English हिन्दी
Connect with us

Latest world news

H-1B visa renewal delays leave hundreds of Indian workers stranded amid US social media checks

Hundreds of Indian H-1B visa holders remain stranded after US consular interviews were delayed due to enhanced social media screening.

Published

on

visa apply

Hundreds of Indian professionals holding H-1B visas are facing unexpected uncertainty after travelling to India for routine visa renewals, only to find their US consular interviews postponed to next year due to a new social media vetting policy introduced by the US administration

Many of these workers had scheduled appointments between December 15 and 26, a window that coincided with the US holiday season. However, interviews planned for mid to late December have now reportedly been pushed to as late as March, leaving employees unable to return to their jobs in the United States.

Appointments postponed without clarity

Immigration law firms say they are dealing with a large number of affected clients. Some attorneys have described the situation as unprecedented, highlighting the lack of clarity around how long the delays may last. Workers who travelled for personal reasons, including family events, now face the risk of prolonged stays in India while their employment continues overseas.

In one reported case, a US-based professional who returned to India this month had two consular appointments scheduled in December, both of which have since expired. Experts have raised concerns over how long US employers may be willing to wait for employees whose return timelines remain uncertain.

US embassy advisory and vetting policy

Earlier this month, the US Embassy in India issued an advisory stating that applicants who arrive at a consulate on a previously scheduled interview date, after being informed of a reschedule, will not be allowed entry. Applicants have been asked to wait for their new appointment dates.

According to official communication, the delays are linked to enhanced social media screening. The policy requires visa applicants to keep their social media profiles public so authorities can assess whether any applicant poses a risk to national security or public safety. While such scrutiny earlier applied to students and exchange visitors, it has now been extended to H-1B and dependent H-4 visa applicants.

Impact on Indian professionals and tech firms

India accounts for nearly three-fourths of all H-1B visa holders, according to data released earlier this year by US immigration authorities. The current delays therefore have a disproportionate impact on Indian professionals working in the US technology and services sectors.

Some US-based technology companies have reportedly cautioned employees against international travel after learning that visa re-entry processing delays at American embassies and consulates could stretch for several months. Legal advisers have warned that overseas travel at this stage could result in extended stays outside the US.

Growing scrutiny of the H-1B programme

The social media vetting requirement is part of a broader tightening of the H-1B programme under the Donald Trump administration. The skilled worker visa pathway has faced increased scrutiny in recent months, including the imposition of a one-time fee on new H-1B visas. The US has also paused certain immigration applications from select countries following security-related concerns.

For now, affected workers and their employers are left waiting, as uncertainty continues over when regular visa processing timelines will resume.

Latest world news

India, Canada discuss trade pact to boost bilateral commerce

India and Canada discussed advancing negotiations on a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement aimed at expanding trade, investment and market access between the two countries.

Published

on

India canada trade pacts

India and Canada discussed advancing negotiations on a proposed trade agreement as the two countries seek to strengthen their economic and commercial ties.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, who is leading a Canadian delegation to India. The discussions focused on advancing negotiations for the proposed India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The proposed pact is aimed at creating greater market access and opening up new opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries.

India-Canada CEPA talks

Both sides discussed the importance of a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement that can make use of the complementary strengths of the two economies.

The discussions also focused on deepening commercial engagement and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Goyal said the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to taking the India-Canada economic partnership to a higher level, with CEPA serving as a catalyst for deeper commercial engagement.

India and Canada are working towards concluding the CEPA negotiations by the end of 2026.

India-Canada trade

The proposed CEPA is aimed at improving market access and creating opportunities across sectors while strengthening the broader economic relationship between India and Canada.

The agreement is expected to provide greater opportunities for businesses in both countries and support deeper trade and investment ties.

Continue Reading

Latest world news

White House put on temporary lockdown after car crashes into signpost

The White House was temporarily placed under lockdown after a car crashed into a signpost near Lafayette Square in Washington, DC. The driver was detained after a confrontation with security personnel.

Published

on

The White House was placed under a temporary lockdown on Monday after a car crashed into a signpost at Lafayette Square near the presidential residence in Washington, DC.

The incident triggered a security response in the area, with the US Secret Service directing members of the White House press corps to move indoors and remain there temporarily.

Driver detained after confrontation with security personnel

The driver was detained following a confrontation with Secret Service officers and National Guard personnel, according to reports.

Video footage showed a silver sedan on the paved area at the northern end of Lafayette Square after striking a signpost. Smoke was also seen coming from the vehicle.

Authorities had not immediately disclosed the driver’s identity or established what led to the crash.

White House security restrictions imposed

The security response prompted temporary restrictions around the White House. The incident occurred at Lafayette Square, which is directly across Pennsylvania Avenue from the presidential complex.

At around 10 am local time, Secret Service personnel instructed White House journalists to move indoors while security personnel dealt with the incident.

The White House was under the security restriction while President Donald Trump was at the premises, according to reports.

Motive behind crash remains unclear

It was not immediately known whether the crash was accidental or deliberate. Authorities had also not immediately confirmed whether anyone was injured.

The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the driver’s identity and possible motive, remained under investigation.

Continue Reading

Football news

Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international football

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 23-year career with Portugal after 234 appearances and 146 goals.

Published

on

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his 23-year career with Portugal towards an end.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain said he would hand back the No. 7 shirt of the national team after the November international break. Ronaldo made the announcement in a video message shared on social media.

The decision marks the end of one of the most decorated international careers in men’s football. Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, both records at international level.

Ronaldo’s Portugal career comes to an end

Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and went on to represent the country across more than two decades.

He helped Portugal win their first major international trophy at Euro 2016. He was also part of the teams that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Ronaldo’s international career also included six World Cup appearances. His final World Cup came in 2026, when Portugal were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the last 16.

Ronaldo reflects on 23 years with Portugal

Announcing his decision, Ronaldo said it was not an easy choice and described his time representing Portugal as a privilege and responsibility.

He thanked his family, the Portuguese people, as well as the teammates, coaches and staff who were part of his international journey.

Ronaldo also said that Portugal would always remain a part of him.

Record-breaking international career

Ronaldo leaves the Portugal setup as the men’s all-time leading international goalscorer and the player with the most international appearances.

His 146 goals came across 234 appearances for Portugal. He also became one of only two players, alongside Lionel Messi, to feature at six World Cups.

His international career included major individual records as well as team honours, making his departure one of the biggest moments in modern international football.

What happens next

Ronaldo’s announcement comes after he said he would hand back Portugal’s No. 7 shirt following the November international break.

Portugal have Nations League fixtures during the November window, but Ronaldo’s announcement means his international career is now set to conclude after that break.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com