US Embassy cancels 2,000 visa appointments in India over fraudulent bookings

By our staff reporter (New Delhi, India)The U.S. Embassy in India has canceled approximately 2,000 visa appointments that were fraudulently secured using automated bots. The move comes as part of the embassy’s broader effort to ensure fair access to visa slots and eliminate unauthorized interference in the application process.

The U.S. Embassy, in an official statement, said, “Consular Team India is cancelling about 2,000 visa appointments. We are cancelling these appointments and suspending the associated accounts’ scheduling privileges.” The embassy emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward fraudulent activities and reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the visa application system.

The fraudulent bookings were reportedly made by agents and fixers using automated bots to secure visa appointments, which they then sold to applicants for exorbitant fees, ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹35,000. This has been a persistent issue, adding to the already significant backlog of visa processing, particularly for B1/B2 visitor visas.

As part of ongoing anti-fraud measures, the U.S. Embassy is taking stringent actions to prevent further misuse of the scheduling system. Officials have urged visa applicants to book appointments directly through the official U.S. travel website and avoid middlemen who promise expedited slots for a fee.

The crackdown comes amid long wait times for U.S. visas, with appointment backlogs stretching up to 1,000 days in some cases. To alleviate delays, the embassy has been implementing several initiatives, including opening appointments in third countries for Indian applicants.

Applicants impacted by the cancellations are advised to check the official U.S. visa website for further instructions on rescheduling. The embassy has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that genuine applicants have equal access to visa appointments without fraudulent interference.

For more information, visa applicants are encouraged to visit the official U.S. travel website and follow updates from the U.S. Embassy’s official social media channels.