Indian Students Face Visa Nightmare as US Interview Appointments Disappear Abruptly

With the deadline for Fall 2025 academic admissions rapidly approaching, thousands of Indian students, particularly from Gujarat’s education hub, Ahmedabad, are grappling with a distressing challenge: the inability to book US student visa interview appointments.

Since mid-March, visa hopefuls have been left in a state of limbo as available interview slots at US consulates have mysteriously vanished. Students report that after April slots were snapped up early, the system has failed to release any new appointment dates for May or later, leaving many locked out and disheartened.

“Every morning we log in with hope, but it’s the same message—no slots available,” said Priyanshi Desai, an aspiring graduate student headed to Boston. “We’ve paid our fees, booked accommodation, and now everything is uncertain.”

The disruption, reported by the Times of India, has impacted hundreds of students daily who find themselves in a race against time as critical university deadlines loom. The issue marks a stark contrast to the smooth processing experienced during the January 2025 intake, where interview appointments were readily available and efficiently managed.

Possible Cause: Tech Upgrades Targeting Misuse?

While no formal explanation has been provided by the US Embassy, education experts believe the root of the problem may lie in recent system upgrades designed to tackle slot manipulation. The US visa appointment system has long been plagued by unauthorized third-party agents and bots exploiting loopholes to book slots unfairly. In response, technical safeguards may have been introduced—possibly at the cost of temporarily freezing genuine access.

“It’s likely that these new anti-bot measures are affecting all users, even legitimate applicants,” explained Rahul Mehta, a senior visa consultant in Ahmedabad. “Unfortunately, there’s been zero communication about what’s going on or when the system will normalize.”

These technical upgrades, though well-intentioned, have inadvertently created a bottleneck, particularly affecting regions like Gujarat, which sees a large number of student visa applicants each year.

Rising Anxiety and Financial Stakes

The situation has gone beyond logistical concerns. For many families, this uncertainty is not only emotional but also financial. University tuition fees—often non-refundable deposits—have already been paid. Plane tickets have been booked. Off-campus housing leases are in place. And yet, the inability to secure US student visa interview appointments has put everything on hold.

“My parents took a loan to fund my education in New York,” said Harsh Solanki, another affected student. “Now, I may have to defer by six months. It’s disheartening.”

As whispers of deferral grow louder among frustrated students, universities abroad may also face enrollment uncertainties, potentially straining international education pipelines.

Waiting for Answers

Even seasoned education consultants—many of whom maintain regular contact with US consulate officials—are reporting radio silence. With no clarity on when the next wave of slots will open, the student community is demanding transparency.

“The embassy needs to issue an official update,” said Sneha Patel, director of a leading education consultancy firm. “It’s peak admission season, and thousands of dreams are hanging by a thread.”

Meanwhile, parents and students continue their daily rituals—refreshing pages, dialling helplines, and scanning forums—hoping for that elusive opening. Some are beginning to explore alternative destinations like Canada, Australia, and the UK, where visa processes currently appear more stable.

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