New US visa rules have triggered major delays. The changes are stranding thousands of foreign workers overseas. Indian professionals on H-1B visas are particularly affected
.
The State Department confirmed new social media vetting began December 15. This caused widespread interview cancellations. Many appointments were pushed to mid-2026.
Hundreds, possibly thousands, of appointments were canceled. According to the Washington Post, skilled workers are stuck. They returned to India to renew visas and now cannot go back to the US.
Their interviews were abruptly rescheduled for months later. Consulates cited new screening procedures. The State Department confirmed the link in emails reviewed by the Post.
The situation creates severe personal and professional disruption. Families are separated. Careers are put on hold indefinitely.
Major US companies are sounding the alarm. Google has advised visa-holding employees against international travel. An internal memo from external counsel warned of “extended stay” risks abroad.
The H-1B program is crucial for the US tech industry. It hires skilled talent from countries like India and China. New rules and a recent fee hike had already raised concerns.
Now, the processing chaos adds another layer of difficulty. It threatens project timelines and business operations. The wider economy could feel the impact of this skilled labor shortage.
