Postponement of H1-B visa interviews

A sudden decision by the U.S. government has pushed thousands of Indian applicants into unexpected difficulties. Citing enhanced checks of social media accounts and online activity, U.S. authorities have postponed H-1B visa interviews scheduled for this month. Many applicants who had already booked their interview slots and traveled to India are now unable to return to the U.S. as planned.

Emails sent to applicants by U.S. immigration officials stated that H-1B interviews as well as certain other visa categories are being rescheduled. Candidates who were supposed to appear on the 15th of this month have been reassigned dates in March next year, while those with appointments after the 19th have been moved to May.

Although the exact number of affected applicants is unclear, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi issued a public advisory instructing all candidates not to visit consulates on their previously allotted dates. They assured assistance for rescheduled appointments but made it clear that old appointment dates are no longer valid.

The postponements have drawn strong reactions on social media, with several applicants sharing their experiences. One candidate posted that despite completing biometrics for a December 18 interview in Chennai, his appointment was suddenly pushed to April 30 next year.

Houston-based immigration attorney Emily Newman criticized the U.S. decision, calling the H-1B stamping process increasingly unpredictable. She said that months-long delays without prior notice are severely affecting professionals and business travelers, making the system more challenging than ever.