Third-Country H1B Visa Appointments for Indians Now Unavailable

Key Takeaways

• No Third-Country H1B visa appointments available for Indians at Nairobi consulate in 2025.
• U.S. State Department and USCIS have not explained or announced policy changes.
• Hundreds to thousands of Indian applicants face delays, financial strain, and legal risks.

The current situation surrounding Third-Country H1B Visas, especially for Indians seeking appointments in Nairobi and other consulates outside India, has become a pressing concern in 2025. This analysis provides a comprehensive, objective review of the issue, including its scope, methodology, key findings, data presentation, comparisons, and evidence-based conclusions. The aim is to help affected individuals, employers, and immigration professionals understand the practical and policy implications of this development, while also highlighting the limitations of available information.

Purpose and Scope

This analysis examines the sudden and widespread unavailability of Third-Country H1B Visa appointments for Indian nationals, with a particular focus on Nairobi, Kenya. The scope covers:

• The current status of appointment availability
• Policy context and recent developments
• Practical effects on Indian applicants
• Trends and comparisons with previous years
• Stakeholder perspectives and official responses
• Potential future developments and solutions

The goal is to present a clear, fact-based overview that supports informed decision-making for those affected by these changes.

Methodology

This review is based on:

• Recent reports from expatriate and immigration forums (as of June 17, 2025)
• Official U.S. government policy statements and consulate websites
• Input from immigration attorneys and advocacy groups
• Historical data on H1B visa processing and third-country appointments
• Analysis of trends and patterns in visa demand and consular capacity

Where official statistics are unavailable, the analysis relies on credible anecdotal evidence and expert commentary. All technical terms are explained in simple language, and official government resources are linked for further reference.

Key Findings

• No Third-Country H1B Visa Appointments Available: Indian nationals trying to book H1B visa interviews at U.S. consulates outside India—such as Nairobi—are finding no available appointments, with no indication of when slots might open.
• No Official Explanation: As of June 17, 2025, neither the U.S. Department of State nor USCIS has issued a statement explaining the cause or timeline for resolution.
• Hundreds to Thousands Affected: While no official numbers exist, reports suggest that a significant number of Indian applicants are impacted.
• No Policy Change Announced: There have been no formal changes to the rules for third-country H1B visa processing, but local consulate capacity and prioritization have created a de facto bottleneck.
• Practical Hardship: Affected individuals face delays, financial strain, and potential legal risks if they overstay in third countries while waiting for appointments.
• Unprecedented Severity: Immigration attorneys note that while appointment shortages have happened before, the current situation is unusually severe for Indians seeking Third-Country H1B Visas.

Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions

To help readers understand the situation, the following table summarizes the key facts and figures:

Visual Description:
Imagine a flowchart showing the H1B process for Indians:
1. Lottery Selection (March) →
2. Petition Submission (April–June) →
3. Approval Notice →
4. Visa Appointment Scheduling (blocked at third-country consulates like Nairobi) →
5. Interview and Visa Issuance (delayed or impossible due to lack of slots).

This visual helps clarify where the bottleneck occurs: at the appointment scheduling stage for Third-Country H1B Visas.

Policy Context and Historical Background

What Is Third-Country H1B Visa Processing?

Third-country processing means applying for a U.S. visa at a U.S. consulate in a country other than your home country. For example, an Indian national might try to schedule an H1B visa interview in Nairobi, Kenya, instead of India, often to avoid long wait times at Indian consulates.

Policy Framework

• U.S. Department of State Policy: Allows third-country nationals to apply for visas at any U.S. consulate, as long as they are physically present in that country and meet all eligibility requirements.
• Local Consulate Discretion: Each consulate decides how many appointments to offer and which visa categories to prioritize. This means that even if third-country processing is allowed, there is no guarantee of appointment availability.

Historical Trends

• Pre-Pandemic: Third-country processing was a common option for Indians facing long wait times at home.
• Pandemic Impact: COVID-19 caused major backlogs and reduced consular operations worldwide.
• Post-Pandemic: While most consulates have resumed normal operations, high demand for H1B visas has created new bottlenecks, especially at popular third-country locations like Nairobi.

Step-by-Step: The H1B Visa Process for Indians

1. H1B Lottery Selection:
   Employers register candidates during the annual H1B registration window (March 7–24, 2025). Selected applicants are notified by March 31, 2025.

2. Petition Submission:
   Selected applicants have 90 days to submit a full H1B petition using Form I-129 to USCIS, typically from April to June.

3. Approval Notice:
   Once approved, applicants receive Form I-797, which is the official approval notice.

4. Visa Appointment Scheduling:
   Applicants must schedule a visa interview at a U.S. consulate. While third-country processing is allowed, appointment availability depends on local consulate resources.

5. Interview and Visa Issuance:
   Attend the interview, provide all required documents, and wait for the visa to be issued. If no appointments are available, the process stalls at this step.

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Appointment Availability: Then vs. Now

• Past Years: Indians could often find appointments at third-country consulates like Nairobi, though with some wait.
• 2025: No appointments are available at all, with no timeline for when slots might open.

