Mass H-1B Visa Interview Cancellations Disrupt Applicants Amid New Social Media Checks

Thousands of H-1B visa applicants are facing major disruptions as consulates around the world cancel and reschedule interviews, just days before new mandatory social media screening rules take effect in the United States. Reports indicate that consulates in India, including Hyderabad and Chennai, have pushed appointments into 2026, creating widespread uncertainty for applicants.

The U.S. State Department’s new policy, effective from December 15, requires all H-1B applicants and their H-4 dependents to undergo social media scrutiny, with profiles made public for review. This additional vetting has forced consulates to reduce daily interview slots, resulting in a significant backlog. Many professionals, including those joining new employers or returning briefly from the U.S., are now stranded, with travel plans disrupted for family events or caregiving responsibilities.

The U.S. Embassy in India has warned applicants to attend only their rescheduled appointments, stating that arriving on a canceled date will result in denied entry. Immigration attorneys advise avoiding international travel unless absolutely necessary, as unpredictable delays and social media checks create substantial risks. Some visas for individuals already in the U.S. have reportedly been revoked due to online activity.

This situation is part of a broader trend of enhanced vetting. Earlier in the year, similar pauses affected student and exchange visas while the State Department revised its social media protocols. The cancellations highlight the profound impact on families, particularly H-4 dependents whose education and relocation plans are now on hold. Applicants who have sold possessions or left housing abroad face indefinite delays in starting their jobs or reuniting with family in the U.S.

The ongoing wave of H-1B interview cancellations underscores the growing complexity of U.S. visa processes and the human consequences of shifting immigration policies. Thousands of skilled workers and their families are now navigating an unpredictable and extended waiting period.