H-1B Workers Stuck in India Until 2027: How They Can Still Travel to the US, Immigration Experts Explain

US H-1B Visa Appointment Delays Leave Many Workers Stranded in IndiaThe H-1B visa remains one of the most popular pathways for Indians seeking employment in the United States. However, recent delays in visa stamping have left a growing number of H-1B workers stranded in India, unable to travel to their jobs.

Across consulates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, regular interview slots for H-1B visa stamping are fully booked. Currently, no new appointments are available for the 2026 calendar year, and many applicants are being rescheduled for dates as far out as 2027. The US Department of State website now often shows “Not Available” when checking appointment dates.

What Experts Recommend

Immigration attorneys Gnanamukan Senthurjothi and Veena Vijay Anant have advised potential H-1B travelers on solutions for these delays. They suggest that workers who urgently need to travel—either for business-critical reasons or on humanitarian grounds—can apply for an expedited appointment at the US embassy or consulate.

Foreign nationals are allowed to request expedited appointments twice, and attorneys recommend using the first request strategically. If approved, some applicants could secure an interview as early as March 2026, or April 2026, which is significantly sooner than the standard slots that have been pushed to May 2026 or June 2027.

Who Qualifies for Expedited Appointments?

Priority is given based on the urgency of the purpose:

• Business-critical travel: H-1B workers in multinational companies serving as managers or senior managers may qualify.
• Humanitarian reasons: Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals on H-1B visas may also be eligible for an expedited appointment.

Immigration experts advise that applicants should evaluate which category gives them the strongest case for early processing and apply accordingly to improve their chances.

Conclusion

While long delays in visa stamping have left many Indian H-1B workers in limbo, strategic use of expedited appointments can provide a viable path to reach the United States without waiting until 2027. Awareness of eligibility criteria and careful planning are key for those seeking to continue their work or travel for urgent reasons.