In a decisive move against fraudulent visa appointment practices, the US Embassy in India has cancelled over 2,000 visa applications. The cancellations were prompted by the detection of bots and unauthorized agents manipulating the appointment system. The embassy reaffirmed its “zero tolerance” policy towards such activities, emphasizing the importance of fair and transparent scheduling processes.
In This Article:
Why Were These Appointments Canceled?
According to the US Consular Team in India, unauthorized agents and automated bots were found exploiting the visa scheduling system. These bad actors secured visa slots illegitimately, often selling them to desperate applicants at exorbitant prices. In response, the embassy not only revoked these appointments but also suspended the accounts associated with the fraudulent activity.
A statement from the US Embassy on X (formerly Twitter) read: “Consular Team India is canceling about 2,000 visa appointments made by bots. We have zero tolerance for agents and fixers that violate our scheduling policies.” The move underscores the US government’s commitment to ensuring a fair visa application process for all genuine applicants.
The Growing Concern Over Visa Delays
The crackdown comes amid prolonged visa wait times for Indian applicants. Business (B1) and tourist (B2) visa applications have faced severe backlogs, with waiting times stretching up to 1,000 days in recent years. This has pushed many applicants to resort to unauthorized agents, further exacerbating the issue.
In response to these delays, the US government had previously introduced measures such as opening additional visa slots in locations like Frankfurt and Bangkok for Indian applicants. However, the use of bots to secure appointments has continued to be a major concern, leading to this recent crackdown.
Rising Visa Rejection Rates for Indian Applicants
Beyond appointment fraud, Indian applicants have also faced an increase in visa rejections. In the fiscal year 2023-24, the US received 679,000 applications for F-1 student visas, rejecting 279,000—a sharp increase from previous years. The rejection rate for Indian students surged to 41%, compared to 36% in the previous year. This trend is alarming, given that the rejection rate was only 15% in 2014.
This decline in visa approvals has raised concerns among universities and international students, as it directly impacts educational aspirations and global talent mobility.
The Indian Government’s Stand on Visa Delays
India has been vocal about its concerns regarding US visa delays. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has repeatedly addressed the issue with US officials. In January 2025, he discussed visa delays with US Senator Marco Rubio, emphasizing that prolonged waiting times negatively impact diplomatic relations and hinder business and educational exchanges.
“If it takes 400-odd days to get a visa, I don’t think the relationship is well served by this,” Jaishankar stated, reinforcing India’s stance on the need for smoother visa processing.
Impact on Travelers and Visa Applicants
For genuine applicants, the cancellation of fraudulent appointments is a step in the right direction. It ensures that visa slots are available to those who follow legal channels rather than being monopolized by fixers and unauthorized agents. However, for those who have unknowingly booked appointments through third-party agents, this move could result in unexpected disruptions and delays in their travel plans.
Steps to Secure a US Visa Appointment Legally
Given the increasing scrutiny on visa appointments, applicants must follow the correct process to avoid any setbacks:
- Use the Official US Visa Portal – Always schedule appointments through the US Embassy’s official website to avoid scams.
- Avoid Third-Party Agents – Using unauthorized fixers can lead to appointment cancellations and account suspensions.
- Stay Updated – Follow the US Embassy’s official social media accounts and website for real-time updates on visa policies.
- Apply Early – Given the long waiting times, plan ahead and apply for visas well in advance.
- Report Suspicious Activities – If you encounter fraudulent agents or bots, report them to the US Consular Team for action.
The Future of US Visa Processing
With this crackdown, the US Embassy aims to restore integrity in the visa appointment process. While the decision to cancel fraudulent appointments is a necessary step, long-term solutions are needed to address the root cause—excessive visa wait times.
The US government must continue efforts to expand appointment availability, increase consular staff, and streamline the application process to reduce backlogs. Until then, legitimate travelers and students must navigate the visa system with patience and vigilance.
The US Embassy’s action against bot-generated visa appointments marks a significant step toward curbing fraudulent practices. While this move helps genuine applicants, the broader issue of visa delays remains a concern. To ensure a fair and efficient process, both governments must collaborate on long-term solutions that benefit travelers, students, and professionals alike.
By – Jyothi
