The US State Department’s newly implemented social media vetting policy has caused major disruptions for H-1B visa applicants across India, with hundreds of appointments postponed to next year. The US Embassy in India issued an advisory late Tuesday, confirming widespread rescheduling and cautioning applicants to strictly follow the updated interview dates.
“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,” the Embassy said in its notification to applicants.
The Embassy further clarified that applicants who attempt to attend interviews on previously allotted dates—despite receiving a rescheduling email—will be denied entry. “Arriving on your previously scheduled appointment date will result in your being denied admittance to the Embassy or Consulate,” it warned.
The sudden delays have sparked concern among professionals and employers reliant on timely H-1B processing, as the new social media scrutiny appears to be adding additional layers to an already backlogged system. Many applicants now face extended timelines, with their appointments pushed well into 2026.
Mission India has urged applicants to regularly check their email and the visa portal for updates, while assuring that consular teams are working to manage the increased processing demands under the revised policy.
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