US and India: The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to combating fraud, stating, ‘Our anti-fraud efforts will continue with full force. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards fraudulent activities.

In a significant move to tackle visa fraud, the US Embassy in India has canceled approximately 2,000 visa appointments. This action is part of a broader crackdown on fraudulent activities related to visa applications. Authorities have warned applicants to adhere to proper procedures and avoid unauthorized agents. The embassy has also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the visa process while ensuring legitimate travelers can access consular services without disruptions. Stay updated for further developments on this issue.

In a firm move against fraudulent activities, the US Embassy in India announced on Wednesday that it has canceled approximately 2,000 visa appointments that were illicitly booked using bot accounts. Emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy, the Embassy revealed that it has identified and suspended the accounts of “bad actors” involved in manipulating the scheduling system. This action aims to ensure fair access to visa appointments for genuine applicants and prevent misuse of the system.

In a decisive move against fraudulent practices, Consular Team India has announced the cancellation of approximately 2,000 visa appointments that were booked using automated bots. The Embassy emphasized its zero-tolerance policy against agents and fixers who violate their scheduling regulations.

“Effective immediately, we are cancelling these appointments and suspending the associated accounts’ scheduling privileges,” the Embassy stated in an official post on X (formerly Twitter).

This action reaffirms the Embassy’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent visa appointment process for genuine applicants.

As part of a wider initiative to combat fraud in the visa application process, the Embassy has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining integrity. Emphasizing its strict stance, the Embassy stated, “Our anti-fraud efforts will persist. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward fraudulent practices.”

The notice comes in response to a formal complaint filed by the Embassy with Delhi Police, urging swift action against individuals accused of submitting fraudulent documents to obtain visas between May and August 2024.

US Embassy Cancels 2,000 Fraudulent Visa Appointments Booked by Bots

Over 70% of all H-1B visas issued between October 2022 and September 2023 were granted to skilled workers from India, as per data presented in the Rajya Sabha.

The United States Embassy in India has announced the cancellation of approximately 2,000 visa appointments that were allegedly booked using automated bots. The embassy stated that such practices violate its scheduling policies and emphasized its commitment to ensuring fair access to visa appointments for all applicants.

Effective immediately, these appointments have been canceled, and the scheduling privileges of the associated accounts have been suspended,” the embassy announced.

“We remain committed to our anti-fraud efforts and uphold a zero-tolerance policy for fraud,” it added.

US Embassy in India Cancels 2,000 Fraudulent Visa Appointments Over Bot Activity

New Delhi: The United States Embassy in India has taken a firm stance against fraudulent visa booking practices, announcing the cancellation of nearly 2,000 visa appointments due to unauthorized automated bot activity.

In an official statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the embassy stated, “Consular Team identified bad actors who made about 2,000 visa appointments that violated our scheduling policies. Effective immediately, we are cancelling these appointments and suspending the associated accounts’ scheduling privileges.”

Crackdown on Visa Appointment Fraud

This move is part of the embassy’s broader effort to ensure transparency and integrity in the visa scheduling process. Reports indicate that certain travel agents in exploit automated bots to monopolize appointment slots, making it increasingly difficult for genuine applicants to secure interview dates directly. These agents then charge applicants hefty fees, ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹35,000, for expedited visa appointments.

Long Waiting Times for Visa Appointments

Currently, the average wait time for B1/B2 (business/tourism) visa interviews in India exceeds six months. This long waiting period has led many applicants to seek faster appointments through unauthorized channels, prompting stricter enforcement measures by authorities.

US Visa Categories

The government issues visas under two main categories:

• Non-immigrant visas – For temporary entry related to tourism, business, education, or employment, including the widely sought-after H-1B visa for skilled professionals.
• Immigrant visas – Leading to permanent residency (Green Card), allowing individuals to live and work in the US indefinitely.

The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to curbing fraudulent practices and maintaining fair access to visa appointments. “We will continue our anti-fraud efforts. We have zero tolerance for fraud,” the statement added.

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