H-1B Crisis: US Delays Indian Visa Interviews to 2026-27, Stranding Thousands

• Thousands of Indian H-1B visa holders are stranded in India after the US postponed pre-scheduled interviews, with new dates extending to mid-2026 and 2027.
• The delays stem from stricter background checks and expanded social media vetting implemented under the Trump administration's immigration policies.
• Affected applicants, particularly those with appointments from December 15 onwards, are unable to return to the US, disrupting careers and separating families.
• The US Embassy in India advised applicants not to visit consulates on original dates, citing "operational constraints" and prioritizing thorough vetting.
• Immigration lawyers like Emily Neumann, Veena Vijay Ananth, and Charles Kuck report hundreds of clients stuck, calling it "the biggest mess we have seen."

Why It Matters: Stricter US H-1B vetting delays interviews to 2026-27, stranding thousands of Indian workers.