H1-B Appointments Getting Cancelled, What’s Up?

US president Donald Trump’s administration is turning out to be a nightmare for foreign students and job holders because of the new immigration rules. The recent promulgation of the State department to adopt a strict vetting process of social media profiles before processing applications has further tighten the norms for approving visas in different categories. 

With these new guidelines likely to take effect from next week, a sudden disruption of visa appointments since Tuesday afternoon has triggered utter chaos among H1-B applicants who have booked their appointments later this month. Many of these interviews have now been deferred to March next year, putting thousands of Indians at the risk of losing jobs because they are awaiting approval to join in new companies by January.

Some of the applicants who completed their biometrics and waiting for interviews scheduled later this month have been shocked to see that they will now need to wait for a few more months to get their Visas stamped. 

Consulates have reportedly sent emails stating that under the new review policy, consular posts will interview fewer H-1B and H-4 applicants each day due to which many appointments have been rescheduled. Immigration law firms are cautioning that any foreign national planning international travel should not proceed unless it is urgent.

Speculation is also rife that the US government has started revocation of Visas of individuals with malafide social activity in the wake of new rules.