H‑1B Visa Holders Face Major Delays After New US Vetting Rules Push Appointments to 2026

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Hundreds of H‑1B visa holders are stuck in India after the United States delayed their consular appointments. The delays began in mid‑December. The new dates now stretch into 2026. The issue affects many workers who have lived in the US for years. The main keyword H‑1B visa appears here for SEO.

The delays follow new social media vetting rules brought in by the Trump administration. According to Reuters and The Washington Post, US consulates postponed most appointments that were set between December 15 and December 26. Many workers were told their next date is months away. Some even received dates for 2027.

H‑1B Visa Delays Create Hardships for Workers and Families

The long wait has caused major stress for families. Many workers had traveled to India for short trips. They planned quick renewals. Instead, they are now stranded. Some parents must decide if they should send their children back to the US alone. Others are apart from their families with no clear return date.

One worker from Detroit told reporters he received new dates for July 2026. Another applicant received a date in 2027. These cases show how wide the delays are. According to AP News, US officials said the new checks are part of stronger security rules.

The Trump administration expanded its social media checks earlier this year. Student visa applicants were the first group to face the tougher rules. In December, the US Embassy confirmed that the process now includes H‑1B and H‑4 applicants. Officials said the goal is to check for security risks. They added that every visa review is a national security decision.

New Scrutiny Adds Pressure as H‑1B Program Remains Politically Charged

Indian workers make up the largest share of H‑1B holders. Government data shows they account for more than 70 percent of all approvals each year. The number was the same from 2022 to 2023. The program has been under growing political debate in the US.

Immigration became a key campaign topic during the 2024 elections. A YouGov poll showed sharp rises in concern about immigration. Supporters of stricter rules say the program affects US jobs. Tech companies say the opposite. They say the workers are needed for growth.

The new vetting measures add more pressure on the program. In September, President Trump approved a large fee hike for companies that hire foreign workers. The fee rose to $100,000 per year. This change also affects workers seeking temporary employment.

The H‑1B visa delays now leave many families waiting. The impact is wide. The next months will show how fast the US can process the new checks.

Info at your fingertips-

Q1: Why are H‑1B visa appointments delayed?

The delays started after new social media vetting rules. US consulates postponed many December dates. Many workers must now wait until 2026 or later.

Q2: Who is most affected by the delays?

Most affected workers are Indian tech employees. Many have lived in the US for years. Families with children face the hardest choices.

Q3: How long are the new wait times?

Many new dates fall between March and June 2026. Some workers got dates for 2027. The delays vary by consulate.

Q4: What new rules did the US add?

The US expanded social media checks. Workers must open their profiles to consular review. The rule now applies to H‑1B and H‑4 applicants.

Q5: Why is the H‑1B visa program under debate?

Some groups say it affects US jobs. Tech firms say the workers are needed. The issue grew during the 2024 campaign.

Trusted Sources

Reuters
AP New