New US Social Media Screening Rules Force Widespread H-1B Visa Interview Cancellations

A new US visa screening rule is causing major disruptions for thousands of foreign professionals. The US State Department has begun mandatory social media checks for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. This policy, effective December 15, has led to a wave of last-minute interview cancellations at consulates worldwide.According to immigration lawyers, appointments in India and other countries are being rescheduled for months later. The move has stranded workers and families, upending travel and employment plans just days before the rule took effect.

Applicants Stranded as Consulates Clear Backlog

Consular posts have cancelled interviews slated for mid-December. Many are now pushed to March 2026. The US Embassy in India confirmed the changes in a social media post. It warned applicants not to arrive on their original dates.The cancellations affect professionals starting new jobs in the US. They also impact current H-1B holders who travelled home briefly. Some were in India for family weddings or to care for relatives. They now cannot return to their US jobs without a new visa stamp.The State Department’s new rule requires every applicant to submit social media handles. Profiles must be set to public for screening. To manage this added scrutiny, consulates are reportedly conducting fewer interviews per day. This creates a significant backlog.

Broader Crackdown on Visa Processing Intensifies

This is part of a broader tightening of US immigration policy. The State Department announced it has revoked 85,000 visas since January. Officials stated the crackdown will continue.This is not the first processing slowdown. In May, the State Department paused scheduling for student visas. It was revising social media rules for F, M, and J visas. Appointments resumed in June under stricter vetting.Immigration law firms are now advising extreme caution. They tell foreign nationals to avoid international travel unless absolutely necessary. There are already reports of visas being revoked for some individuals in the US due to their online activity.

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The new H-1B visa social media screening has created immediate chaos for high-skilled workers. The policy signifies a lasting shift toward stricter digital vetting for all US immigration pathways.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the new US visa social media screening rule?

Starting December 15, all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants must provide social media handles for mandatory checks. Their profiles must be publicly viewable during the screening process by US consular officers.

Why were so many visa interviews cancelled?

Consulates reduced daily interview slots to handle the new social media vetting workload. This created a backlog, forcing them to reschedule thousands of appointments originally set for December into early 2026.

Who is most affected by these cancellations?

New hires awaiting visas and current H-1B workers who travelled abroad are hardest hit. Many are now stranded outside the US, unable to start work or return to their jobs and homes.

What should affected applicants do now?

Applicants must check their email for official rescheduling notices from the embassy. They should not go to the consulate on their old date. Contacting an immigration attorney for case-specific guidance is also recommended.

Has this happened with other visa types before?

Yes. In May, the State Department temporarily stopped scheduling interviews for F, M, and J student visas. This was also to implement stricter social media screening protocols before resuming processing.

Are visas being revoked for people already in the US?

There are sporadic reports of visa revocations for individuals based on social media activity. Immigration lawyers confirm advising clients about this increased enforcement risk.