Hundreds of H-1B visa holders are stranded in India after US visa interviews were suddenly postponed.
By Aniket Chakraborty
Dec 22, 2025
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The interviews were scheduled between December 15 and 26, coinciding with the US holiday season.
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Appointments have now been pushed to March next year, leaving workers stuck indefinitely.
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US authorities cited a new social media vetting policy to justify the sudden rescheduling.
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“This is the biggest mess we have seen,” said immigration lawyer Veena Vijay Ananth.
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Many workers had returned to India for weddings or family emergencies, expecting quick renewals.
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Tech companies fear prolonged absences may disrupt jobs and project timelines.
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Google and Apple have warned employees to avoid overseas travel amid visa backlogs.
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India accounts for 71% of all H-1B visa holders, amplifying the crisis’s impact.
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For many skilled workers, a routine visa renewal has turned into months of uncertainty.