VOI World/ Vanshika Singh
Hundreds of Indian professionals on H-1B visas, along with their H-4 dependent spouses and children, have been stranded in India after the U.S. State Department abruptly cancelled and rescheduled visa interviews. The sudden change has resulted in significant H-1B visa interview delays in India, with appointments pushed into March, April and even May 2026.
The disruption follows the rollout of a new social-media vetting requirement for all H-1B and H-4 applicants beginning December 15. As consulates adjusted workflows, interview capacity dropped sharply, triggering mass cancellations and chaotic rescheduling notices.
The U.S. Embassy in India posted an advisory stating that applicants who appear on their previously issued dates will be denied entry. The warning deepened anxiety among families already separated for weeks, with children unable to return to U.S. schools and workers fearing job loss.
Across X and Reddit, affected applicants described the distress caused by long delays. “We came for stamping and now we’re stuck,” one user wrote, reflecting widespread frustration. Another applicant highlighted the uncertainty: “Thousands of Indians on H-1B/H-4 visas are stranded… appointments cancelled without warning.”
Immigration attorneys note that employers may struggle to accommodate prolonged absences. Attorney Emily Neumann described the process as “a maze of pitfalls,” while others warned that U.S.-citizen children, housing leases, car payments and job obligations are being disrupted.
With Indians making up over 70% of all H-1B petitions approved annually, the ripple effects are significant. The H-1B visa interview delays in India have disrupted families, workplaces and global operations, leaving many waiting for clarity on when they can return to the United States.
