Dozens of Indian professionals on H-1B visas are expressing deep frustration and anxiety after a sudden wave of interview cancellations by the US Embassy left them stranded in their home country. Many have taken to social media and professional forums to share their plight, with one individual starkly stating, 'I'm literally stuck in India'. This disruption affects a critical channel for foreign skilled workers entering the United States.
What is the H-1B Visa Programme?
The H-1B programme is a non-immigrant visa that allows American companies and other employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. These roles typically require theoretical or technical expertise in fields like technology, engineering, and science. For years, it has been a primary pathway for highly skilled Indian professionals to work in the United States.
The recent crisis stems from the cancellation of scheduled visa interviews at US consular sections in India. Applicants who had traveled to India for personal visits, often to see family, now find themselves unable to return to their jobs and lives in the US. The cancellations, reported widely by affected individuals, appear to have occurred around 22 December 2025, though the exact scope and official reason remain unclear.
Impact and Growing Anxiety Among Workers
The situation has created a significant personal and professional logjam. Those impacted face several urgent issues:
- Job Security: Extended, unplanned absence from work puts their employment status at risk.
- Financial Strain: Being unable to return to work leads to loss of income and mounting costs in India.
- Family Disruption: Many have families, including spouses and children, waiting for them back in the United States.
- Uncertainty: With no clear timeline for rescheduling, planning is impossible.
This incident highlights the fragile nature of the immigration process even for those with established jobs and legal status. The H-1B visa, while a sought-after document, ties the worker's legal residency directly to their employer and requires periodic renewals and stamping, often necessitating a trip to a home country consulate.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Clarity and Solutions
The widespread sharing of woes on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter underscores the scale of concern. While the US State Department has not issued a formal statement regarding this specific wave of cancellations, such interruptions are sometimes attributed to administrative backlogs, staffing shortages, or changes in processing priorities.
For the thousands of Indian professionals who form the backbone of the H-1B programme, this episode is a stark reminder of the procedural hurdles in the US immigration system. It calls for greater transparency from consular services and more predictable processes for those who contribute significantly to the American economy. The immediate need is for the swift rescheduling of interviews and clear communication to alleviate the distress of those feeling trapped far from their careers and homes.
