NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Thousands of Indian students admitted to U.S. universities for the Fall 2026 semester are struggling to secure student visa interview appointments, raising concerns that some may miss the start of their academic programs despite having completed the admission process.
Many students who have already received their I-20 forms—the document issued by U.S. institutions confirming admission and eligibility to apply for an F-1 student visa—say the U.S. visa scheduling portal has shown no available interview appointments for weeks. Without an interview, applicants cannot obtain their visas or travel to the United States in time for the start of classes.
The issue has sparked growing concern among students and parents, with many taking to social media to describe repeatedly checking the appointment portal without success. The problem gained wider public attention after filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri urged the U.S. Embassy in India on X to explain why interview slots were unavailable. “Students and their families deserve a clear explanation,” he wrote, questioning whether the shortage was the result of a technical failure, an administrative backlog, or a policy decision.
NDTV Profit also reported that students across India are facing the same problem, with some expressing fears that they may have to defer their admission by an entire semester if appointments are not made available soon.
The shortage comes during the busiest period of the year for student visa processing. Most U.S. universities begin their fall semester in August, leaving only a limited window for students to complete visa interviews, receive their passports, and finalize travel plans.
An I-20 form is one of the final documents issued by a U.S. university after a student accepts admission. It allows the student to apply for an F-1 visa but does not guarantee entry into the United States. Applicants must still appear for an interview at a U.S. consulate and receive visa approval before they can travel.
Neither the U.S. Embassy in India nor the U.S. Department of State has publicly explained why interview appointments have remained unavailable or indicated when additional slots will be released.
While the exact reason for the shortage remains unclear, the State Department has recently expanded screening requirements for student visa applicants, including enhanced review of applicants’ online presence and social media. The department has not said whether those measures have affected appointment availability in India.
For thousands of students hoping to begin their studies this fall, the uncertainty continues as they wait for interview appointments to open before university reporting deadlines arrive.
Dear @USAmbIndia,
— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) July 1, 2026
Thousands of Indian students who have secured admission to U.S. universities and already received their I-20s are unable to book visa interview appointments because the @USAndIndia scheduling portal has shown no available slots for weeks.
Many now face the…
