Indian AI Startups Struggle with U.S. Visa Delays Amid Tougher Rules

Long waits slow down opportunities

Many startup leaders describe the current visa process as painfully slow. The waiting period for a business visa appointment can stretch from three to nine months. For companies moving at the speed of AI, that is a lifetime. A single missed slot can mean missing an important conference, a product demonstration, or a high stakes meeting with potential investors. Every week matters when you are building a company, one founder explained, pointing out that the delay is not just about travel but about losing momentum in a fast changing market.

Why access to the U.S. matters

The United States has always been a crucial destination for Indian entrepreneurs. It is home to large pools of venture capital, major technology buyers, and influential partners. For AI startups, which often rely on international collaborations, the ability to travel freely is not just convenient but critical. The recent restrictions and longer wait times have created uncertainty at a time when Indian startups are trying to establish themselves globally. Some founders even fear losing contracts to competitors who can show up in person more quickly.

The bigger picture for Indian AI

The impact goes beyond individual companies. Analysts worry that India’s position as a rising AI hub could be weakened if its startups cannot connect easily with the U.S. ecosystem. While India is pushing ahead with digital public infrastructure and rapid AI adoption, global credibility still depends on visibility in places such as Silicon Valley and New York. Without smoother access, the pipeline of partnerships, funding, and talent exchange may shrink.

For now, many entrepreneurs continue to wait, hoping that the bottleneck eases soon. They are ready with their pitches, prototypes, and vision for the future. But until the doors open wider, their big ideas will have to pause at the border.