NEW DELHI - In India, the US Visa offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata don’t have regular interview slots.

The US state department website simply shows 'not available' as regards the waiting period for next interview appointment for petition-based (H, L, O, P, Q) visas in many places across the world, including Kolkata and Delhi.

The interview slated for Jan and Feb also have been moved to April-May 2027 by respective Consulates.

While tightening visa policies, US has introduced mandatory social media screening for visa applicants.

The US no longer allows visa stamping in third countries, barring a few exceptions. That means the entire demand has to be met by consulates in India for Indians.