WASHINGTON- The US has emerged as the focal point of growing travel uncertainty for thousands of foreign workers as US visa appointment delays stretch to nearly 12 months at embassies and consulates worldwide.
The disruption is acutely felt on routes linking the US with India, where airlines such as Air India (AI) and United Airlines (UA) continue to operate high-frequency services; however, passengers face a rising risk if visa stamping appointments are delayed or cancelled.
The US Department of State has acknowledged that visa appointment backlogs have grown significantly across global diplomatic missions.
The slowdown has direct implications for international air travel, particularly for H-1B visa holders who rely on timely consular processing to re-enter the country after overseas trips.
Processing times of up to a year are now reported in several countries, including India, Ireland, and Vietnam.
Officials stated that consular offices are focusing on thorough case reviews rather than reducing waiting periods. This change marks a departure from earlier efforts to clear pandemic-era backlogs and restore normal appointment availability.
Applicants affected include H-1B workers, their dependents, students, and exchange visitors. The delays have increased uncertainty for travelers who require visa stamping before returning to the United States.
Major technology companies have responded by issuing internal travel advisories to employees holding H-1B visas. Google and Apple have warned staff that leaving the US could result in extended stays abroad due to appointment cancellations or rescheduling.
Immigration law firms advising these companies have cautioned that even routine visa renewals now carry elevated risk.
Employees who depart without confirmed appointments may be unable to return for months, affecting both personal plans and business operations.
The issue disproportionately affects Indian professionals, who account for more than 70 percent of H-1B visas issued annually. Many of these workers rely on predictable air travel schedules to maintain ties with family abroad.
The backlog is largely attributed to expanded social media and online presence screening introduced under stricter national security policies.
Consular officers now conduct deeper digital reviews, which significantly extend case handling time.
Hundreds of Indian professionals were reportedly stranded overseas after visa appointments scheduled for December were abruptly postponed.
While applicants can request expedited processing, approvals depend on limited resources and case-specific urgency.
Technology companies are among the hardest hit, given their reliance on the H-1B program, which is capped at 85,000 new visas per year. During fiscal year 2024 alone, thousands of applications were filed by leading US firms.
The prolonged US visa delays have created a new layer of risk for international air travel among skilled foreign workers.
Until processing timelines stabilize, H-1B holders face strong incentives to avoid overseas travel, reshaping passenger flows on key long-haul routes.
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Karan is a published researcher and writer of aviation and space science. In addition to writing about space, Karan runs a YouTube channel called WiseDumb Nepali.
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