Since the U.S. consulates in India resumed F-1 student visa interviews, applicants still face chaos, with scarce appointments and growing uncertainty threatening their educational plans.
Despite the resumption of F-1 student visa interviews at U.S. consulates in India on June 26, students continue to struggle with securing appointments, leading to significant anxiety and uncertainty.
As students prepare for the start of their courses in August, they face the challenge of obtaining visa appointments in a timely manner. The lack of available slots, coupled with the increase in 221(g) administrative processing notices, is jeopardizing their plans and investments.
LaunchEd co-founder Kajal Dave described the situation as “a mess,” pointing out that many students who have already paid tuition, booked flights, and found housing are unable to secure visa appointments. The financial implications are severe, with potential losses estimated to range between ₹12 and ₹35 lakh, covering tuition fees, housing deposits, and airfare if students cannot travel in time and their universities do not permit deferrals.
One student expressed their frustration and panic online, stating that visa slots in India have not been opened, leaving them feeling lost and hopeless as their course is set to begin on August 20.
Another student shared a similar concern, saying their university recommended deferring enrollment to the next fall due to these issues. The additional concern of receiving a 221(g) notice after securing an interview adds further uncertainty, as visa approvals remain on indefinite hold.
The U.S. Embassy website has recently cautioned that student or exchange visitor visa applicants without existing appointments may not be able to schedule an interview this summer, amplifying students’ worries.
This situation follows a month-long visa freeze from May 27 to June 26, hitting the peak student season and compounding broader systematic issues. According to a report by Business Standard, these challenges stem from a substantial backlog and an evolving adjudication policy, with increased scrutiny over digital footprints and social media causing further delays.
Currently, the wait time for appointments in India averages 45 to 60 days, with Kolkata experiencing the longest delays. As a result, many students are missing important university start dates.
Experts recommend that students facing these challenges can apply for emergency appointments through UStraveldocs or consult with their university’s Designated School Official (DSO) regarding deferral or temporary online study options. Ensuring that Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and I-20 documents are up to date is also crucial if deferring is necessary.
The root of the current slot shortage combines the aforementioned visa freeze during a critical period and stricter visa vetting processes implemented in recent years. While students may request emergency appointments via the official UStraveldocs website, they must provide appropriate university documentation to support their application.
The U.S. Embassy has not confirmed if additional bulk slot openings will occur before the August 2025 intake, leaving students uncertain about future opportunities to secure their visas in time.
According to Business Standard
Source: Original article
