H-1B Worker in India Struggles on Unpaid Leave After US Visa Interview Postponed

Amid the ongoing US visa chaos, an H-1B worker stuck in India shared their ordeal after authorities abruptly rescheduled their December visa interview to March 2026. The individual posted on the workplace forum Blind, explaining that the mass rescheduling left them unable to return to the US as planned. They described receiving an email notifying them of the new appointment date three months later, calling it an unlucky setback caused by the recent visa reshuffle.

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The H-1B worker said the rescheduling stemmed from new social-media-based security checks introduced by the US State Department, which now reviews applicants’ activity on platforms like X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. They added that unclear communication has worsened the stress, with their company’s immigration team unsure of the situation and HR offering only generic responses that provide little guidance on next steps.

H-1B Workers Stuck in India Amid Visa Delays

The H-1B worker said they remain stuck in India on unpaid leave after their I-94 expired and are relying on personal savings while awaiting updates. Their company had not responded to their request to work from the India office. Adding to the uncertainty, they noted that from January 1, applicants can reschedule a visa only once for free, after which they must pay the ₹16,000 fee again. They highlighted how thousands faced the same disruption, with December—normally peak season for H-1B stamping—wiped out, leaving flights and hotel bookings wasted. The delays follow enhanced US State Department screenings, pushing visa interviews into next year and leaving many workers stranded in India.

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