US Embassy in India cancels 2,000 Visa appointments over bot fraud

The United States Embassy in India has announced the cancellation of approximately 2,000 visa appointments that were fraudulently scheduled using automated bots. This decision is part of a broader effort to curb fraudulent activities by third-party agents who manipulate the embassy’s scheduling system. The embassy stated that it has identified the “bad actors” responsible and assured applicants that measures are being taken to prevent such occurrences in the future.

In an official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the US Embassy in India clarified its stance, stating, “Consular Team India is canceling about 2,000 visa appointments made by bots. We have zero tolerance for agents and fixers who violate our scheduling policies.” The embassy further confirmed that accounts linked to these fraudulent bookings have been suspended from making future appointments.

How Did Bots Impact Visa Scheduling in India?

The manipulation of visa appointment systems is not a new challenge. The use of automated scripts, commonly known as bots, has been a persistent issue in visa scheduling worldwide, particularly in high-demand countries like India. These bots enable third-party agents and middlemen to book appointments in bulk, often selling them at a premium to desperate applicants who are struggling to secure a slot through official channels.

By exploiting system vulnerabilities, such agents make it nearly impossible for genuine applicants to access visa slots fairly. This has led to prolonged wait times, forcing many Indian travelers—whether for tourism, business, or education—to explore alternative routes, including applying for US visas from neighboring countries.

How Long Do Indians Have to Wait for a US Visa?

India has been grappling with an unprecedented backlog in US visa appointments. For many categories, including tourist (B1/B2), student (F1), and business visas, the wait time often stretches beyond a year. As of recent reports, applicants in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai have been experiencing delays exceeding 400 days—far longer than the processing times in other countries.

By contrast, travelers who apply for a US visa from countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, or Kuwait often secure appointments in under a week. Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, currently has a wait time of around 25 days, which, while still lengthy, is significantly shorter than the backlog in India. These disparities have pushed many Indian applicants to seek visa appointments in other countries, where processing is considerably faster.

What Are the Broader Implications of the Visa Appointment Scam?

The widespread issue of fraudulent visa bookings reflects deeper systemic challenges in the US visa application process. While demand for US visas remains exceptionally high, the ability of agents and fixers to exploit the system has exacerbated delays, leading to growing frustration among applicants. Many travelers, especially students and professionals, have been forced to reschedule their plans, often at great financial and emotional cost.

Furthermore, the presence of fraudulent intermediaries has led to increasing concerns over accessibility and fairness. Many genuine applicants who follow the proper channels find themselves at a disadvantage, as bots and third-party agents continue to manipulate the system. In response, visa applicants have urged the US Embassy to implement stricter anti-bot measures and to increase the transparency of the scheduling process.

How Is the US Embassy Addressing Visa Fraud?

Following the bot-related fraud, the US Embassy in India has reiterated its commitment to combating appointment scams. Officials have confirmed that they are implementing stricter security measures to detect and prevent automated appointment bookings. This includes suspending accounts associated with fraudulent bookings, enhancing system security to prevent bot-based interference, and raising awareness by urging applicants to avoid using unauthorized third-party services that promise quicker appointment slots in exchange for payment.

Visa applicants have also called on the US Embassy to take additional steps, such as publicly listing blacklisted agencies and websites that engage in fraudulent scheduling. Social media users have actively suggested further measures, including stricter verification processes and two-factor authentication to curb bot activity.

Why Are US Visa Delays a Growing Concern?

The cancellation of fraudulent visa appointments comes amid increasing frustration over the prolonged wait times for US visas in India. Many Indian applicants, especially those traveling for education and business, have expressed dissatisfaction with the inefficiencies in the visa scheduling system.

For students, visa delays can mean missing academic deadlines or losing scholarship opportunities. Business travelers often face uncertainty in securing travel permits for crucial meetings or job-related commitments. The extended wait times also affect families seeking to reunite with loved ones in the US, adding to the frustration.

In light of these challenges, calls for systemic improvements in the US visa process have intensified. Many believe that a combination of increased consular staffing, expanded interview slots, and improved digital security measures could help alleviate the backlog and ensure fairer access to visa appointments.

Can Indian Applicants Expect Faster Visa Processing Soon?

While the US Embassy’s move to cancel fraudulent bookings is a positive step, it remains to be seen whether this action will significantly improve wait times. The embassy has been working to increase capacity, including hiring additional consular staff and expanding interview waiver programs for certain categories of applicants.

However, unless more fundamental reforms are introduced—such as automation enhancements, priority processing for specific visa types, or increased appointment availability—the problem of long visa wait times in India may persist. The demand for US visas continues to outpace supply, and as long as fraudulent actors exploit the system, genuine applicants will continue to face significant hurdles.

For now, visa applicants are advised to remain vigilant against unauthorized agents and to follow official US Embassy guidelines for appointment scheduling. As the embassy strengthens its anti-fraud measures, travelers can only hope for a more transparent and efficient process in the months to come.