India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has formally raised concerns with the United States over prolonged delays in rescheduling H-1B visa appointments, citing significant hardship for affected professionals and their families.

According to the MEA, the delays have left numerous Indian citizens stranded in India, disrupting livelihoods, children’s education, and daily family life. “Several people have been stranded in India for quite some time due to their H-1B visa appointment delays. This has caused hardship for their families,” the ministry stated in a December 26 press briefing.

The backlog stems from a new U.S. policy effective December 15, 2025, which mandates social media reviews for H-1B and H-4 applicants. The additional screening has resulted in mass rescheduling at U.S. consulates, with companies such as Microsoft issuing advisories to employees about expected delays.

MEA officials emphasized that the delays have broader implications for professional mobility and bilateral relations. The ministry urged U.S. authorities to take immediate steps to streamline appointment scheduling and mitigate the disruption caused to Indian nationals.

The statement highlights the growing concern over visa processing inefficiencies and their real-world impact on families and the global workforce. India’s diplomatic appeal underscores the importance of ensuring timely access to employment-based visas to maintain economic collaboration and professional continuity between the two nations.