Hundreds of Indian H-1B visa holders are currently stranded in India after their U.S. consular appointments were suddenly delayed by several months. The cancellations happened between December 15 and 26, a popular time for renewal due to the U.S. holiday season. According to immigration lawyers, many appointments were affected following the implementation of the Trump administration’s new social media vetting policy, which aims to ensure visa applicants do not pose a security threat.
The H-1B program allows highly skilled foreign professionals to work in the U.S. for up to six years but has faced increasing scrutiny. Although tech leaders advocate for H-1B workers’ contributions, the Trump administration’s tightening rules have caused major disruptions. Many stranded individuals are in their 30s and 40s, employed by U.S. tech firms, and now face job loss, family separation, and uncertainty.
With rescheduled appointments stretching into mid-2024, and even as far as 2027 in some cases, employees and companies are scrambling for solutions. Some expedited appointments have been granted but are rare. Lawyers warn that if a holder’s visa expires while they are abroad, companies may need to restart the application, now subject to a new $100,000 fee.
Affected individuals have taken to online platforms for support, sharing stories of unpaid leave and worries over delayed returns. Legal experts believe political motives are behind the visa issues, citing increased scrutiny particularly toward Indian nationals. Companies now face the challenge of how long they can wait for these crucial employees to return.
