H-1B Visa Delays Strand Thousands of Indians Amid US Vetting Expansion

Thousands of Indian H-1B visa holders are stranded in India after US consulates abruptly rescheduled renewal interviews due to expanded social media vetting, leading to significant delays and job uncertainty. Major tech companies have advised employees to avoid international travel.

• US expanded H-1B/H-4 visa vetting with online presence checks from December 15.
• Thousands of Indian H-1B visa holders are stranded due to interview cancellations and delays.
• Appointments are being rescheduled months later, some into 2026 or even 2027.
• The delays stem from US prioritizing national security and preventing visa program abuse.
• Tech giants like Microsoft and Google advised employees against international travel.
• Immigration lawyers describe the situation as the 'biggest mess' for affected workers.

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