Imagine you’re an Indian professional, ready to return to your job in the US, with a pre-scheduled H1B visa interview. Suddenly, it’s canceled, and your new appointment is months away. This isn’t a hypothetical situation; it’s the reality for thousands of Indian H1B and H4 visa applicants right now.
The US has abruptly postponed numerous H1B visa interviews, initially scheduled from mid-December onwards, pushing them back to dates as late as May next year. The reason? Enhanced security vetting, which now includes a deep dive into applicants’ social media posts and online profiles.
This unforeseen change has left many Indian professionals stranded in India. They can’t return to their jobs in the US without a valid visa, causing immense hardship. Families are separated, children’s education is disrupted, and career plans are thrown into disarray. Those whose visas were set for December 15th, for example, might now be waiting until March or even May.
India’s government has taken notice. They’ve formally raised these concerns with the US, both in New Delhi and Washington D.C., acknowledging that while visa rules are each country’s prerogative, the disruptions are causing significant problems for their citizens. India is actively engaged, hoping to minimize these delays and their impact.
This situation comes amid a broader tightening of the H1B visa program by the US, a policy reinforced by the previous administration to prioritize American labor. With higher fees and increased scrutiny, the path for skilled foreign workers to the US seems to be getting more challenging. Many hope for a swift resolution to these pressing visa woes.
Source: https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2025/12/26/del72-mea-indians-us-ld-visas.html
