US Postpones H-1B Interviews for Indians Due to Social Media Verification Issues

The United States has pushed back hundreds of H-1B visa interview appointments across India after introducing a new requirement that mandates applicants to maintain public social media profiles for security screening.

Many interviews initially set for December have now been shifted to March, creating uncertainty for skilled workers preparing to travel for employment.

Advisory Issued to Applicants After Widespread Rescheduling

The US Embassy in India urged applicants to follow updated instructions after the abrupt changes. "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," it stated.

Officials clarified that anyone attempting to attend their old appointment despite receiving a reschedule notice will not be allowed inside. "Arriving on your previously scheduled appointment date will result in your being denied admittance to the Embassy or Consulate," the advisory warned.

Reports indicate that interviews set for mid to late December are largely being moved to March next year, although the total number of affected applicants remains unknown.

Attorneys Confirm Spike in Cancellations Linked to Vetting Policy

Immigration lawyers in the United States say the disruptions reflect a deliberate shift in enforcement. Steven Brown, an attorney at a prominent business immigration firm, noted, "Mission India confirms what we have been hearing. They have cancelled a number of appointments in the coming weeks and rescheduled them for March to allow for the social media vetting."

Under the expanded rules, all H-1B and H-4 applicants must ensure their social media accounts are publicly visible so officials can review their online footprint. The new screening system will come into effect starting December 15.

National Security Framing Behind New Screening Measures

The State Department underscored that the tougher checks are tied to security concerns. "Every visa adjudication is a national security decision," it said.

Students and exchange visitors were already subjected to similar scrutiny, but this marks one of the most extensive expansions of digital background checks for employment-based visa categories.

H-1B Program Faces Heightened Pressure Under Policy Shifts

The additional vetting follows a series of policy decisions that have tightened the H-1B pathway for skilled workers. In September, President Donald Trump imposed a one-time 100000 dollar fee on all new H-1B work visas. Immigration experts say this could significantly affect Indian professionals entering the US for short term employment.

In another move, the US government also paused Green Card, citizenship, and other immigration processes for individuals from 19 countries identified as high risk after a shooting involving an Afghan national.