In a major crackdown on fraudulent activities, the United States Embassy in India has canceled around 2,000 visa appointments, citing violations of its scheduling policies. The move comes after the embassy detected the use of automated bots and unauthorized agents who manipulated the appointment system to book slots in bulk. Officials emphasized that the U.S. government maintains a zero-tolerance policy on visa fraud and will continue efforts to ensure fair access for genuine applicants.

Crackdown on Unauthorized Agents and Bots

The U.S. Embassy in India announced the cancellations in late March 2025, following an internal review of visa appointment patterns. Embassy officials revealed that several applicants had relied on third-party agents who used bots to secure appointments unfairly, depriving legitimate travelers of timely access to the system.

“Unauthorized agents and automated bots undermine the integrity of our visa process and create unnecessary hurdles for genuine applicants,” the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi stated in a press release. “We are committed to ensuring a fair and transparent visa application experience.”

As part of the crackdown, the embassy has suspended the accounts of individuals linked to fraudulent activity and issued warnings against the use of third-party services for scheduling appointments.

Pattern of Visa Fraud in India

The recent action aligns with ongoing efforts by the U.S. government to tackle visa-related fraud in India. Earlier in February 2025, the U.S. Embassy formally lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police, naming over 30 individuals from Punjab, Haryana, and other states for submitting fraudulent documents in visa applications.

According to the complaint, these individuals falsified bank statements, academic records, and employment credentials to obtain U.S. visas between May and August 2024. Investigators believe that a network of visa agents facilitated these forgeries, charging hefty fees from unsuspecting applicants.

Authorities have since launched an inquiry, with the Delhi Police Special Cell leading the investigation into the syndicate behind the fraudulent activities.

Official Advisory for Visa Applicants

In light of the recent cancellations, the U.S. Embassy has urged Indian visa applicants to be cautious and follow official channels when booking appointments. Officials have shared the following guidelines to help applicants avoid falling victim to fraud:

• Use only the official U.S. visa website (www.ustraveldocs.com) to schedule appointments.
• Avoid third-party agents or unauthorized intermediaries who promise guaranteed slots.
• Verify all documentation before submission and ensure that only authentic records are provided.
• Be aware of payment scams fees should be paid only through official banking channels.
• Report suspicious activities to the U.S. Embassy or the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (www.mea.gov.in).

The embassy has also advised visa applicants to monitor updates on its official website and social media platforms for any changes in application procedures.

U.S. Government’s Stance on Visa Fraud

The United States has long maintained strict policies against visa fraud, with several enforcement mechanisms in place to detect and prevent misuse of the system. The U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) regularly updates guidelines to ensure transparency in the visa application process.

Moreover, U.S. immigration laws impose severe penalties on individuals found guilty of fraud. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), fraudulent visa applications can lead to:

• Immediate visa denial and permanent ineligibility for U.S. entry.
• Legal action against applicants and agents involved in document forgery.
• Deportation and blacklisting for individuals who entered the U.S. using fraudulent means.

Impact on Indian Applicants

The cancellation of 2,000 visa appointments has caused concern among genuine applicants, particularly students and professionals who rely on timely U.S. visas for education and work opportunities. Many have called for stricter safeguards against bots and agents to prevent fraud without affecting legitimate travelers.

Some applicants reported delays in rebooking their appointments following the cancellations. However, U.S. officials have reassured that those affected will be able to reschedule their visa interviews without additional fees.

Conclusion

The U.S. Embassy’s latest action serves as a strong warning against fraud while reinforcing its commitment to fair and transparent visa processing. With India being one of the largest sources of U.S. visa applicants, maintaining the integrity of the system remains a top priority.

As investigations continue into fraudulent practices, both Indian authorities and U.S. officials are expected to introduce further measures to curb exploitation of the visa appointment system.