Families torn apart, jobs in jeopardy: How H-1B visa renewal delays have left Indians trapped and confused
Hundreds of H-1B and H-4 visa holders are stranded in India after US State Department rescheduled interviews, causing significant delays. Families are separated, employment jeopardised, and children's schooling disrupted. This stems from a new rule requiring social media checks, which has reduced interview capacity, leading to widespread confusion and distress among Indian tech workers.
New Delhi: Hundreds of Indians holding H-1B visas, along with their H-4 dependent spouses and children, are stuck in India as they wait for its renewal. In certain cases, families have been separated as some members are in the US while those in India face inordinate delays in returning.
The US State Department's postponement and rescheduling of thousands of H-1B visa interviews in India has left workers confused and annoyed. US consulates have reportedly cancelled interview slots scheduled for mid-to late December 2025, with many appointments rescheduled to March next year and some delayed as far as June 2026.
Exasperation, confusion palpable on social media
December is generally one of the busiest months for visa renewals, particularly for Indians working in US tech firms. Recently, the US tightened rules mandating H-1B workers to attend renewal interviews only in India.
The exasperation and angst is quite apparent on social media, with many expressing wonder over the sudden rescheduling, and some hitting out at the move.
One user said: "My appointment got rescheduled to March 19th from original appt Dec 15th. I am stuck in India and travelled alone without family for personal reasons. My wife is managing 2 kids (one is just 2 years old) and she can’t handle it for 3 months long."
An user urged: "Please consider those who travelled to India before the appointment changes. We are stuck here, facing serious challenges related to employment and our US-citizen kids' education. We humbly request earlier consular appointments.”
Another wrote: "Booked my H-1B visa slot in Sept after weeks of trying. My Dec 18 appointment was suddenly moved to Mar 30, 2026. We must return to the US in early Jan and my US-citizen kids need to go back to school. Requesting urgent help."
One user asked: "Does anyone have any idea on what qualifies for an emergency appointment? My kids have school and 6 months is a long time to be away from school and their classes."
Another one said: "I’m stuck in India, my appointment got rescheduled to April 15." Reacting to it, one user replied: "That’s still better compared to our June 30." Yet, another wrote: "Mine got rescheduled from 24 Dec to July. Have emailed my lawyers and waiting for their response."
An user said: "I am still waiting to hear back from my employer regarding next steps, I’m stuck until my new appointment date. My manager said he will talk to HR and let me know about my options."
"Waiting on employer and trying to get expedited appointment, but likely everyones lawyer is doing the same," a person wrote.
Solution suggested
As they discussed their ordeal, the chaotic situation they were gripped in and uncertainty over jobs came to the fore. Some even tried to suggest solution to wriggle out of the problem.
One user said that for people with no children or medical related emergencies and working for companies who have their offices in India, Temp Work Assignment is another option. This option was suggested by his employer, the user added.
"It allows to work for 185 days from India on US payroll. Without that, you can only work for 2 weeks on H1B and post that you need to be on leave of absence (risky business with layoffs in the mix)," the user went on to explain.
Another one replied: "I spoke to my employer as well, told them exactly what happened. Immigration, law, and HR teams are working on exploring options. My employer does not allow its employees to work from India, that makes my situation worse."
Why such a situation arose
The disruption is because of a new US Department of State (DoS) rule, starting December 15, that requires all H-1B and H-4 applicants to undergo social-media checks. This extra screening has reduced the number of interviews that can be held each day, leading to many cancellations.
Taking to X, the US Embassy in India wrote: "If you have received an email advising that your visa appointment has been rescheduled, Mission India looks forward to assisting you on your new appointment date. Arriving on your previously scheduled appointment date will result in your being denied.”