US Embassy Cracks Down on Visa Appointment Bots in India

The US Embassy in India has cancelled 2,000 visa appointments made by bots, maintaining a zero tolerance policy against agents and fixers violating scheduling rules. The move is part of ongoing anti-fraud efforts amidst high demand for U.S. visas, particularly from Indian students and tourists.

The US Embassy in India has taken firm action against fraudulent activities by cancelling around 2,000 visa appointments reportedly made by automated bots. This decisive step underscores their zero tolerance stance on agents and fixers flouting the embassy's scheduling policies.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the embassy highlighted the identification of 'bad actors' who manipulated the visa scheduling system. An official statement confirmed that these appointments have been nullified and the related accounts face suspension of scheduling privileges.

This action comes against the backdrop of soaring demand for US visas, with a record 1.4 million processed in India in 2023. Among these, over 140,000 were student visas, reflecting the US's continued allure for Indian scholars.

(With inputs from agencies.)