The United States is currently facing significant challenges in its visa processing system, particularly impacting Indian H-1B visa holders. The situation has become so complex that Google has reportedly advised its employees holding US visas to avoid international travel.
The core issue stems from the implementation of a new social media vetting policy by the US State Department, effective from December 15, 2025. This enhanced screening process has led to substantial delays in visa application processing, with numerous H-1B visa holders experiencing appointment cancellations and rescheduling. Some appointments have been pushed back to as late as June 2026.
These delays have left many Indian professionals "stranded" in India after returning to their home country to renew their work permits. The US consular authorities abruptly canceled their appointments, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and potentially jeopardizing their employment.
Google, a major employer of H-1B visa holders, has taken a proactive approach by advising its visa-dependent staff against traveling abroad. An internal memo from Google's external counsel, BAL Immigration Law, warned employees that visa re-entry processing at US embassies and consulates is facing "significant" delays that could extend up to 12 months. Consequently, employees who travel internationally risk being stranded outside the US for an extended period.
The delays are attributed to the enhanced social media screening requirements, which now mandate H-1B applicants and their H-4 dependents to disclose their social media accounts and usernames from the past five years, even if the accounts are inactive. This applies to major platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. The US State Department has confirmed that it is conducting "online presence reviews for applicants," leading to potential rescheduling of appointments as resources shift.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that these delays affect multiple visa categories, including H-1B, H-4, F, J, and M visas. Immigration firms have also reported postponed visa appointments in various countries, including Ireland and Vietnam.
The US State Department has emphasized that it is prioritizing thorough vetting of each visa case, even if it means longer wait times. However, for visa holders, the risk of prolonged separation from their jobs and families has become a major concern.
This situation also highlights the increasing challenges faced by global technology companies that heavily rely on skilled foreign professionals. As embassy backlogs persist, companies may need to provide additional legal support, adjust travel expectations, and explore alternative work arrangements for affected staff. The recent adoption of a substantial fee for new H-1B applicants has also raised concerns about the program, which is widely utilized by the US technology industry to hire skilled individuals from countries like India and China.
