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2d ago

India Presses U.S. Over H‑1B Visa Cancellations as Social‑Media Checks Slow Consulates

New screening has triggered cancellations that pushed interviews into 2026.

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 19: President Donald Trump holds up an executive order establishing the "Trump Gold Card" in the Oval Office at the White House on September 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump signed a series of executive orders establishing the “Trump Gold Card” and introducing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. The "Trump Gold Card" is a visa program that allows foreign nationals permanent residency and a pathway to U.S. citizenship for a $1 million investment in the United States. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
'Several people stranded...': India raises alarm after US cancels H-1B interviews, triggering long delays
He further alleged that the Indian government raised the issue with Washington primarily because “they want their remittance money.”

Overview

  • India’s External Affairs Ministry said citizens have been left stranded and confirmed it has raised the issue with U.S. officials in New Delhi and Washington.
  • The State Department attributed the temporary cancellations to operational constraints tied to the rollout of online‑presence reviews, notably at the Chennai and Hyderabad posts.
  • Applicants with mid‑December slots received new dates months later, with some moved to March and others to late May 2026, and H‑4 dependents face the same delays.
  • Immigration lawyers report visa‑scheduling portal glitches and scarce emergency appointments, leaving some families unable to secure interview times despite approvals.
  • The disruption coincides with broader policy changes under President Donald Trump, including a new $100,000 H‑1B fee and mounting calls from conservative voices to restrict or ban the program.