US visa advisory: How rescheduled interview dates could jeopardise employment of Indian applicants

United States: The US Embassy in India has issued a strict advisory for visa applicants.

The embassy has warned that anyone who arrives at an embassy or consulate on their old visa interview date — after receiving a rescheduling notice — will not be allowed entry.

This warning comes at a time when a large number of applicants are dealing with cancellations and postponements of their visa interviews. In a notice posted on its official X account, the Embassy stated: “If you have received an email advising that your visa appointment has been rescheduled, Mission India looks forward to assisting you on your new appointment date."

The announcement has triggered numerous questions and frustration from applicants who are currently in India for their stamping. Several who travelled home specifically for visa processing are now facing new interview dates that could jeopardise their employment.

One applicant from Hyderabad returned to India for stamping, completed her biometrics on 8 December 2025, and was originally scheduled for an interview on 18 December. Her appointment, however, has now been pushed beyond April, placing her job at serious risk. Not just one, but thousands of applicants have been given rescheduled dates, keeping them in a worried state about when they can return to the US.

"Given the job crisis in the United States, we take short-term leaves or work from home for a week and come to India. The postponement of interview dates keeps us in a worrisome situation," said an applicant from Guntur.

Meanwhile, it may be noted that the prominent road alongside the US Consulate General in Hyderabad is set to be renamed ‘Donald Trump Avenue’, honouring the 45th and 47th US President. The Telangana government is expected to formally notify the Union Ministry of External Affairs and the US Embassy for coordination and approval.

Pointing to this development, the father of one applicant questioned why Telangana officials are not addressing urgent issues faced by their citizens, instead focusing on naming roads after Donald Trump.

“It looks like all interviews scheduled after 15 December have been postponed, affecting hundreds of students. While actions from the Trump administration disadvantage our students, we are busy renaming roads after him. It’s absurd. This isn’t just about my daughter — thousands are suffering. Travel costs, job security, loan repayments, and various other issues are involved. We need firm leadership and responsible governance,” he told NewsMeter.

“In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, parents go to great lengths to send their children abroad. For the past four years, visa stamping has been a constant challenge. We are always under pressure. Getting a job itself is difficult, and when they finally secure one, these unpredictable appointment issues create more trouble,” he added.

“Why cancel appointments randomly? People have travel plans; some are already in India for stamping, and you abruptly cancel their slots? At least give a month’s notice. This system is a joke. This harassment will have long-term effects,” wrote a user on X.

According to updated data from the US State Department, visa appointment wait times have shifted significantly across Indian consulates. In New Delhi, the availability of F, M, and J appointments has improved sharply, dropping from nearly two months to just over two weeks. The capital has also seen major progress in B-1/B-2 wait times, which have reduced from 6.5 months in October to around 3.5 months now.