US H-1B Visa Interview Postponements
Analysis based on 28 articles · First reported Dec 10, 2025 · Last updated Dec 29, 2025
The United States' new social media vetting rules for H-1B visas have caused significant delays, leaving thousands of Indian professionals stranded and unable to return to their jobs in the United States. This disruption creates uncertainty for businesses, particularly in the tech sector, that rely on H-1B talent, potentially impacting productivity and operational continuity.
The United States — United States Department of State has abruptly postponed thousands of H-1B visa interviews for Indian applicants, with new appointments rescheduled into 2026 and 2027. This action stems from the Trump administration's new policy requiring expanded social media vetting for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, which took effect on December 15. Many Indian professionals who traveled to India for visa renewals are now stranded, unable to return to their jobs in the United States without valid visas. Immigration attorneys like Emily Neumann have criticized the unpredictability of the process, which is creating significant challenges for businesses and employees. The delays are exacerbated by a previous policy change requiring visa applicants to attend interviews only in their home country and a USD 100,000 fee imposed by Donald Trump's administration on new H-1B applications. Major tech companies like Alphabet Inc. and Apple Inc. have reportedly warned their visa-holding employees against international travel due to the extended processing times.
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