- India accounts for more than two-thirds of all H-1B visa holders, making policy shifts especially impactful for Indian professionals
- With additional changes such as higher fees for new H-1B applications announced recently, immigration experts advise workers to carefully plan travel and stay updated on consular communications as the situation continues to evolve
Holiday travel plans for many Indian professionals working in the United States have been thrown into confusion as American consulates worldwide reschedule H-1B visa appointments following the rollout of enhanced social media screening. The unexpected changes have affected thousands of non-resident Indians (NRIs), disrupting family visits, weddings, and even medical emergencies.
Several H-1B visa holders who had planned trips to India after years of staying back in the US are now reconsidering travel altogether. In many cases, renewal appointments that were scheduled for December or January have been postponed by several months, sometimes into late summer. This has left professionals in a difficult position—either remain in the US with expired visas or travel to India and risk being stranded for an extended period.
Those who had already travelled to India for visa renewals have been hit particularly hard. Immigration lawyers report that dozens of their clients are currently unable to return to the US after interviews were abruptly cancelled between December 15 and 26, a period that coincides with the holiday season. Many applicants were informed via email that their interviews were postponed due to the implementation of a new vetting policy.
- Under the updated rules, US authorities are expanding the review of social media activity for all H-1B applicants and their H-4 dependents. Previously, such scrutiny largely applied to student and exchange visitor visas
- Officials have stated that the policy aims to strengthen national security and public safety, even if it results in longer processing times
The uncertainty has had real-world consequences. Some professionals have had to arrange remote work from India or shift temporarily to cities with better work infrastructure. Others have postponed major life events such as weddings or delayed visits to elderly parents undergoing medical treatment. Families with newborn children and dual-career couples are also among those grappling with difficult decisions.
Employers, particularly in the technology sector, are expected to show flexibility. Industry experts note that many affected workers hold critical roles and are likely to be supported through extended work-from-home arrangements. While the situation has caused significant personal stress, it is not expected to pose a long-term threat to most careers.
