Third-Country H1B Visas Quietly Go Missing

The U.S. visa appointment system is presenting a puzzling situation. Indians looking to apply for H1B visas from third-country consulates, like Nairobi in Kenya, are discovering that there are no available appointments — not even for the foreseeable future.

What’s particularly odd is that Kenya isn’t on any current visa ban list. It hasn’t been flagged under any recent security-related suspensions. So, what’s causing the blockage for H1B visa slots?

Recently, the U.S. Department of State did halt visa issuance for certain countries, citing national security concerns. This affected a variety of visas — not just tourist or business, but also F1 student visas. However, the ban clearly specifies which countries are involved, and Kenya isn’t one of them.

Yet, when applicants log into the ais.usvisa-info.com website, they find absolutely no H1B appointments available. Even after completing their DS-160 and paying the visa fee, there’s no further progress. No confirmation emails, no timelines — just complete silence.

For many Indian applicants, this isn’t merely a backup plan. Third-country consulates like Nairobi have become popular alternatives because appointments in India are often fully booked or unavailable for months. Applying from a place like Kenya used to be a quicker option — until now.

This sudden halt is being reported at multiple locations. There are murmurs in online communities about similar problems in countries like Vietnam, Nepal, and even some Middle Eastern consulates. While the U.S. embassy websites haven’t released any official notices, appointment systems across various consulates are showing the same frustrating dead end.

The lack of transparency is becoming a significant concern. These aren’t just casual travelers — they’re skilled workers with approved petitions, either already working or ready to join U.S. companies. If there are security suspensions in effect, there should be clear communication about it — not just vague disappearances of appointment availability.

It’s not about feeling entitled to a visa. It’s about being treated fairly in a process where people invest their time, money, and hopes. When even safe countries suddenly close their doors, it raises serious questions.