Archive · 10 Dec 2025
US Visa Rescheduling Causes Uncertainty for H-1B Workers
The US Embassy in India has postponed many H-1B visa interviews to March 2026 due to new social media vetting rules starting December 15, 2025.
This has caused uncertainty for applicants and employers.
Applicants must make their social media profiles public for review, which some find intrusive.
The delays affect job plans, travel, and relocation timelines.
Employers face operational challenges and may need to adjust project timelines or hire interim staff.
Some applicants have already quit their jobs or made financial commitments, making the delays even harder.
The US government says these measures are for national security, but applicants worry about privacy and lack of transparency in the process.
US Embassy in India has rescheduled H-1B visa interviews to March 2026 due to new social media vetting rules starting December 15, 2025.
Applicants must make their social media profiles public for vetting, causing privacy concerns and anxiety.
Delays in visa processing create operational challenges for employers and personal hardships for candidates.
Employers may need to adjust project timelines, redistribute work, or hire interim staff due to the delays.
The US government emphasizes the importance of thorough screening for national security, while applicants express concerns about privacy and lack of transparency.
- Who
- US Embassy in India, H-1B visa applicants, and their employers
- What
- Rescheduling of visa interviews and implementation of new social media vetting policy
- When
- Current and upcoming visa appointments, social media vetting starts December 15, 2025
- Where
- US Embassies and Consulates in India
- Why
- To prevent confusion, overcrowding, and to ensure thorough screening for national security
US Government
Visa Applicants and Employers
Social Media Vetting
US Government
The US government has expanded screening measures to include social media vetting for H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J visa applicants to ensure national security.
Visa Applicants and Employers
Visa applicants must make their social media profiles public for vetting, which some may find intrusive and anxiety-inducing due to privacy concerns and lack of transparency in the process.
Appointment Rescheduling
US Government
The US Embassy has rescheduled many visa appointments to accommodate the new vetting process, ensuring thorough screening.
Visa Applicants and Employers
Applicants face delays and inconvenience due to rescheduled appointments, with some pushed to March 2026, causing operational challenges for employers and personal hardships for candidates.
- Applicant Action
- Must attend rescheduled appointment date
- Consequence of Non-Compliance
- Denial of entry
- New Delhi F/M/J Wait Time
- 0.5 months
- New Delhi B-1/B-2 Wait Time
- 3.5 months
- Chennai B-1/B-2 Wait Time
- N/A
- Chennai Interview-Required Wait Time
- 3 months
- Mumbai B-1/B-2 Wait Time
- 9.5 months
- Mumbai F/M/J Wait Time
- 3 months
- Kolkata B-1/B-2 Wait Time
- 4.5 months
- Kolkata F/M/J Wait Time
- 2.5 months
- Social Media Vetting Start Date
- December 15, 2025
- Rescheduled Appointments
- Mid to late December 2025 appointments pushed to March 2026
Sources
Attention visa applicants! US embassy in India issues advisory on appointment date
H-1B Visa Appointments Postponed For Many Indians Amid US' Social Media Rules
'Attention visa applicants...': US Embassy warns Indian visa applicants on 'rescheduled interviews'
US embassy updates Indian visa rescheduling after H-1B delays
US Embassy in India issues fresh advisory for visa applicants over ‘appointment date’
H-1B visa holders face a significant setback as Trump delivers a double blow to visa applicants
H1B visa interviews of thousands of applicants in India cancelled
Visa interview rescheduling triggers fresh uncertainty for H-1B workers
H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants Now Under US Embassy Online Review – What Indians Need to Know
