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Hyderabad-Dec 20 (PMI) Hundreds of Indian professionals working in the United States are facing uncertainty as prolonged delays in H-1B visa appointments have left many stranded in India and at risk of losing their jobs. The delays, attributed to a new social media vetting policy introduced by the US State Department, have resulted in visa appointments being pushed as far as 2026.
Several applicants who travelled to India for routine visa stamping after family visits reported that their appointments were abruptly rescheduled months or even years later. Rakesh (name changed), an IT professional, said his December 18 appointment was deferred to April 2026 after biometric formalities, forcing his employer to remove him from payroll as he remained outside the US beyond three months.
Under the new policy, H-1B and H-4 visa applicants are required to disclose and make public their social media accounts, including those on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, even if inactive over the past five years. The rule applies to appointments scheduled on or after December 15 and is aimed at enhanced background verification.
Another affected applicant, a data analyst whose appointment was scheduled for December 17, received notice that it had been postponed to May 2026. His request to work remotely from India was rejected by his employer, citing Labour Condition Application (LCA) restrictions and company policy.
Meanwhile, technology giant Google has reportedly advised its H-1B and H-4 visa-holding employees not to travel outside the US due to extended processing delays at embassies and consulates. According to a memo circulated by its immigration counsel, visa stamping delays could stretch up to a year, further intensifying concerns among foreign workers.
The growing backlog has raised alarm among Indian professionals, many of whom fear prolonged separation from jobs, homes, and families as visa uncertainty continues. (pressmediaofindia.com)
