Stranded and Anxious, Kolkata H 1B Visa Holders Fear Job Loss Amid US Interview Delays

G GOWTHAM
A growing number of Indian professionals holding H‑1B visas, particularly from Kolkata and other major cities, are facing severe uncertainty as their plans to return to the united states have been thrown into disarray due to widespread delays in visa interviews. What was meant to be routine renewal or re‑entry processing has turned into months‑long waiting periods, leaving many in an emotional and professional limbo.

Visa interview Rescheduling Causes Chaos

Under new policies introduced by the Donald trump administration, U.S. consulates around the world — including in india — have dramatically expanded social media and online presence checks for H‑1B and H‑4 visa applicants. This enhanced vetting, which began mid‑December 2025, means every applicant’s wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital footprint is now reviewed in detail as part of standard procedures.

As a result:

  • Routine H‑1B visa interviews scheduled in december 2025 have been rescheduled to as late as mid‑2026 or beyond, with some dates pushed into 2027, leaving applicants stranded abroad or unable to return.
  • Many tech professionals who returned home specifically for holiday‑season visa stamping have seen their appointments abruptly cancelled or delayed, creating huge uncertainty about their jobs and long‑term plans.
Personal & Professional Impact on Workers

For many in kolkata and across india, the consequences are deeply personal:

  • Techies fear losing employment in the U.S. because they cannot re‑enter in time for work, and extended delays could force some companies to reconsider contracts.
  • Some have homes, vehicles, and lives established in the U.S., but now find themselves stuck miles away from their workplaces. Families data-face separation — with children out of school schedules and partners separated temporarily due to visa timing.
Legal experts and immigration attorneys describe the situation as chaotic and unprecedented, with many workers unsure how to navigate months of waiting without clarity on when they’ll be able to return.

Wider industry & corporate Responses

Global tech companies, aware of the disruption, have started issuing warnings to their H‑1B and H‑4 visa holding employees:

  • Microsoft, Google, Apple, Amazon, and others have advised employees not to travel internationally if they need a visa stamp to return — because they might be unable to get interviews scheduled for extended periods.
  • Some firms have issued advisories urging workers already abroad to return before their visas expire to avoid being stranded.
What’s Driving the Delays

The visa interview backlog and rescheduling arise from several policy changes:

  • Mandatory social media and online presence screening for H‑1B and H‑4 applicants now applies to all nationalities, not just certain visa categories. This added scrutiny significantly increases processing time.
  • Consulates have reduced daily interview capacity to allow for deeper vetting, meaning fewer appointments and longer waits.
  • The policy shift reflects broader immigration tightening, which critics argue is aimed at controlling H‑1B visa usage and prioritizing stronger security checks.
Human Cost & Future Outlook

For many indian tech professionals and their families, the current delays mean:

  • Potential job loss if they cannot re‑join their U.S. employers in time, especially as some contracts require continuous presence.
  • Financial strain from living abroad without income or forced unpaid leaves.
  • Families coping with separation or restructuring long‑term plans due to visa unpredictability.
Immigration attorneys are urging affected workers to explore emergency visa appointments (available only in limited cases), stay in regular contact with employers, and remain updated on embassy notifications. But many remain in limbo as backlogs continue to grow

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

For more interesting updates click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel

Find Out More:

H-1B

Related Articles: