H-1B Visa Holder Stranded in India Faces 18-Month Delay
H-1B Visa Holder Stranded in India Faces 18-Month Delay
IN · Published Jul 13, 2026
A federal judge in the United States has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Navdeep Sharma, an Indian national and H-1B visa holder, who has been stranded in India for 18 months due to delays in his visa application.
Sharma, who traveled to India in January 2025 for a visa interview, has been unable to return to his job in the U.S.

Impact & Risks

The ruling affects Sharma, his U.S.-based employer, and his family, who remain separated. It also sets a precedent for other visa applicants facing long delays, making it harder to challenge such delays in court. The decision underscores the systemic backlog in visa processing and the potential economic and emotional toll on individuals and families. Employers relying on H-1B workers may face disruptions due to prolonged absences.

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