Indian professionals travelling home to renew their H-1B visas are facing renewed uncertainty after US consular interviews were abruptly postponed, leaving many stranded in India and unable to return to their jobs, according to a report by The Washington Post.
Applicants who had secured interview slots between December 15 and December 26 saw their appointments cancelled or rescheduled without prior notice. The disruption coincided with the rollout of a new social media vetting policy under the Trump administration, which US officials say is aimed at strengthening national security and public safety checks.
Emails reviewed by the newspaper show the US State Department informed applicants that enhanced screening of online activity had triggered the delays. The policy, effective December 15, expands digital footprint checks to all H-1B specialty occupation visa holders and their H-4 dependents. Previously, such scrutiny was largely limited to student and exchange visitor visas, including F, M and J categories.
Immigration lawyers report widespread fallout. Houston-based attorney Emily Neumann said at least 100 of her clients are currently stuck in India, while other lawyers in India and the US are handling dozens of similar cases. “This is the biggest mess we have seen. I’m not sure there is a plan,” said immigration lawyer Veena Vijay Ananth.
Defending the delays, the US State Department said embassies are now prioritising thorough vetting over faster processing, even if it results in longer wait times.
The disruptions come amid a broader tightening of the H-1B regime in 2025. Indian nationals account for 71 per cent of all H-1B visa holders, according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services. In July, the State Department barred H-1B holders from renewing visas in third countries, and in September, President Donald Trump announced a USD 100,000 fee on new H-1B applications filed after September 21.
While existing visa holders are exempt from the new fee, immigration experts warn that prolonged delays could strain employer patience and disrupt businesses reliant on skilled foreign workers.
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