Fees Paid, Deadline Nears, But No F1 Slots in India

Indian F-1 visa aspirants are left hopeless, discarded, and anxious by a system that refuses to give any clarity.

They’ve paid the visa fees. They’ve filled the DS-160 online form. They’re checking the portal day and night. But for countless Indian students, US visa slots are still nowhere to be found.

One nervous student took to social media this week, asking the question everyone’s thinking, “Will I even be able to book my F-1 slot now?” Their program begins at the end of August, but despite weeks of trying, there are no appointments in Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai.

They’ve done everything right. Paid the $185 visa fee, submitted all documents on time, but now they’re stuck refreshing a broken system while their university deadline inches closer.

And this isn’t a rare case. Ever since US consulates paused student visa scheduling in May for new vetting rules, students have been in limbo. Even after slots “resumed” in July, availability remains scarce—barely a handful, gone in seconds.

With days left before reporting deadlines, students are left scrambling. Some are trying for emergency appointments, while others are praying they qualify for Dropbox. This isn’t just stressful, it’s cruel.

Unless the US fixes it fast or takes accountability, many dreams may end before they even take off.