US Social Media Screening Rule Triggers Widespread H-1B Visa Interview Cancellations

A new US policy requiring social media checks for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants has caused massive disruptions worldwide. Effective December 15, the rule has forced consulates to cancel or reschedule thousands of interviews, leaving many foreign professionals and their families stranded.

Appointments in countries like India have been pushed months ahead, with some interviews now scheduled as late as March 2026. The US State Department requires all applicants to submit public social media accounts for screening, and consulates are reportedly limiting daily interviews to manage the new checks.

The cancellations impact workers starting new jobs in the US, as well as current H-1B holders returning home temporarily. Immigration lawyers warn that this is part of a broader crackdown, with 85,000 visas already revoked this year and stricter digital vetting expected across other visa categories.