H-1B visa applicants asked to reschedule appointments as social media vetting begins from Dec 15: How will new checks affect wait times?

A new US State Department policy on screening visa applicants’ social media has caused sudden disruption for H-1B workers in India. Many applicants who had confirmed visa interview slots have received cancellation notices, especially for dates on and after December 15. They are now being asked to reschedule their appointments.

According to a CNBC report, the cancellations appear linked to the rollout of the updated vetting system, which requires consular officers to examine applicants’ online activity before approving their visas. This has reduced the number of available interview slots and created delays during a period when many Indian professionals travel home for stamping and renewals. Lawyers criticise timing of the policy

US business immigration attorney James Hollis expressed s