Washington, Dec 10: A sweeping change in US visa screening has thrown several H-1B applicants in India into uncertainty, as interviews are being rescheduled to 2026.

The United States State Department’s newly expanded social media vetting policy has caused widespread disruption for H-1B visa applicants in India.

The US Embassy in India issued a late-night advisory on Tuesday, cautioning applicants that those who arrive at consulates on their previously scheduled dates after receiving rescheduling notices will be denied entry.

According to the advisory, applicants who have received emails about rescheduled appointments must adhere to the new dates. “Mission India looks forward to assisting you on your new appointment date,” the Embassy stated, adding that arriving on the old date will result in refusal of entry.

New Social Media Rules Behind Delays

According to the U.S. State Department updates, the delay is the result of the implementation of a security policy that now requires consular officers to examine the social media handles, online presence, and digital footprints of H-1B AND H-4 applicants. Applicants are also required to switch their social media account to a public setting to enable scrutiny.

Until recently, these rules were only applied to the student visa category.

The H-1B visa remains the most sought-after work permit for Indian IT and other professionals looking to work in the United States. With the new delay, many workers face uncertainty.

Applicants applying for the H-4 visa, which allows spouses and children of H-1B workers to stay in the U.S -- will also experience disruptions. Some individuals who had scheduled to travel before year-end now face extended separation from their family already based in the U.S.

Concerns Within the Immigration Community

Several people reacted to the news of the cancellation. One person wrote on X, “You all are absolutely ruthless. What about the folks who took time off for stamping and have next appointment availability in March?”

Another person added, “I am already in India and had an interview for the 23rd. My return was early Jan; how do I head back to the US now? Need help, as I was here for vacation and the visa extension interview.”

Yet another individual noted, “Please provide some assistance to reschedule a bit earlier for the people who already travelled to India for visa stamping. Rescheduling after 4 to 5 months is not a practical thing.”

What Applicants Should Do Now

Applicants are advised to -- Follow only the new rescheduled date provided to them in their email.

Regularly check their visa portal for updates.


(By Aditi Majhi)