Indian H-1B workers continue to face major hurdles with the US immigration system. After the steep $100,000 fee expected for new applications next year, this year’s challenge is the near-impossible task of booking visa stamping slots at US consulates in India.
Slots Vanish Instantly
Applicants report that December appointments disappear within seconds. A US-based physician recently shared the frustration of refreshing the official portal endlessly, only to be greeted with the message “No Slots Available.” Many others have voiced the same struggle online.
Different Consulate Schedules
Those familiar with the process explain that consulates release slots in batches. Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and New Delhi all follow their own timelines. One applicant managed to book a December 12 slot in Chennai, while Mumbai showed nothing at all.
Crackdown Adds Pressure
With the current immigration crackdown, the system feels broken. Policy changes have made it worse, as all H-1B renewals now require in-person interviews. The earlier Dropbox option, which waived interviews, is no longer available, leaving applicants stuck in longer queues.
Staffing Shortages Continue
This policy shift, combined with no improvement in staffing or processing capacity, has put even greater strain on US consulates. India accounts for the largest share of H-1B visas, yet there seems to be little effort to expand capacity for applicants.
Alternative Consulates Offer Hope
Some applicants suggest exploring alternative consulates. Hyderabad and Chennai are reported to release slots earlier than Mumbai. The only option is to keep refreshing the official site and watch for announcements to increase the chances of securing an appointment.
