Hundreds of Indian professionals are facing significant delays as they attempt to renew their H-1B visas to work in the United States. Unexpected cancellations of interview appointments by U.S. consulates, stemming from newly implemented vetting procedures, have left many workers stranded. These cancellations began in mid-December 2023 as authorities introduced expanded reviews of applicants’ social media and online presence.
The rescheduling of appointments has created a backlog, with some workers being pushed as far back as 2027. Immigration attorney Rajiv Khanna highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “H-1B India January visa appointments are being pushed to September. There isn’t much that can be done because this administration has created a systemic problem that appears deliberate.” He questioned the necessity of the social media vetting policy, pointing out the disruption caused to countless lives.
The U.S. State Department has attributed many of these delays to the new policy requiring more extensive social media checks, which has decreased the number of daily interviews conducted at consulates. As a result, many scheduled appointments have been deferred indefinitely. Khanna noted the implications of a previous policy from the Trump administration, which mandated that visa applications must be submitted from the applicant’s country of nationality or residence. This combination of policies has created significant barriers for both employers and employees.
Those affected by the H-1B visa delays are experiencing a range of challenges, including separation from families in the U.S., potential loss of wages, and uncertainty regarding job security. Immigration experts have advised workers to discuss remote work options or extended leave with their employers to mitigate the risks associated with their visa status.
Tech industry leaders are increasingly aware of the situation. Companies like Google and Apple have reportedly cautioned some visa-holding employees against international travel due to the potential for lengthy processing times upon return. Reports suggest that processing could now take up to a year, highlighting the significant backlog at U.S. embassies worldwide.
With tens of thousands of U.S. jobs in sectors such as technology and engineering reliant on H-1B talent, both employers and workers are closely monitoring the ongoing delays. As immigration policies continue to evolve, the long-term impact on skilled labor in the United States remains uncertain.
These developments underscore the complexities of the current U.S. immigration landscape, where heightened vetting procedures and shifting policies are creating unnecessary hardships for skilled workers and the companies that depend on them.
