The US Embassy in India has abruptly postponed H-1B visa interviews originally scheduled for mid-December, rescheduling many appointments to March–April 2026. This move, attributed to new constraints related to social media scrutiny, has caused significant uncertainty among visa applicants.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Immigration experts have issued urgent guidance for Indian H-1B holders based on their current location:
Advice for H-1B Holders Currently in the US
Experts strongly advise against traveling to India for visa stamping at this time.
- Risk of Job Loss: Prolonged work from outside the US is often legally impossible for American companies, putting jobs at risk if re-entry is delayed.
- Wait in the US: Do not travel internationally, as the wait for a new appointment date is now unpredictable and potentially very long.
Advice for H-1B Applicants Already in India
Those who are already in India for their interviews are now facing an extended wait time.
- No Option but to Wait: Applicants, especially those who have completed the Visa Application Center (VAC) biometrics, must wait for their rescheduled appointment date.
- Check New Date: Applicants must log in to the Visa Application website to view and print their new appointment letter.
- Reschedule Once: Individuals who cannot attend the new date may reschedule online one time only.
- Notify Employers: Immediately inform employers about the delay to coordinate documentation, return-to-work planning, or necessary contingency arrangements.
Getting “Interview-Ready” on Social Media
The delay is linked to the State Department’s new requirement for social media screening. Experts recommend that applicants prepare their online presence immediately:
- Consistency is Key: Ensure all active social media accounts are set to public and reflect accurate, consistent information.
- Clean Up: Remove any old, inactive, or duplicate profiles.
- Avoid Drastic Changes: Once your appointment is scheduled, avoid making major changes or deleting accounts, as this could raise red flags during the review.
