U.S. Temporarily Cancels H-1B Visa Appointments in India Amid Social Media Review
Applicants must reschedule appointments as the State Department expands scrutiny, delaying H-1B processing and impacting travel plans.
The U.S. Department of State has temporarily canceled a number of H-1B visa appointments, citing operational constraints and the introduction of a formal review of social media accounts for applicants and their families in India—a new measure expanding the scrutiny previously applied to foreign students and visitors.
U.S. consulates in Chennai and Hyderabad have begun sending notifications to affected applicants, instructing them not to attend previously scheduled appointments, according to Newsweek.
Chennai and Hyderabad H-1B Appointments Delayed Amid Expanded Security
The U.S. consulate in Chennai clarified in an email to applicants that it “will reduce the number of daily interviewees to ensure that no individual who may pose a threat to national security or public safety receives a visa.” The Department of State has not issued further official comments, despite media inquiries seeking clarification on the decision and the timeline for normal operations to resume.
This development comes amid heated debate over H-1B visa policies in the U.S.—which allow American companies to employ skilled foreign workers in technology, engineering, healthcare, and other sectors. The program has become a point of contention within the Republican Party: some MAGA-aligned factions argue it displaces American workers, while others view it as essential for maintaining U.S. competitiveness in advanced industries.
Immigration attorneys note that the rescheduling appears to be extensive, particularly at the Hyderabad consulate, where appointments for some applicants have been rescheduled from mid-December 2025 to March 2026. One applicant reportedly completed the biometric appointment before receiving notice that the interview would be postponed by over two months due to the new digital scrutiny and reduced daily processing capacity.
Notices sent to applicants emphasize that attending the old appointment is not allowed. Applicants receiving rescheduling emails must adhere to the new dates to avoid losing their slot. This occurs during a sensitive period when many Indian workers in the U.S. plan to return home for holidays, creating confusion and delays in travel and work schedules.
H-1B Visa Delays in India Spark Concerns for Applicants and Employers
Attorneys highlight that the timing of this measure complicates matters for both applicants and companies, as H-1B appointments are usually planned months in advance. Some attorneys expressed surprise at the sudden announcement, linking it to the new digital presence review policy, which includes checking social media accounts as part of national security criteria.
Meanwhile, H-1B programs face criticism regarding their impact on the U.S. labor market, with allegations that some companies use the visas to cut costs or replace American workers with foreign labor. Supporters argue that the program fills critical gaps in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and finance, which face skill shortages.
Recent reports indicate a significant decline in the number of H-1B visas approved for India-based companies compared to previous years. Data from the National Foundation for American Policy shows that only three Indian companies appeared among the top 25 approved employers for H-1B visas in FY 2025.
Officials and specialists advise affected applicants to log into the visa application website to print the new appointment letter. Rescheduling is allowed only once, and missing the new appointment may result in losing fees and, in some cases, having to restart the process. The timeline for resumption of normal consular processing remains unclear.
