H-1B Applicants Hit by Mass Visa Interview Cancellations Ahead of New U.S. Social-Media Checks

A fresh wave of uncertainty has struck H-1B workers and their families just days before the United States begins mandatory social-media screening for these visa categories. The Trump administration’s new rule, set to take effect on December 15, has triggered widespread rescheduling of visa interviews, leaving many applicants abruptly stranded.

Immigration lawyers say U.S. consulates worldwide — including those in Hyderabad and Chennai — have cancelled mid- to late-December 2025 interview appointments and pushed many of them to March 2026. The sudden delays have disrupted travel plans for workers preparing to join new employers, H-1B holders who traveled to India for short visits, and families who came for weddings or to accompany elderly parents.

The U.S. Embassy in India posted a notice on X warning applicants not to appear on their original dates:
“ATTENTION VISA APPLICANTS — If you have received an email advising that your visa appointment has been rescheduled … arriving on your previously scheduled appointment date will result in your being denied admittance.”

The State Department has announced that beginning December 15, all H-1B applicants and their H-4 dependents must undergo mandatory social-media vetting. To facilitate the screening, applicants must ensure their online profiles are publicly visible. Consulates appear to be reducing the number of interviews conducted each day to accommodate the new checks, causing a spike in cancellations and a growing backlog.

Immigration firms are now advising foreign nationals to avoid international travel unless absolutely necessary. There have also been sporadic reports of visas being revoked for individuals already living in the U.S. due to issues arising from their social-media activity.

This slowdown mirrors earlier disruptions: in May, the State Department paused new F, M, and J visa interviews while updating social-media rules, resuming appointments in June under stricter vetting.

In a separate development, the United States has revoked approximately 85,000 visas since the start of the year. Announcing the update on X, the State Department said the enforcement drive will continue:

“85,000 visa revocations since January. President Trump and Secretary Rubio adhere to one simple mandate, and they won’t stop anytime soon.”