New Delhi, India | December 21, 2025
Thousands of H-1B visa applicants in India are facing significant uncertainty after the US government abruptly cancelled a large number of previously scheduled visa appointments, triggering delays that could stretch into 2026.
The cancellations come as Washington tightens visa screening procedures, including expanded scrutiny of applicants’ social media activity, according to media reports and official advisories.
🚫 Mass Cancellation of Pre-Scheduled H-1B Appointments
Applicants with H-1B visa interviews scheduled for December reported receiving emails informing them that their appointments had been cancelled and automatically rescheduled for dates several months later.
In many cases, interviews originally set for late 2025 have now been pushed to mid or late 2026, leaving applicants in limbo and unable to return to their jobs in the United States.
🏛️ US Embassy Issues Advisory
The US Embassy in India issued a clear warning to affected applicants, urging them not to appear for interviews on their original dates if they have received rescheduling emails.
In a social media statement, the embassy said:
“If you have received an email stating that your visa appointment has been rescheduled and assigned a new date, you will not be allowed entry to the embassy if you appear on your original appointment date.”
Applicants whose interviews were scheduled after December 15 appear to be the most affected by the new directive.
⏳ Stranded Workers, Growing Anxiety
The move has created serious challenges for professionals who traveled to India for visa stamping. Until their visas are approved, they cannot re-enter the US to resume work, affecting both employees and employers.
While H-1B applicants have been hit hardest, other visa categories are also experiencing delays, according to immigration experts.
⚖️ Employers and Lawyers Raise Concerns
Immigration attorneys in the US have criticized the large-scale cancellations, warning that prolonged delays could disrupt businesses, delay projects, and worsen talent shortages.
Legal experts say the stricter rules under the Trump administration may lead to increased processing times across visa categories, impacting US companies that rely heavily on skilled foreign workers.
🔍 Why the US Tightened Visa Rules
The US government has stepped up vetting measures to enhance national security, including mandatory social media background checks for visa applicants. Officials say the policy aims to improve screening efficiency, but critics argue it has created avoidable bottlenecks.
