New US Social Media Vetting Causes Widespread H-1B Visa Appointment Delays

The US State Department has canceled thousands of H-1B visa appointments in India. This major disruption stems from a new rule requiring social media checks. According to Reuters, the policy started on December 15.

Consulates in Hyderabad and Chennai are rescheduling interviews for months. Immigration attorneys report this is causing severe problems for tech workers. Many are now stranded and risk losing their jobs in America.

Policy Change Creates Logistical Nightmare

The new rule mandates a review of online presence for all H-1B applicants. This includes their spouses and dependents. Consular officers must now scrutinize public social media profiles before each interview.

This added step has created massive backlogs. Officials simply cannot process the same volume of applications. According to immigration attorney Ellen Freeman, the consulate in Hyderabad is conducting a “mass rescheduling.”

Interviews are being pushed back by weeks or even months. Some applicants report new dates as far out as April 2026. The delays are most acute in India’s major tech hubs.

Human and Economic Toll on Workers and Companies

The impact on visa holders is immediate and harsh. Many traveled to India for what they thought was a routine renewal. They now face being stuck abroad for an indeterminate period.

This situation threatens their employment. US employers may not hold positions open for several months. Workers could face termination if they cannot return promptly.

The consequences extend beyond lost jobs. Affected individuals have ongoing financial commitments in the United States. These include apartment leases, car payments, and other bills.

The policy disrupts business operations for American companies. They rely on skilled H-1B workers for critical projects. The instability makes long-term planning difficult.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is the new US visa rule for H-1B applicants?

The rule requires a mandatory online presence review. Consular officers must check the public social media profiles of every H-1B applicant and their family before issuing a visa.

Which US consulates are affected by the delays?

Consulates in Hyderabad and Chennai, India, are experiencing the most significant disruptions. They handle a high volume of tech worker applications and have canceled many appointments.

Can H-1B workers lose their jobs due to this delay?

Yes, immigration attorneys warn that prolonged delays can lead to job loss. Many US employers cannot keep a position open for several months while an employee is stuck abroad.

What should applicants with upcoming appointments do?

Monitor your consulate account daily for cancellations. Check frequently for newly available slots. Ensure your social media profiles are accurate and publicly accessible for review.

Why did the US State Department implement this policy?

The policy is part of broader security screening enhancements. It aims to vet applicants more thoroughly by examining their online activity and associations.

Is this social media vetting applied to other visa types?

Yes, the rule also applies to students and exchange visitors. The December 15 expansion now includes all H-1B applicants and their dependents under the same requirement.