H-1B Visa Update: Appointments Canceled Amid 'Operational Constraints'
Source: Newsweek
Published Dec 09, 2025 at 12:01 PM EST
The U.S. State Department has temporarily canceled a number of H-1B visa appointments in India, citing “operational constraints” and the rollout of a new social media review for applicants, according to several immigration attorneys.
The U.S. Consulates in Chennai and Hyderabad have sent notifications to impacted applicants, advising them not to attend their original appointments.
"Due to operational constraints related to processing these visas and to ensure that no applicants issued a visa pose a threat to U.S. national security or public safety, the U.S. Consulate in Chennai must reduce the number of applicants each day," the consulate told applicants in an email. Newsweek has contacted the State Department via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The postponement comes as the State Department implements its new social media vetting policy for H-1B applicants and their dependents. The policy, already applied to students and exchange visitors, involves reviewing applicants’ online presence to ensure national security and public safety. By requiring public access to social media accounts and imposing stricter vetting, the State Department may cause delays and disruptions for applicants and employers.
Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/h-1b-visa-update-appointments-canceled-india-11179395