Sudden Rescheduling of Visa Appointments
In a surprise move, the US administration has postponed H1B visa interviews scheduled for this month. The officials maintained that they require more time to scrutinize applicants' social media accounts and online activities. Many applicants received individual emails informing them that their appointments were being delayed for several months.
The decision has caused serious problems for people who went to India to attend their interview slots, as they cannot return to the US until their new appointment dates. Emails from US immigration services said that interviews have now been moved on to dates between March and May of the upcoming year. Applicants whose interviews were set for the 15th of this month were reassigned to March, while those scheduled on or after the 19th received new dates in May.
Impact on Other Visa Categories
According to some reports, not only H1B, but other various visa categories have also been postponed; however, the number is unknown.
US Embassy Guidance for Applicants
The US Embassy in Delhi has now told applicants not to go to the consulate on their original appointment dates. The Embassy explained that it will accommodate individuals who received rescheduling emails on their new dates. It also continued to let applicants with old appointments know they would not be granted access to the consulate.
Public Response and Complaints
Social media was deluged with complaints over the last-minute postponements. Many users shared their experiences anonymously.
One applicant reported that they did biometrics in Chennai this Tuesday for an interview scheduled on the 18th, only to very quickly receive notice that their new appointment had been set for April 30th of next year. Immigration Attorneys Raise Concerns Emily Newman is an immigration attorney in Houston, said, "Just very concerned." According to her, visa stamping has now become very challenging, with appointments being delayed by several months without any prior notice. She further added that the unpredictable process is causing problems for business professionals and employees who require timely approvals of visas.
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