U.S. Consulates in India Slash H‑1B Appointments as New Social‑Media Vetting Takes Effect
December 13, 2025 – New Delhi – A sweeping policy change announced by the United States government is sending shockwaves through the Indian tech community. Starting December 15, 2025, every H‑1B and H‑4 visa applicant must undergo a rigorous social‑media screening before a consular officer can approve a visa stamp. The additional vetting has forced U.S. consulates in Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad to cut daily appointment capacity by more than half, triggering a wave of cancellations and pushing many scheduled interviews to March 2026 or later.
What’s behind the backlog?
– Mandatory social‑media review – The new rule requires officers to examine an applicant’s public posts for any content deemed negative toward the United States.
– Reduced slots – To accommodate the extra time per case, consulates have been instructed to limit the number of interviews they schedule each day.
– Mass cancellations – Hundreds of appointments that were set for mid‑ to late‑December have been rescinded, with new dates offered months later.
The result is a growing pool of stranded skilled workers. Many travelled to India for the holiday season, only to find their visa stamping delayed indefinitely. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has issued a clear warning: do not appear for a cancelled appointment, as entry to the consulate will be denied.
Advice for affected applicants
– Follow the embassy’s guidance – Ignoring the advisory can lead to refusal of admittance.
– Watch your inbox – Rescheduled dates are being sent via email, typically in March 2026 or beyond.
– Stay put if you’re already in the U.S.– Immigration attorneys advise against traveling abroad until the situation stabilises.
– Community initiatives – A Reddit campaign has prompted some applicants in the United States to voluntarily cancel their January‑February slots, freeing up appointments for those stranded in India.
– Expedited requests – In extreme cases (medical emergencies, funerals), applicants may request an expedited interview, but must provide thorough documentation.
