H1B Stamping Update: India Consulates Face 2027 Backlog Amid Policy Shifts, Some Slots Emerge

Introduction: H-1B Stamping Delays Persist in India

Thousands of Indian professionals seeking H-1B visa stamping are encountering unprecedented delays, with US consulates in India pushing interview dates well into 2027. This significant backlog is directly impacting the ability of skilled workers to travel to the United States, creating uncertainty and logistical challenges for individuals and their employers (Source 1). The extended wait times are primarily attributed to a series of recent policy changes that have reshaped consular processing procedures.

New Policies and Increased Scrutiny Drive Backlog

A primary factor contributing to the extended wait times is the implementation of new US immigration policies. Effective December 12, 2025, mandatory social media screening commenced for all H-1B and H-4 consular visa applicants (Source 1, 4). This additional layer of scrutiny requires consular officers to review applicants' online presence, adding considerable time and complexity to the adjudication process for each individual case. This policy shift represents a significant departure from previous procedures and directly contributes to the reduced capacity for processing applications.

Furthermore, the cessation of third-country stamping options has intensified the demand on consulates within India (Source 1). Previously, some applicants could seek stamping in neighboring countries, but with this option no longer widely available, the entire volume of H-1B stamping requests from India is now concentrated within the five US consulates in the country. This concentration of demand, coupled with the new screening requirements, has severely constrained appointment availability. The broader context of major shifts in U.S. immigration policy, including the termination of Family Reunification Parole programs, underscores a period of heightened review and stricter enforcement across various visa categories (Source 4).

Navigating the System: Dropbox Eligibility and Interview Waivers

For a subset of eligible H-1B visa holders, the dropbox process offers a potential pathway to renew their visa stamp without requiring an in-person interview (Source 2). This interview waiver option is contingent upon specific criteria, including prior visa history, age, and a clean immigration record. While the dropbox system aims to streamline renewals, appointment availability for this process in India also remains constrained, reflecting the overall pressure on consular services (Source 2). Applicants must carefully review the eligibility requirements to determine if they qualify for this expedited process, which could potentially bypass the lengthy interview queues.

Emerging Opportunities: Recent Appointment Availability Updates

Despite the overarching challenges and extended backlogs, recent observations provide a glimmer of hope for some applicants. The Murthy Law Firm has reported an increase in available appointment slots for H1B, H-4, and initial F-1 visas, signaling a positive development in efforts to alleviate the existing appointment backlog (Source 3). This suggests that consular posts may be adjusting their operations or increasing their capacity to process applications.

More specifically, real-time data from May 14, 2026, indicates that H-1B (Regular) appointment slots have become available in several major Indian cities (Source 5). Applicants have reported finding slots in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi. While these openings may be sporadic and quickly filled, they offer crucial opportunities for individuals who have been awaiting an interview. Prospective applicants are advised to frequently check official visa slot availability trackers and consular websites for the most up-to-date information, as the situation remains dynamic (Source 5).