Demand and Capacity

• High Demand: The number of Indians selected in the H1B lottery has increased, and many seek third-country appointments to avoid long waits in India.
• Limited Capacity: Consulates like Nairobi have limited staff and resources, and may prioritize local applicants or other visa categories.

Patterns

• No Official Data: The U.S. government has not released statistics on the number of affected applicants or the size of the backlog.
• Anecdotal Evidence: Immigration forums and attorneys report hundreds or thousands of Indians are stuck without appointments.

Stakeholder Perspectives

U.S. Department of State

• Role: Sets overall visa policy and manages consular resources.
• Current Position: No public statement on the specific issue of Third-Country H1B Visas for Indians in Nairobi or elsewhere.

USCIS

• Role: Handles H1B petition approval, not consular appointments.
• Current Position: No comment on appointment shortages.

U.S. Consulates (e.g., Nairobi)

• Role: Schedule and conduct visa interviews.
• Current Position: Websites and customer service channels only note general unavailability, without specific explanations.

Immigration Attorneys and Advocacy Groups

• Concerns:

  • Lack of transparency in appointment scheduling
  • No official communication about the cause or expected resolution
  • Risks for applicants who cannot return to India for interviews
• Recommendations:
  • Monitor consulate websites daily for cancellations
  • Consider alternative consulates if possible
  • Seek legal advice to avoid overstaying visas in third countries

Applicants

• Immediate Effects:
  • Delays in starting jobs in the United States 🇺🇸
  • Financial strain from extended stays abroad
  • Uncertainty about future prospects

Practical Implications

For Indian Applicants

• Delays: Many cannot start their jobs in the United States 🇺🇸 on time.
• Financial Costs: Extra expenses for travel, accommodation, and legal help.
• Legal Risks: Overstaying a visa in a third country can lead to immigration violations and future travel bans.
• Emotional Stress: Uncertainty and lack of information add to anxiety.

For Employers

• Workforce Planning: Delays in onboarding skilled workers.
• Project Timelines: Potential disruptions to business operations.

For U.S. Consulates

• Resource Strain: High demand for appointments, especially from third-country applicants.
• Local Prioritization: May need to prioritize local residents over third-country applicants.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

• No Immediate Solution: Without official action or increased resources, the shortage of Third-Country H1B Visa appointments for Indians is likely to continue.
• Systemic Issues: The problem highlights broader challenges in U.S. visa processing, including resource allocation and transparency.
• Need for Reform: Advocacy groups are calling for more transparent appointment systems and dedicated slots for third-country applicants.

Limitations

• Lack of Official Data: No published statistics on the number of affected applicants or the size of the backlog.
• No Government Statements: The U.S. government has not provided an official explanation or timeline for resolution.
• Reliance on Anecdotal Evidence: Much of the information comes from immigration forums and attorney reports, which may not capture the full scope.

Future Outlook

• No Announced Changes: As of June 17, 2025, there are no plans to increase appointment slots or change third-country processing policies.
• Possible Solutions:
  • More transparent appointment systems
  • Dedicated slots for third-country applicants
  • Expedited processing for urgent cases
• Long-Term Trends: If demand continues to exceed supply, the U.S. may need to rethink its visa processing infrastructure, especially for high-demand categories like H1B.

Official Resources

For the most up-to-date information on visa appointment scheduling and H1B processing, visit the U.S. Department of State’s official visa page. This site provides authoritative updates on appointment availability, policy changes, and contact information for specific consulates.

Actionable Takeaways

• Monitor Consulate Websites: Check daily for appointment openings or cancellations.
• Consult Immigration Attorneys: Seek professional advice to avoid legal risks and explore alternative options.
• Stay Informed: Follow updates from the U.S. Department of State and advocacy groups.
• Consider Alternatives: If possible, look for appointments at less congested consulates, but be aware that shortages may exist elsewhere too.

Final Thoughts

The sudden disappearance of Third-Country H1B Visa appointments for Indians, especially in Nairobi, is causing real hardship for many individuals and families. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the lack of official communication and transparency adds to the stress and uncertainty. Until the U.S. government addresses these bottlenecks, applicants must rely on careful planning, professional advice, and regular monitoring of official resources to manage their immigration journeys.

For those affected, patience and persistence are essential. While the current situation is challenging, staying informed and proactive can help reduce risks and improve the chances of a successful outcome.

Learn Today

Third-Country Processing → Applying for a U.S. visa at a consulate outside one’s home country, such as Nairobi for Indians.
H1B Visa → A U.S. visa allowing specialized workers from abroad to work temporarily in the United States.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, responsible for approving H1B petitions.
Consulate Capacity → The number of visa appointments a consulate can schedule and process based on resources.
Form I-129 → USCIS petition form employers file to request H1B visa approval for foreign workers.

This Article in a Nutshell

Indian nationals face a severe shortage of Third-Country H1B visa appointments, especially in Nairobi, with no official explanation or timeline for resolution in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com