H-1B visa appointments in India postponed till March 2026. US Consulate has implemented social media vetting. The online accounts of the applicant and his family will be verified. H-1B interviews have been rescheduled due to the new policy.
New Delhi. Big news has come for thousands of Indian applicants taking appointments for H-1B work visa in India. The US Consulate has postponed most H-1B interviews until March 2026 due to social media checks and new policies. That means, those whose interview was scheduled for December 2025 will now have to wait till next year. The US Embassy has made it clear that if an applicant reaches the Consulate on the pre-scheduled interview date, he will not be granted entry. It has been told in the new message that Mission India will help you on the new appointment date.
Why is social media being checked?
The US government decided this year that the online accounts and social media posts of H-1B visa holders will be investigated. Officials will look at whether the applicant’s posts or online activities are “negative” or pose a threat to the US. In this, not only the applicant but also the profile, resume and LinkedIn of the family members accompanying him will also be checked. If someone is found to be working in a fact-checking, content moderation, compliance or online safety role, his interview may be postponed or rejected.
What changes have occurred in H-1B rules?
On December 2, the US State Department sent instructions to all missions that the screening of H-1B applicants would be very strict. Its purpose is that no such person can violate the rules of safe expression or censorship by getting a visa in the US. In September 2025, pressure on the H-1B program increased when President Trump proposed imposing a $100,000 fee on new visas. This could increase costs for employers and make it expensive and difficult for Indian workers to take temporary jobs in the US.
What should H-1B applicants do?
If you have received a message about postponing your visa appointment, wait for your new appointment date. Do not go to the Consulate on the previously scheduled interview date, as entry may be barred. Also, pay attention to your activities and posts on social media. The US Embassy and State Department will check to see if there are any “negative posts” or threats to US security.
Is this change only for India?
No, this rule may apply to H-1B applicants from all over the world, but a large number of people in India apply for US work visas. Therefore it has been specifically noted here.
Will Indian workers find it more difficult to go to America?
Yes, this change indicates that obtaining an H-1B visa has become more challenging than before. Applicants will need to do additional preparation by checking social media and online profiles. Will these new rules create problems for Indians looking for American jobs? This question has now become a major one for every H-1B applicant. This new visa rule and social media scrutiny may slow down the entire process. Indian applicants will now have to wait for their interview till March 2026. Therefore, preparation, vigilance and understanding the new policy has now become very important.