H-1B Visa: US Cancels Interviews, Indians Face Renewal Delays Till 2026, Job Uncertainty Looms

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): Thousands of Indian professionals working in the US have suddenly been hit by a mountain of trouble. Previously scheduled interview appointments for these professionals, who returned to India hoping to renew their H-1B visas, have been canceled without warning. The gravity of the situation can be gauged from the fact that applicants whose interviews were scheduled for the second half of December have now been rescheduled for several months, and in some cases, even as far back as October 2026. This unexpected decision has left the jobs, family lives, and future plans of thousands of Indians in jeopardy.

In fact, the US administration's new strictness in the visa process is believed to be the primary reason for this chaos. According to reports, background checks and social media verification of visa applicants are now being conducted more thoroughly and meticulously than ever before. Due to this strict approach, all H-1B visa interviews in India after December 15th have been postponed. The US Embassy has also issued clear instructions, stating that applicants who have received rescheduled appointments should not arrive at the embassy on their previous date, as they will not be granted entry.

This decision has hit professionals who had already traveled to India for interviews the hardest. Lacking a valid H-1B visa stamp, they are now unable to return to the US, putting them at risk of losing their jobs. Companies are also facing project delays. These new rules are impacting other visa categories beyond the H-1B. While the exact number of affected is unclear, immigration experts believe the visa stamping process is currently mired in uncertainty.

Houston-based immigration lawyer Emily Newman expressed strong displeasure over the administration's move, calling it a major challenge for employees and companies. She said the current process severely lacks transparency and trust. It's worth noting that the Donald Trump administration has been taking a strict stance on the H-1B visa program from the very beginning. Proposals like close monitoring of social media activity and the recent increase in visa fees to $100,000 are considered part of this strict immigration policy, the direct brunt of which is being borne by Indian professionals.