Renewals of H-1B work permits for Indian visa holders returning from the United States have encountered unexpected delays. According to The Washington Post, appointments at US consular offices were abruptly rescheduled, affecting applicants with slots between December 15 and 26. While the American holiday season contributed to the postponements, the primary reason cited by the US State Department is the social media vetting policy initiated during the Trump administration.

A spokesperson from the US embassy explained that the State Department now reviews social media accounts not only for F, M, and J category visa applicants (students and exchange visitors) but also for H-1B and H-4 visa holders. In the past, the priority was to enhance the processing speed and diminish the waiting periods; this time, the decision is made after thorough examination of every single case.

H-1B visas, which are sometimes referred to as employment authorization documents, give the right to work in the United States legally to non-US citizens. The current delays are creating uncertainty for professionals planning to resume employment in the US during the holiday season.