F-1 Visa Crisis: Indian Students Struggle to Secure Appointments as U.S. Deadlines Loom

Thousands of Indian students accepted into top U.S. universities are facing a critical setback in their academic journeys, as F-1 visa appointment slots remain unavailable just weeks before orientation begins. Despite checking the U.S. visa portal multiple times a day, many report that no new appointments have opened up—leaving their plans in limbo.

Rising Anxiety Among Admitted Students
The issue is particularly pressing for MBA students who have secured seats at top-15 U.S. business schools. One admitted student shared on Reddit, “Orientation starts August 11 and classes begin August 25. My school is flexible, but I can’t pay tuition without a loan, and my loan needs a visa appointment to be disbursed.”

Students accepted into master’s, undergraduate, and doctoral programs have echoed similar concerns, with many saying they’ve been waiting for months—some as long as six months—without access to a single appointment slot.

Appeals for Government Intervention
With the clock ticking, several student groups have appealed to Indian authorities for help. A joint letter has reportedly been submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of External Affairs, urging diplomatic intervention. “Around 1,000 students have signed the appeal to request the release of more F-1 slots,” said one applicant, whose orientation is scheduled for August 20.

While visa appointment delays have been a recurring issue in previous years, many students say this year’s situation is unprecedented in severity. The U.S. Embassy has stated that no bulk release of F-1 appointments will take place “until further notice,” heightening students’ uncertainty.

Emotional and Financial Toll Mounts
Despite some universities offering leniency on arrival dates, many students are hesitant to pay tuition out of pocket without the assurance of a visa. “My school is willing to wait until September,” said one student, “but if I don’t get an appointment soon, that may not be enough.”

Beyond the logistical hurdles, students describe the emotional weight of watching their hard-earned opportunities slip away. One student, whose orientation begins August 9, said, “I’ve been waiting six months. Still no slot.”

As deadlines approach and hope fades, students across India share a common plea:
“We just want a fair shot to attend the schools we worked so hard to get into.”

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