Mass H-1B Visa Interview Cancellations Hit Applicants as New Social Media Checks Begin

A significant wave of H-1B visa interview cancellations has disrupted thousands of applicants. The sudden rescheduling comes just days before new mandatory social media screening rules take effect in the United States. According to reports, consulates in India and worldwide are pushing appointments into 2026.

New Rule Triggers Widespread Disruption

The U.S. State Department’s new policy starts on December 15. It requires every H-1B visa applicant and their H-4 dependents to undergo compulsory social media screening. Applicants must ensure their online profiles are set to public for this scrutiny.

This extra vetting has forced consulates to reduce daily interview slots. The result is a large backlog of cancelled appointments. Immigration attorneys report consulates in Hyderabad and Chennai have been heavily impacted.

Many professionals are now stranded. Affected individuals include those joining new U.S. employers and existing H-1B holders who travelled home briefly. Some were in India for family weddings or to assist elderly parents.

The U.S. Embassy in India has issued a direct warning to applicants. It stated that arriving on a cancelled appointment date will result in denied entry to the embassy. Applicants must attend only their newly rescheduled time.

Legal Advice and Broader Crackdown Context

Immigration law firms are advising clients to avoid international travel unless absolutely necessary. The unpredictable delays and new screening create substantial risk. Some visas for individuals already in the U.S. have reportedly been revoked due to social media activity.

This is not an isolated slowdown. Reuters reported a similar pause in May for student and exchange-visitor visas. The State Department halted interviews then to revise its social media screening protocols.

Appointments for F, M, and J visas resumed in June under stricter rules. The current H-1B situation appears to be a broader pattern of enhanced vetting.

The Trump administration has significantly increased immigration enforcement. Official communications from the State Department confirm a massive scale of visa revocations this year alone.

Impact on Families and Future Planning

The delays create profound uncertainty for families. H-4 dependents, including spouses and children, face the same interview cancellations. Their lives and educational plans are also put on hold indefinitely.

Applicants who had sold possessions or given up housing abroad are in a particularly difficult position. They have no clear timeline for when they can start their jobs or reunite with family in the U.S.

The situation underscores the growing complexity of U.S. visa processes. Professionals are now warned to factor in potential multi-month delays for any international travel during visa renewal periods.

The ongoing wave of H-1B visa interview cancellations highlights the tangible human impact of shifting immigration policy. For now, thousands of highly skilled workers and their families must navigate an unpredictable and extended waiting game.

References: Information contained within this report is based on coverage from Reuters and The Times of India regarding official U.S. State Department announcements and statements from immigration legal professionals.