Hundreds of Indian Professionals Stranded as U.S. Cancels H-1B Visa Appointments

Hundreds of Indian professionals are stranded in India after U.S. consulates abruptly canceled H-1B visa appointments between December 15 and 26, a period that typically sees high demand due to the U.S. holiday season.

Immigration lawyers say the cancellations are tied to new social media screening rules, with the State Department prioritizing security vetting over processing speed. Emails reviewed by The Washington Post indicate that the Department aims to ensure applicants do not pose security risks, resulting in postponed interviews, sometimes by several months.

The sudden cancellations have left many workers without valid visas, raising fears of job loss in the United States. One Houston-based attorney reported that over 100 of her clients were directly affected, with the total number likely reaching into the thousands. The U.S. Embassy in India has instructed applicants not to attend previously scheduled dates, warning that they would be denied entry if they do.

The disruption affects not only individual workers but also U.S. businesses reliant on H-1B visa holders, particularly in the tech and skilled workforce sectors. Delays threaten project timelines, team stability, and overall operations. Families are being separated, and workers face financial and professional uncertainty.

The cancellations reflect a broader trend toward stricter U.S. immigration enforcement and heightened vetting, signaling potential long-term impacts on the flow of international talent, especially in technology and specialized industries.