US Visa Appointments in India Face Widespread Cancellations, Sparking Frustration

US visa appointments across India have been suddenly canceled. The US Embassy announced the rescheduling this week. Applicants are now facing delays stretching into early 2026.

The move is linked to a new social media vetting rule. This has created major uncertainty for thousands of travelers and professionals.

New Social Media Checks Cause Major Processing Delays

The cancellations stem from a significant policy shift. Starting December 15, H-1B visa applicants and their dependents face new requirements. They must make their social media profiles publicly accessible for review by consular officers.

According to reports from Reuters, this intensive vetting process is causing a bottleneck. Embassy resources are being redirected to handle the new mandate. Consequently, existing appointments are being pushed back by several months.

The US Embassy in India confirmed the changes in a social media post. It warned applicants not to arrive for their original dates. Anyone doing so would be denied entry to the embassy or consulate.

Immigration Lawyers and Applicants Voice Sharp Criticism

The abrupt cancellations have drawn strong criticism from immigration attorneys. They describe a system in chaos. Steven Brown, a lawyer based in Houston, confirmed the rescheduling of many appointments to March 2026.

His colleague, Emily Neumann, called the current situation a “maze of pitfalls.” She highlighted the lack of predictability for businesses and employees who need to travel internationally. This instability poses real operational challenges.

Applicants who had already traveled to India for their interviews are particularly affected. Many took leave from work and made complex travel arrangements. Now they face extended, uncertain stays or costly rebooking of their return trips to the United States.

The widespread cancellation of US visa appointments in India highlights growing administrative hurdles for global travelers. The new social media vetting rule is creating a significant backlog, leaving many in a state of frustrating limbo.

Thought you’d like to know

Why were US visa appointments in India canceled?

Appointments were canceled to implement a new social media vetting process. This requirement for H-1B applicants takes effect in mid-December and requires additional review time by embassy staff.

How long is the new delay for visa appointments?

Many canceled appointments are being rescheduled for March 2026. This represents a delay of several months for affected applicants, as confirmed by immigration lawyers monitoring the situation.

What is the new social media rule for US visas?

A new policy mandates that H-1B visa applicants and their dependents make their social media accounts publicly viewable. This allows US consular officers to review online profiles as part of the security assessment.

What should I do if my appointment was canceled?

You should check the email associated with your application for a rescheduled date. Do not go to the embassy on your original date, as you will be turned away. Follow the instructions to confirm your new appointment.

Are other visa types affected by these cancellations?

While the new social media rule specifically targets H-1B visas, the resource strain has led to broader appointment cancellations. This impacts various non-immigrant visa categories due to the consolidated scheduling system.