game”.
Another urged compatriots to rethink their plans altogether: “Read between the lines here and plan for your future. Hint – it’s not in the US.”