Archive · 22 Dec 2025
US Expands H-1B Visa Vetting
Many Indian workers with H-1B visas went back to India to renew their work permits.
But the US suddenly canceled their appointments, saying they need more time to check for security reasons.
Now, these workers are stuck in India, and some might not get new appointments until next year or even 2027.
This is because of new rules by the US government that make it harder to renew these visas.
The US now requires all H-1B applicants to make their social media profiles public for a review.
Some people in the US want to stop this program, saying it takes jobs from Americans.
But tech companies say these workers are important.
Families are facing tough choices, like pausing their kids' schooling or being separated.
Additionally, the US now requires all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants to undergo social media vetting, which has led to delays in processing times.
US expanded online vetting for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, requiring checks on social media profiles and online presence.
Hundreds to thousands of Indian H-1B visa holders are stranded in India due to sudden cancellation of visa renewal appointments.
The cancellations occurred between 15-26 December, with rescheduling pushed to March-June 2024 (some as late as 2027).
The disruption follows aggressive policy shifts by the Trump administration targeting the H-1B program, including a $100,000 fee for new applications and tougher screening rules.
Mid-career tech professionals and their families are the hardest hit, facing job uncertainty and family separation.
- Who
- Indian H-1B visa holders and their families
- What
- Cancellation of visa renewal appointments and rescheduling delays due to expanded online vetting
- When
- Between 15-26 December 2023, with rescheduling between March-June 2024 (some as late as 2027)
- Where
- India
- Why
- US policy shifts aimed at targeting the H-1B program and implementing tougher screening and vetting rules
- Visa Program
- H-1B and H-4
- Affected Workers
- Indian H-1B visa holders and their families
- Cancellation Period
- 15-26 December 2023
- Rescheduling Period
- March-June 2024 (some as late as 2027)
- New Fee for H-1B Applications
- $100,000
- Policy Shift Reason
- National security vetting
- Impacted Groups
- Mid-career tech professionals and their families
- Social Media Review
- Online presence review for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants
Sources
H-1B : Workers returned to India for visa renewal, now they are stuck amid cancellation of appointments
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