H-1B Visa Delay Lawsuit Dismissed: Court Rules 18-Month Wait 'Reasonable'

A U.S. federal court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Navdeep Sharma, an H-1B visa holder stranded in India for 18 months, ruling that the government's delay in processing his visa application was not legally unreasonable.

Sharma, who has been separated from his U.S.-based employer and family, argued that the prolonged administrative processing violated his rights and caused undue hardship. His lawsuit sought to compel the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to expedite his visa approval.

In its ruling, the court acknowledged the lengthy wait but concluded that the government's actions fell within the bounds of reasonable administrative discretion. The judge noted that while the delay was regrettable, it did not rise to the level of a legal violation.

This decision comes amid growing concerns over visa backlogs that have left thousands of skilled workers in limbo. Legal experts say the ruling could set a precedent, making it harder for other visa applicants to challenge processing delays in court.

Sharma's attorney expressed disappointment, stating that the decision overlooks the human cost of such delays. Meanwhile, USCIS has not commented on the case, but the agency has previously cited resource constraints and security checks as reasons for extended processing times.