Major H-1B Visa Delays Hit Indian Applicants After New US Social Media Vetting Rule

The US State Department has sparked confusion and delays for thousands of visa applicants. New social media vetting rules for H-1B and H-4 visas are causing widespread appointment cancellations at consulates in India. This move is part of broader immigration policy shifts.

According to Reuters, the policy requires applicants to make social media profiles public. Officials cite operational constraints and enhanced security screenings. The changes are affecting the majority of skilled worker visa recipients globally.

Consulates Issue Cancellation Notices Amid “Operational Constraints”

Applicants have received emails from US consulates in Chennai and Hyderabad. Their scheduled interview appointments have been canceled or postponed. Many are now being rescheduled for dates as far out as 2026.

The consulate notifications pointed to processing constraints. They stated the need to reduce daily applicant numbers. This is to ensure thorough security checks, including the new social media review.

The directive officially takes effect in mid-December. It mandates public social media settings for vetting. The State Department says every visa decision is a national security matter.

Applicant Panic Grows Over Family Separations and Job Security

The sudden cancellations have caused significant distress. Many applicants are in India for holidays or family events. They now face uncertain return dates to their jobs and lives in the United States.

Social media channels of US embassies are flooded with concerns. One applicant worried about being stranded after a vacation. Another highlighted a potential six-month separation from their spouse and infant child.

The US Embassy in India has asked affected individuals to book new slots. It confirmed that anyone arriving on a canceled date will be turned away. The situation remains fluid for high-demand consular posts.

The new social media vetting rules have created immediate and tangible H-1B visa delays. For the large community of Indian skilled workers, the path back to the US is now filled with uncertainty and extended waiting periods.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What is the new US social media rule for visa applicants?

The rule requires H-1B and H-4 visa applicants to set their social media profiles to public. This allows US officials to review the profiles as part of a mandatory security screening process before granting a visa.

Q2: Which US consulates in India are affected?

Consulates in Chennai and Hyderabad have been prominently mentioned in reports. They have sent out bulk cancellations and postponements for December appointments, impacting hundreds of applicants.

Q3: How long are the new visa appointment delays?

Delays are significant. Some applicants report receiving new interview dates scheduled for mid-2026, which could mean a wait of over a year and a half from the original appointment.

Q4: What should I do if my H-1B appointment was canceled?

Do not go to the consulate on your original date. You must follow the instructions in the cancellation email to schedule a new appointment through the official US visa portal.

Q5: Why is the US government implementing this rule now?

Officials state it is for national security. The policy aims to use all available information, including public social media data, to identify potential security threats before issuing visas.