- Holiday Travel Turns Uncertain
- US Visa Slots Cancelled Abruptly
- Social Media Checks Delay Stamping
- Jobs at Risk for IT Engineers
Article Today, Hyderabad:
For many Indian software engineers, a routine holiday visit home has turned into an unexpected ordeal. Professionals who travelled to India during the Christmas vacation and now find themselves unable to return to the United States. Sudden decisions by US consulates have left hundreds stranded, triggering anxiety among families and employers alike.
Appointments Cancelled Without Notice
The crisis began after US consulates abruptly cancelled visa stamping appointments scheduled between December 15 and December 26. Immigration lawyers say thousands of slots were withdrawn without prior intimation. Traditionally, Indian tech workers use the holiday season to renew visa stamps during short visits home. However, the mass cancellations have disrupted these plans and left many H1B visa holders stuck in India.
New Vetting Norms Add Pressure
Meanwhile, revised visa screening measures introduced by the US administration have added to the delays. From December 15, applicants for H1B and H4 visas are required to undergo enhanced scrutiny of their social media profiles. As part of the vetting process, applicants must disclose personal online accounts. This has significantly increased the workload at consulates, leading officials to sharply reduce the number of interviews conducted each day.
Long Wait for Rescheduling
As a result, cancelled appointments are being rescheduled far into the future. Many applicants are now receiving dates in March or April 2026, while some have been pushed to July. Immigration experts say such long delays are unprecedented and have serious implications for professionals whose work authorisation depends on timely visa stamping.
Careers Under Serious Threat
Those stranded in India fear losing their jobs if they fail to return on time. Several US companies are unwilling to extend remote work permissions from abroad. With appointments postponed by months, staying on leave for such long periods is not viable. The risk is heightened by ongoing layoffs in the US technology sector, where employers are already reducing staff.
Families Face Emotional Strain
In addition, the situation has caused emotional distress for families. In many cases, spouses and children remain in the United States while primary earners are stuck in India. Several professionals have already been placed on unpaid leave, adding financial pressure to personal hardship.
Impact on US Tech Industry
Indian nationals account for over 70 per cent of H1B visa holders. Major technology companies such as Amazon, Microsoft and Meta rely heavily on Indian talent. Analysts warn that prolonged visa delays could disrupt projects and weaken the US technology ecosystem. A slowdown in skilled migration may also encourage other countries to attract Indian professionals.
Diplomatic Concerns Emerge
The developments are also seen as a potential strain on India–US relations. The stricter visa approach under the America First policy has drawn criticism from affected workers. While US authorities are yet to issue an official statement, the situation on the ground remains tense. Affected professionals are now urging the Indian government to raise the issue through diplomatic channels and seek an early resolution.
