US cancels 2,000 visa appointments booked by ‘bots’ in India
Guidelines issued to help applicants avoid visa fraud
DUBAI: The US Consular Team in India has announced the cancellation of around 2,000 fraudulent visa appointments, citing the use of bots and unauthorised agents as the main culprits behind these violations.
This decisive action aims to ensure fair access for genuine applicants who have faced significant delays and challenges in securing timely visa appointments. The US Embassy in New Delhi is determined to combat this growing issue, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining integrity within the visa application process.
The announcement comes as part of a broader effort to address ongoing concerns regarding visa appointment availability in India. Reports indicate that the system has been increasingly exploited by agents employing automated tools to secure appointments en masse, often at the expense of individuals seeking to apply legitimately. The embassy's move sends a clear message: such practices will not be tolerated.
Why were the visa appointments cancelled?
Authorities identified suspicious activities associated with these appointments, including bulk bookings by unauthorised agents who have been manipulating the scheduling system to their advantage. As a result, the US Embassy in India has suspended the scheduling privileges of the accounts linked to these fraudulent appointments to prevent further misuse. This crackdown highlights the embassy's dedication to preserving a fair and transparent appointment system for all applicants.
“Consular Team India is cancelling about 2,000 visa appointments made by bots. We have zero tolerance for agents and fixers that violate our scheduling policies,” stated the US Embassy in India in a tweet.
Consular Team India is canceling about 2000 visa appointments made by bots. We have zero tolerance for agents and fixers that violate our scheduling policies. pic.twitter.com/ypakf99eCo
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) March 26, 2025
The embassy has urged all applicants to utilise official channels and avoid relying on third-party agents who may promise guaranteed appointments in exchange for hefty fees.
How does this affect travellers?
The cancellation of these appointments significantly impacts individuals who had secured slots through unauthorised means. While this action aims to restore fairness within the visa process, it may inadvertently result in delays for genuine applicants seeking to rebook their appointments. The embassy has emphasised its commitment to ensuring that all applicants have access to visa slots, but the cancellation of such a high volume of appointments could create temporary bottlenecks in the system.
Currently, the wait time for a B1/B2 visa appointment is over six months. However, applicants using agents have reported being able to secure appointments within a month by paying between INR 30,000 and INR 35,000. The embassy’s decision to eliminate these fraudulent appointments aims to level the playing field for all applicants and restore trust in the system.
How to avoid visa fraud when applying?
In light of these recent events, the US Embassy has provided guidelines to help applicants safeguard themselves from scams and ensure their appointments are not cancelled.
- Use official channels: Schedule visa appointments only through the official US embassy or consulate website.
- Avoid third-party agents: Do not rely on unauthorised agents or fixers who promise guaranteed appointments.
- Beware of payment scams: Refrain from paying extra fees beyond what is officially required for visa processing.
- Stay updated on official notices: Regularly check the US embassy’s website and social media for updates on visa policies.
- Report suspicious activity: If you encounter fraudulent services, report them to the authorities.
The US Embassy in India has reiterated its dedication to combatting visa fraud and has implemented a zero-tolerance policy towards these practices. They continue to monitor the situation closely and take action against any suspicious activities. The embassy's proactive stance aims to deter potential fraudsters and protect the interests of genuine applicants.