The United States Embassy in India has issued a strict new warning. It will deny tourist visa applications for “birth tourism.” Consular officers will reject applications if they determine that the primary purpose is to obtain U.S. citizenship for a child. The embassy in New Delhi clarified the policy in a post on X.
“This is not permitted,” the embassy stated clearly. This move adds to growing uncertainty for many Indian visa applicants. It particularly affects professionals who account for over 70% of H-1B visa approvals. The embassy has also been rescheduling visa interviews for many applicants.
Some new appointment dates now extend into mid-2026, causing significant delays. This coincides with broader immigration policy changes under the Trump administration. In September, the administration proposed a major overhaul of the H-1B visa selection process.
U.S. consular officers will deny tourist visa applications if they believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for the child. This is not permitted. pic.twitter.com/Xyq4lkK6V8
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 11, 2025The new proposal favours higher-skilled and higher-paid foreign workers. If finalised, it would weigh applications more heavily based on the wage offered. This aims to protect American workers from unfair wage competition better. The statutory cap for H-1B visas remains 85,000 per year.
President Trump also introduced a substantial $100,000 fee for certain H-1B visas. He has sought to reshape the H-1B process since the start of his first term. Federal courts and time constraints previously limited these efforts. His current term has included a broad crackdown on immigration since January 2025.
These tighter policies are impacting social dynamics in India. Matchmakers and families report increased reluctance to arrange marriages with US-based Indians. The fear stems from potential job loss or loss of immigration status. Indian citizens received 71% of all H-1B visas issued in 2024.
About 75% of those visas were awarded to Indian men, according to US data. The changes are also prompting Indian students to reconsider studying in the US. Over 422,000 Indian students were in the United States in 2024. The combined policies signal a significant shift in US-India immigration pathways.
