Shock for those going to America: H-1B visa appointments suddenly canceled in India, new dates till 2026

Social Media Vetting Rules 2025: The end of the year has started with some big trouble for thousands of Indian professionals working in America. The previously scheduled interview appointments of people who came to India for H-1B visa renewal have been suddenly cancelled.
This decision, taken without any prior warning, has completely derailed their plans. Now applicants have been given new dates of several months and in some cases till October 2026, due to which the situation has become serious.

Why are visa appointments being cancelled?

The sudden increase in strictness in the visa process by the American administration is considered to be the biggest reason for this crisis. According to new reports, background checks and social media verification of visa applicants are now being done more thoroughly than ever before.

Due to this intense vetting process, almost all H-1B interviews scheduled after December 15 have been postponed. The US Embassy has given a clear message that applicants coming on old dates will not be given admission and will have to wait only for the newly allotted dates.

Danger looming over job and future

The most devastating impact of this sudden change has fallen on those professionals who had come to India after taking leave for only a few weeks. Since they do not currently have a valid visa stamp, they cannot legally return to the US.

This has not only created a fear of losing their jobs, but the projects of American companies have also been put on hold. Many employees are stuck in India and are facing a mountain of uncertainty as the new dates are available after more than a year.

Impact of strict rules and increased fees

The Donald Trump administration has had a tough stance on the H-1B visa program since the beginning. In recent times, steps like strict monitoring of social media activities and huge increase in visa fees have increased the concern of the Indian IT sector.

Immigration experts say that now there is neither any clarity nor trust left in the process of visa stamping as before. Many lawyers are calling this a major challenge for both employees and companies as it reduces the morale of the international workforce.

Also read: South Africa’s Johannesburg shaken by indiscriminate firing, 10 people died and many were injured.

Opinion and advice from immigration experts

Many experts, including Houston-based immigration attorney Emily Newman, have expressed deep displeasure over the situation. He says that canceling appointments without any notice is humanely and commercially wrong.

Given the current circumstances, experts advise that one should avoid traveling to India until the visa situation is completely cleared. Also, applicants are being instructed to keep their social media profiles and background documents completely correct so that there is no hindrance in future verification.