US Embassy cancels H-1B visa appointments impacting thousands of Indians

Thousands of Indian H-1B visa holders are now stranded in India, facing significant delays in returning to their jobs in the US, as American consulates in the country abruptly cancelled and postponed renewal appointments. This unexpected move, impacting those with interviews originally scheduled from mid-December 2023 onward, has pushed some appointments as far out as late 2026 or even 2027. The disruption stems from new, stricter background and social media vetting rules implemented by the US government.

The policy shift, often attributed to efforts by the previous Trump administration to intensify immigration scrutiny, requires comprehensive digital footprint assessments before interviews. This heightened vetting process is designed to ensure applicants do not pose a threat to US national security or public safety. Consequently, many highly skilled Indian professionals, comprising about 71% of all approved H-1B applications, are now in limbo, unable to resume their work.

For individuals who traveled to India specifically for these renewals, the cancellations mean extended periods away from their US-based jobs and potentially their families. Engineers and physicians are among those affected, with some reporting their appointments being rescheduled by as much as six months. This uncertainty is causing immense personal stress and professional challenges, with many facing the difficult decision of returning to the US immediately to avoid an expired visa, or waiting indefinitely in India.

US companies, including major tech firms like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft, are also grappling with the fallout, experiencing disruptions to workforce planning and project delivery. While some companies are exploring solutions like earlier appointments or remote work, the long-term implications for talent retention and operational efficiency are a growing concern. The situation highlights the delicate balance between national security priorities and the economic contributions of skilled immigrant workers.