H-1B Visa Fiasco: India Confronts US on Delayed Interviews and Appointments
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The Indian government has expressed its concerns to the US authorities over the ongoing delays in scheduling interviews and appointments for H-1B visas. Many Indian applicants are facing difficulties in securing visa appointments, with some being stranded for extended periods due to rescheduling or scheduling issues. The H-1B visa system has undergone significant changes in recent months, with the US introducing an expanded screening process and a steep fee for first-time applicants. The new rules, which took effect on December 15, require H-1B applicants to make their social media profiles public to facilitate online vetting. The Indian government, through its external affairs minister spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, has acknowledged the sovereignty of the US in visa matters but has flagged the concerns of Indian nationals to the US authorities. Jaiswal expressed hope that the delays and disruptions will be addressed. The Indian government remains engaged with the US side to address the disruptions caused to its nationals. The changes to the H-1B visa allocation are part of the US administration's efforts to tighten regulations related to the hiring of skilled professionals from abroad. The random lottery system for selecting recipients has been replaced with a system that gives greater weight to people with higher skills.
