[Date: January 25, 2026]

To, The Hon'ble Minister of External Affairs Government of India Ministry of External Affairs New Delhi

Respected Sir/Madam,

We, Indian nationals holding valid H-1B visas and their dependent family members, respectfully submit this urgent petition highlighting a severe and escalating humanitarian crisis caused by unprecedented delays, arbitrary rescheduling, and near-total unavailability of U.S. visa stamping appointments at consular posts in India.

Highly skilled Indian professionals in critical sectors—including technology, healthcare, engineering, research, and academia—are currently stranded in India or US despite possessing approved petitions, active U.S. employment, legal immigration status, and homes established in the United States. Many complied with all requirements yet face indefinite separation due to systemic issues in the U.S. consular process, including repeated appointment cancellations, multi-month (now multi-year) rescheduling cycles, lack of transparent communication, and exhausted interview slots extending deep into 2027 in several cases.

This prolonged disruption is inflicting severe, compounding harm:

1. Loss of employment and livelihood — Professionals risk job termination, revoked work authorization, and career setbacks after years of dedicated service.
2. Prolonged family separation — Spouses and children (including school-age dependents) suffer emotional trauma, fractured family bonds, disrupted marriage events and uncertainty.
3. Disruption to children's education — Forced mid-year school changes, interrupted curricula, and psychological distress for minors.
   Financial hardship — Dual-country living expenses, loss of income, mounting legal/relocation costs, and eroded savings.
4. Damage to India's global talent reputation — Hindering the international mobility of India's skilled workforce and undermining bilateral economic ties.

What began as administrative delays has evolved into a large-scale humanitarian and economic emergency affecting thousands of Indian families. Recent developments (including enhanced vetting requirements and mass rescheduling starting late 2025) have exacerbated the situation, with no meaningful relief in sight.

We earnestly request the Ministry of External Affairs to take the following immediate steps:

1. Formally raise this matter at the highest diplomatic levels with the U.S. Department of State and relevant consular authorities.
2. Demand greater transparency, predictable processing timelines, and publication of realistic appointment availability data.
3. Advocate for the introduction of emergency/priority processing lanes or expedited mechanisms for long-pending, high-skilled applicants with valid approvals and U.S. job offers.
4. Establish a dedicated diplomatic escalation channel to address mass-scale immigration disruptions affecting Indian citizens.
   Issue official guidance, updates, and support mechanisms (including a helpline or portal) for affected nationals.

We place our full trust in the Government of India's leadership to safeguard the dignity, rights, and global opportunities of its citizens. Swift diplomatic action is essential to prevent irreversible professional, emotional, and economic damage.

Thank you for your urgent attention and intervention in this pressing matter.

Respectfully submitted,

On behalf of affected Indian H-1B visa holders and families