Hundreds of H-1B Visa Holders Stranded in India After US Postpones Interviews

Hundreds of H-1B Visa holders who traveled to India earlier this month to renew their US work permits are now stranded after their visa interview appointments were abruptly postponed. The delays come amid a new US State Department social media screening policy, leaving employees uncertain about when they will be able to return to the United States.

Most of the affected applicants had interviews scheduled between December 15 and December 26, coinciding with the holiday season in the US. However, interviews scheduled for mid-to-late December have now been pushed back to March of next year.

Sudden Visa Delays Due to US Social Media Screening Policy

According to emails sent by the US State Department, the postponement is linked to the implementation of an enhanced social media screening process. This new policy aims to ensure that visa applicants do not pose a threat to US national security or public safety.

The department stated:

"Every visa decision is a national security decision."

Previously, students and exchange visitors were already subject to such scrutiny. This enhanced screening has now been extended to H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, including a review of their social media profiles. Visa applicants were also instructed to make their social media accounts public weeks before the policy went into effect.

Law Firms Call It the "Biggest Mess" in Recent Years

Several prominent immigration law firms have said that hundreds of their clients are stranded in India due to the sudden rescheduling.

Immigration lawyer Veena Vijay Ananth told The Washington Post:

"This is the biggest mess we've seen. I don't know if there's a plan at all."

Legal experts are concerned about the lack of clarity and coordination, especially during the peak travel and holiday season.

Delays in Returning to the US Cause Fear of Job Loss for Employees

Many of the stranded employees are worried about their job security in the US. An H-1B worker living in the Detroit suburbs reportedly traveled to India earlier this month for a wedding. His visa appointments were scheduled for December 17th and December 23rd, but both dates have now passed.

Experts say companies may not be willing to wait indefinitely for employees who are unable to return due to visa delays.

US Embassy Advisory: Do Not Go to the Embassy on Old Dates

On December 9th, the US Embassy in India issued a clear advisory warning visa applicants not to go to the embassy on previously scheduled dates if their appointments have been rescheduled. The embassy stated:

• Applicants who arrive on old interview dates after receiving a rescheduling email will not be granted entry.
• Visa applicants must wait for their new appointment date.
• Mission India will only assist applicants according to the revised schedule.

India Dominates H-1B Visa Holders: USCIS Data

According to a report released in April by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

• 71% of all H-1B visa holders are from India.
• Indian professionals are the backbone of the US tech and IT workforce.

This makes Indian employees the most affected by any changes or delays in H-1B visa processing.

Google and Apple Warn Employees Against International Travel

According to reports, US tech giants Googleand Apple have warned employees against traveling abroad due to increasing visa re-entry delays. According to Business Insider:

• Google's outside counsel, BAL Immigration Law, advised employees to avoid travel.
• Employees were warned they could face delays of up to 12 months.
• Travelers risk being stranded outside the U.S. for extended periods.

The Trump administration has further tightened H-1B rules

Increased social media screening is the latest step in the Trump administration's tightening of H-1B visa rules.

• A one-time $100,000 fee on new H-1B work visas (announced in September)
• Increased scrutiny of skilled foreign worker programs
• A temporary ban on green cards, citizenship, and other immigration applications from 19 "countries of concern"
• These restrictions were imposed after a shooting of National Guard soldiers by an Afghan national.

What this means for Indian H-1B employees

The sudden delays have created uncertainty for thousands of Indian professionals who rely on the H-1B program.

Key concerns include:

• Job security in the U.S.
• Extended stays in India without a clear timeline
• Financial strain due to unexpected delays
• Family and relocation challenges

Until the backlog is cleared, experts are advising H-1B employees to avoid international travel unless necessary.

Read More: Noida Housing Societies Struggle With Crores in GST Electricity Notices