H-1B visa interviews for Indians deferred as US tightens social media vetting rules

The processing of H-1B visas for thousands of Indian applicants has hit a major roadblock after the United States introduced stricter social media screening requirements. A wave of interview appointments has now been pushed into 2026, creating uncertainty for professionals and families planning to relocate for work. On Tuesday night, the US Embassy in India issued a fresh advisory informing applicants that their previously confirmed appointment dates may no longer stand. The embassy said that anyone who has received a reschedule notification must appear only on the new date assigned to them.