H-1B Visa: Indian H-1B Holders Hit by Abrupt US Visa Delays

Hundreds—possibly thousands—of Indian H-1B visa holders are stranded in India after American consulates abruptly canceled their visa renewal appointments and rescheduled them months later, according to immigration lawyers and affected workers. The sudden disruption has left highly skilled professionals with expired visas, unpaid leave, and no clear timeline for returning to their jobs in the United States.

The crisis follows the rollout of the Trump administration’s expanded social media vetting policy, which US officials say is intended to strengthen national security screening. However, the implementation has caused widespread delays, particularly affecting Indian H-1B visa holders who had planned travel during the December holiday season.

H-1B: Holiday Travel Turns Into Immigration Limbo

Between December 15 and 26, a peak window for H-1B renewals due to year-end holidays, consulates reportedly canceled large numbers of scheduled interviews. In official emails reviewed by US media outlets, the State Department said interviews were being postponed to allow additional screening under the new vetting rules, emphasizing that applications would be reviewed to ensure no threat to US national security or public safety.

For many Indian professionals, the timing proved disastrous. H-1B visa holders are required to renew their visas abroad, and travel during December is often carefully planned to minimise work disruptions. Instead, many now find themselves stuck in India for months, unable to re-enter the US despite valid employment and ongoing projects.

A Program Under Political Pressure

The H-1B visa program, which allows skilled foreign workers to live and work in the United States for up to six years, has long been politically contentious. During President Trump’s second term, criticism from far-right supporters intensified, with calls to curb or dismantle the program because it undermines American jobs.

At the same time, technology leaders and major US employers have defended H-1B workers as essential to innovation, particularly in software, engineering, healthcare, and research. The current wave of cancellations has reignited the debate, highlighting the human and economic consequences of abrupt policy shifts.

H-1B: “This Is the Biggest Mess We’ve Seen”

Immigration attorneys across the US and India describe the situation as unprecedented. Emily Neumann, a partner at a Houston-based immigration law firm, said she alone has at least 100 clients currently stranded in India. Other attorneys report dozens of similar cases, with no consistent explanation or roadmap from authorities.

“This is the biggest mess we have seen,” said one India-based immigration lawyer, adding that there appears to be no coordinated plan to address the backlog.

US officials maintain that thorough vetting now takes precedence over speed. A State Department spokesperson said embassies and consulates worldwide are prioritizing comprehensive screening, even if it results in longer wait times.

How Long Will Indian Applicants Have to Wait?

For many, the most troubling question remains unanswered: how long will the delays last? Reports indicate that interviews scheduled from December 15 onward have been canceled across the board, with new dates pushed back by several months. Some applicants have received appointments as late as June or July.

While expedited appointments are technically possible, lawyers say they are rarely granted and require extensive documentation proving critical business or public interest needs.