The US Embassy in India cancelled 2000 visa appointments after uncovering a fraudulent scheme using bots to book slots. The fraud involved agents using fake documents to secure visas, prompting action from both US and Indian authorities. This move disrupts many applicants' plans and signals stricter implementation to maintain the integrity of the visa process.
The US Embassy in India has cancelled approximately 2000 visa appointments after discovering widespread fraudulent activities in its appointment scheduling system. The embassy announced on Wednesday that the Consular Team India identified "bad actors" who had exploited the system using bots to secure these slots, violating official scheduling policies. Effective immediately, the embassy has terminated these appointments and suspended the scheduling privileges of the associated accounts.
This development follows an internal investigation conducted by the embassy between May and August last year, which uncovered a network of 30 agents involved in deceptive practices. The agents, linked to multiple IP addresses, were found to have submitted forged documents to secure visas for applicants. The investigation also identified connections to visa consultants, document vendors, passport delivery services, and education consultants.
The crackdown has also prompted action from Indian authorities. On February 27, Delhi Police registered a case against numerous visa and passport agents after the US Embassy flagged the fraud. These appointments were cancelled amid intensified scrutiny of immigration policies under the Trump administration, which took office two months ago. Since January, President Donald Trump has focused on strengthening US border security, a key campaign promise. This has led to the deportation of thousands who entered the country illegally, including via the infamous donkey route, an irregular migration path facilitated by agents promising entry into the US.
The US Embassy's zero-tolerance policy reflects a broader effort to maintain the integrity of its consular services. The move has disrupted the plans of many applicants, though the embassy has not yet detailed how affected individuals can reschedule. For years, India's US visa application process has been a target for intermediaries promising to expedite appointments or guarantee approvals, often at exorbitant fees. As the investigation continues, authorities on both sides are expected to intensify their collaboration to root out fraudulent networks, ensuring that only legitimate applicants gain access to US visas.
This heightened scrutiny may lead to stricter verification measures, potentially strengthening the process but aiming to restore trust in the system. Meanwhile, genuine applicants are urged to rely solely on official channels, avoiding scams that prey on their aspirations to travel or work in the US. This crackdown reflects a zero-tolerance stance on fraud, targeting those exploiting the high demand for US visas. The cancellations have sparked concerns among applicants, many facing wait times exceeding 400 days for non-immigrant visas like B1/B2.
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