H-1B visa holders stranded in India as US delays interviews under new social media vetting rules
PTC Web Desk: Hundreds of Indian professionals holding H-1B visas have been left stranded in India after returning home to renew their US work permits, following sudden delays in visa interview appointments linked to a new social media screening policy introduced by the United States.
The affected workers had scheduled consular interviews between December 15 and 26, a period that also overlaps with the US holiday season. However, many of these appointments were abruptly postponed, with new dates reportedly pushed to March next year, causing widespread uncertainty among visa holders and their employers.
According to emails cited by multiple media reports, the US State Department informed applicants that the delays were due to the implementation of enhanced social media vetting, aimed at ensuring that visa applicants do not pose a risk to US national security or public safety. As part of this policy, applicants’ online presence, including social media activity, is being reviewed more closely.
The US Embassy in India had earlier issued an advisory on December 9, warning applicants not to appear at consulates on their original appointment dates if they had been informed of a reschedule. The embassy said such applicants would be denied entry and asked to wait for their revised interview dates.
Immigration lawyers say the situation has created chaos for workers and companies alike. Several law firms have reported hundreds of clients stuck in India.
Legal experts warn that prolonged delays could test how long employers are willing to wait for employees who are unable to re-enter the country.
The issue has also prompted concern among major US tech companies. Google and Apple have reportedly advised some employees to avoid international travel due to visa re-entry delays that could stretch up to 12 months, citing internal communications.
The expanded screening marks a significant shift under the Donald Trump administration, which has intensified scrutiny of the H-1B programme. While students and exchange visitors were already subject to social media checks, the review has now been extended to H-1B workers and their H-4 dependents from December 15.
According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data from April, Indians account for 71 per cent of all H-1B visa holders, making them the most affected group. The latest delays come amid other restrictive measures, including a one-time USD 100,000 fee imposed on new H-1B visa applications filed after September 21.
With interview backlogs growing and policies tightening, uncertainty continues to loom over thousands of Indian professionals dependent on the H-1B visa to work in the United States.
- With inputs from agencies
