New US visa scrutiny rules have delivered a major shock to India’s IT sector. Following the sudden cancellation of H-1B visa appointments by US embassies without prior notice, not hundreds but thousands of Indian software engineers are now stranded in India. Professionals who had returned home during the December holidays or traveled for visa renewal now face uncertainty, with potential delays of three to twelve months before they can return to the United States.
The new process has also created widespread confusion within companies. Tech giants such as, and have advised their employees to avoid international travel with immediate effect.
New Disruption Begins December 15
According to sources, the crisis began on December 15, 2025, when US consulates in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai implemented a new “social media audit” process for visa interviews. Under this system, applicants in the H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J categories are now subject to detailed reviews of their social media accounts and online activity, reducing daily interview capacity by nearly 40%.
Following this operational change, embassies canceled December and January interview slots under the pretext of “operational adjustments.” Applicants are now receiving new interview dates ranging from March 2026 to as late as July 2027 via email.
While biometric appointments remain valid, visas cannot be issued without an interview.
Why India Is the Worst Affected
More than 70% of H-1B visa holders each year are Indian nationals—highly skilled software engineers, developers, and project managers working across major US tech hubs from Silicon Valley to Seattle.
With visa slots postponed indefinitely, companies are attempting interim “work-from-India” arrangements. However, these come with serious limitations. Payroll for some employees has reportedly been suspended, while others have been placed on unpaid leave.
Legal firms say the impact goes far beyond employment. “Daily life for many families has come to a standstill. Children’s schooling in the US has been disrupted, and home loans and insurance payments are also being affected,” one firm noted.
Tech Giants Issue Travel Alerts
Google and Apple have issued legal advisories warning employees not to travel outside the US until further notice. Sources say Google alone hires around 1,000 H-1B employees annually, with several hundred currently stranded in India.
HR teams are exploring options such as expedited slots or emergency travel permits, but limited embassy capacity has made these routes difficult.
An immigration attorney warned, “Re-entry delays of up to 12 months are now possible. This could significantly disrupt ongoing projects in the US, especially those involving financial and healthcare data.”
Signs of the Trump Administration’s Tougher Stance
The situation is widely being viewed as part of a new phase of the Trump administration’s “America First” policy. In recent months, mandatory social media screening was introduced in the name of national security. Initially limited to student visas (F and J), the requirement has now been extended to the H-1B category.
Immigration experts describe the situation as the “largest procedural breakdown to date.” A senior US immigration lawyer said, “Thousands of appointments were canceled without official notice or transition time. This is not just about jobs—it is a humanitarian crisis separating families.”
Concerns have also intensified following the recent announcement of a proposed $100,000 H-1B application fee, further unsettling foreign professionals.
Is the Impact Spreading to Other Countries?
Notably, India is not alone. Similar appointment cancellations have been reported in Ireland, Vietnam, and Singapore. The US State Department has acknowledged that the action is part of a broader “resource reorganization,” adding that expedited requests may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
However, current indicators suggest the process could stretch not for months, but for years—posing a long-term challenge for the US tech industry, which remains heavily dependent on foreign talent.
Latest Update
No fresh official statement has been issued by US embassies or the State Department. According to lawyers and travel agencies, cancellations are continuing on a rolling basis, affecting most late-December and January slots.
Several applicants have reportedly been assigned new interview dates extending into 2027. Some companies have introduced “emergency telework from India” policies to provide temporary relief, but technical, tax, and legal complexities make such arrangements unsustainable over the long term.
Expert Advice for Indian Professionals
Immigration lawyers and legal experts recommend the following:
- Avoid travel to India or any other country if you do not have a valid visa stamp.
- Ensure all social media profiles are updated and transparent; avoid controversial or politically sensitive posts, as these may directly affect visa outcomes.
- Contact your company HR department or immigration attorney immediately if your appointment is canceled.
- File an expedited request if eligible, though approval rates currently remain between 10% and 15%.
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Utkarsh works as a Sub-Editor at 1Tak News. Technology and gadgets are his main beats, and he also tracks automobiles. A graduate of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, he began his journalism career in 2023 and has built experience across digital media platforms like 1Tak. Besides technology, he also has considerable experience covering national affairs, politics, research, and international news.
